Early Learning Options for 4-Year-Olds Fall 2023

Kickstart your child’s early education with the Lompoc Early Learning Project, a 10-year initiative to expand access to early learning opportunities in Lompoc so that all children have a great start in life before they enter Kindergarten.  We know that high-quality early learning experiences in the home and in programs make children better prepared for kindergarten. The right environments and activities help children develop their math, reading, and social/emotional skills. The Lompoc Early Learning Project is here to support you in finding the right program for your 4-year-old. Below are several high-quality early learning options available now in Lompoc. Visit the Lompoc ELP webpage (scan QR code below) for more information on the programs and how to help your child have a great start in life.

The Lompoc Early Learning Project is here to support you in finding the right program for your 4-year-old.  Below are several high-quality early learning options available now in Lompoc (many serve children younger than 4), along with details about their programs.  Visit the Lompoc ELP webpage (scan QR code below) for more information on the programs and how to help your child have a great start in life.

As you visit programs, you can use our guide to help you decide which program is best for you and your child, using your SENSES to help you find the best early learning program for your child. Find the guide and other resources below.

EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM OVERVIEWS

 Transitional Kindergarten

●        Program Description: This full-day program will focus on purposeful play, hands-on activities, fine and gross motor development, social skills and self-regulation, creativity, art, positive peer interactions, movement, and academic content to prepare students for kindergarten. Call your school or the LUSD office (805)-742-3300 (see chart for credentialing and ratio)

●        Locations: All elementary schools in Lompoc

●       How to enroll: Contact your local elementary school or the Lompoc Unified School District office phone (805)-742-3300

○        After-school care (and before-school at some sites) is available for students. 

○        Students will also be eligible for extended learning opportunities through summer school and other non-school day programs. *Students must be potty trained and changed with minimal assistance unless otherwise indicated by an IEP

Head Start - CommUnify

●        Program Description: This program offers Early Head Start (0-3 years), Head Start, and California State preschool programs for children (3-5 years) and is available for qualified low-income families. These services are sensitive to each family’s linguistic, ethnic, and cultural heritage. A strong emphasis is placed on the valuable role of parents as the first and most important teachers of their child. With focus on the whole child's development in academic, social, emotional and physical growth, combined with a safe, caring environment created by skilled teachers implementing researched based curriculum.

●        Enrollment: Ask for an application at 120 West Chestnut from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm or apply online at www.communifysb.org

●        Locations: 5 locations in Lompoc: 

o    Chestnut Toddler Center: Full Day Toddler Care 18 months to 36 months 120 W. Chestnut Avenue

o    College Center: Part Day Preschool (3.5 hours) 3 years to 5 years 648 N. G Street

o    I Center: Preschool Extended Day (6 hours) 3 years to 5 years 228 N. I Street

o    Fillmore: Full Day Preschool 3 years to 5 years 1316 E. Oak Street

o    Maple: Full Day Preschool 3 years to 5 years 120 W. Maple

California State Preschool Program (CSPP) - Santa Barbara County Education Office

●        Program Description: This full-day program will focus on purposeful play, hands-on activities, fine and gross motor development, social skills and self-regulation, creativity, art, positive interactions with peers, movement, and academic content to prepare students for kindergarten. This program is taught by highly qualified, certified teachers and assistants to keep the classes at a 12:1 ratio.

●       Locations: Please contact Lompoc office (805) 735-2064 ext.100 address is 104 South C St Ste H Lompoc, CA 93436

●       How to enroll: Programs are open to 3, 4, 5-year-olds (must turn 5 after Sept 2nd)

Local private child development programs (family child care, child care centers, preschool)

●       Program Description: There are many high-quality licensed child development programs in Lompoc - both in centers and in family child care homes - that offer a variety of services and schedules. All programs must meet the State of California Community Care Licensing regulations and staffing qualifications. Children’s Resource and Referral of Santa Barbara County can help you select a program that is best for your family. Call (805) 925-7071 or visit  https://www.crrsbc.org/child-care-referrals/

●       Locations: Throughout Lompoc

●       How to enroll: Contact Children’s Resource and Referral at (805) 925-7071 or visit

https://www.crrsbc.org/child-care-referrals/

EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM DETAILS

	Age requirements (age at cutoff date)	Enrollment period	Teacher qualifications	Minimal Student: Teacher Ratio	Schedule	Cost
Transitional Kindergarten	-Students must turn 5 between: 9/2- 2/2 (’22 - ‘23) 9/2- 4/2 (’23 - ‘24) 9/2- 6/2 (’24 - ‘25) - Students must turn 4 by 9/1 (’25 - ‘26)	5/ 1-19	BA plus Early Childhood units and California multiple subject teaching credential.	12:1	Full day	No cost
Head Start	Toddler Center: 18 months to 36 months Preschool: 3 years to 5 years. Home Based: Pregnant Mothers to 36 months old child.	All year	BA in early childhood or related field. AS in early childhood or related field.	- Preschool Blended 8:1 - HS Preschool Fed Fund Only 10:1 - Toddler 4:1	Varies by site. Contact the regional office for more information.	No cost for eligible families
State Preschool	3, 4, 5-year-olds (must turn 5 after 9/2)	All year	State-certified teachers with BA and Early Childhood units and assistants with Early Childhood Units.	12:1	Full day	No cost for eligible families
State-licensed community childcare - Family Child Care (FCC) and Centers	Birth through age 5	All year	Varies by site but must meet State certifications and regulations.	Centers: Age 0-2 3:1 or 4:1 Age 2-6 8:1 – FCC: 8:1 or 12:2	Varies - part-time to full-time.	Varies

 

Click here for a printable copy of this web page document in English.

Click here for a printable copy of this web page document in Spanish.