Does California offer free preschool?

Yes. California funds the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) / California State Preschool Program (CSPP) for 4 years old (TK: turning 5 between Sept 2 and Feb 2); income-eligible children may enter at 3. California's Transitional Kindergarten (TK) / California State Preschool Program (CSPP) is universal — no income test. All eligible 3- and 4-year-olds who live in California qualify.

What are the income limits for free preschool in California?

California's Transitional Kindergarten (TK) / California State Preschool Program (CSPP) is universal — no income test. All eligible 3- and 4-year-olds who live in California qualify.

When do I enroll my child in California pre-K?

California pre-K enrollment typically runs March through May for most districts. Apply through California Department of Education. TK is free for all qualifying 4-year-olds — no income test. Enroll through your local school district. CSPP serves income-eligible 3- and 4-year-olds at licensed centers.

✓ Universal Pre-K — No Income Test

Free Preschool in California

2026 eligibility, age requirements, and how to apply

California offers free pre-K to all eligible 3- and 4-year-olds through Transitional Kindergarten (TK) / California State Preschool Program (CSPP). No income test.

Age

4 years old (TK: turning 5 between Sept 2 and Feb 2); income-eligible children may enter at 3

Income limit

None (universal)

Schedule

Full day

Apply by

March through May for most districts

California Free Preschool: Program Details

Program name

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) / California State Preschool Program (CSPP)

Age requirement

4 years old (TK: turning 5 between Sept 2 and Feb 2); income-eligible children may enter at 3

Income limit

TK is universal; CSPP for families below 85% state median income

Schedule

Full day (TK is school-day equivalent)

Enrollment

March through May for most districts

Administered by

California Department of Education

How to Apply for Free Preschool in California

Applications are handled by California Department of Education.

Check age and income eligibility

Your child must be 4 years old (TK: turning 5 between Sept 2 and Feb 2); income-eligible children may enter at 3. No income verification required.

Apply during enrollment window

California pre-K enrollment typically runs March through May for most districts. Apply early — many programs fill quickly.

Choose a provider

Programs run through public schools and licensed childcare centers. TK is free for all qualifying 4-year-olds — no income test. Enroll through your local school district. CSPP serves income-eligible 3- and 4-year-olds at licensed centers.

Apply through California Department of →

What to know before you apply

• TK is free for all qualifying 4-year-olds — no income test. Enroll through your local school district. CSPP serves income-eligible 3- and 4-year-olds at licensed centers.
• Head Start is a backup option if state seats run out. It serves families below 100% FPL and is federally funded nationwide.