Skip To Main Content

Toddler & Preschool

a Latina preschool student plays with a wooden puzzle

Children have a natural curiosity and desire to learn so they are engaged in active learning with teachers providing learning experiences based on best practices reflecting how children develop and learn. We believe that a close home/school connection is essential for children to reach their full potential.

Parent Education Preschool

SCUSD Adult Education Class

This fee-based program is offered by the SCUSD Adult Education Department. Parents work alongside the teacher in the classroom to help their children learn and develop new skills. Parents also learn parenting strategies they can use at school and at home.

Two age groups are available:

  • Toddler Class: For children who are 2 years old

  • Preschool Class: For children ages 3 and older

Learn more about Parent Education Preschool

Leaf divider

Early Learning and Care Programs

Toddler Program

For children 18 months to 3 years old

SCUSD Infant/Toddler program offers an enriching environment and high-quality services to families and their infants and toddlers. The program provides comprehensive services and learning experiences that support infant and toddler physical (nutrition and mental health wellness) educational, social-emotional development. Services include early identification of needs, culturally relevant curriculum and assessments, strengthening parent engagement and knowledge in the area of child development and critical milestones.

Head Start/State Preschool

Children 3-5 years old

This is a free program based on family size and income. This option is a combination of Head Start and State Preschool services. Classes are in session 6 1/2 hours, Monday through Thursday and 3 hours and 45 minutes on Friday.

How to Apply

Sacramento City Unified School District is committed to making enrollment simple, fair, and accessible for all families. This process applies to our Toddler Program and our Head Start/State Preschool programs, including California State Preschool Program (CSPP) Full-Day and Head Start Wrap.

Here is how enrollment works.

Waitlist Pre-Application

A person types on a keyboard

Step One

Complete the waitlist pre-application

Add your child to our enrollment waitlist by completing a Waitlist Pre-Application in one of two ways:

  • Complete the Waitlist Pre-Application or by scanning the QR code below.
  • Visit the Enrollment Center, and a staff member will help you complete it in person.
QR Code for Early Learning and Care Waitlist Pre-Application

After you submit your pre-application, you will be asked to upload the following documents online:

  1. Proof of income from the last 30 days (pay stubs, W-2, TANF, SNAP/CalFresh, SSI, or self-employment records)
  2. Child's immunization record
  3. Child's birth certificate

If you are experiencing homelessness, are in foster care, or don't have these documents yet, please still submit your pre-application. Our staff will help you.

You will then receive confirmation that your child is on the waitlist, along with information about how families are selected. You can apply at any time of year.

Children currently enrolled in our programs do not need to reapply.

Wait to Be Contacted

Alarm Clock image

Step Two

Wait to Be Contacted

A Child Development Specialist will review your application, confirm your eligibility, and contact you when a space is available to schedule your enrollment appointment.

Before your appointment, you will receive a checklist of the remaining documents needed to complete your enrollment application. Enrollment applications are available at the Enrollment Center. Bringing everything on the checklist means you will only need one visit.

Attend Enrollment Appointment

front of SCUSD Enrollment Center

Step Three

Attend Your Enrollment Appointment

Bring the documents listed on your checklist to your appointment. Our staff will help you complete the required paperwork and answer your questions.

Once your documents are verified, your child’s enrollment will be approved, and you will receive a confirmed start date.

Documentation Required for Enrollment

To help us complete your enrollment, please be prepared to provide the documents below at your enrollment appointment. You will not need everything listed. Your Child Development Specialist will send you a checklist based on your family's situation.

How Families Are Selected for Enrollment

Because space in our programs is limited, state and federal rules require us to offer seats based on family need and eligibility, not on the date an application was submitted. Every application is reviewed using the same standards.

Factors include:

  • Family income and family size
  • Age of the child
  • Family circumstances that qualify for priority enrollment, such as involvement with foster care or child protective services, experiencing homelessness, or receiving public assistance
  • Children with disabilities
  • Program funding requirements

Joining the waitlist does not guarantee immediate enrollment. We will keep your application on file and contact you as space becomes available.

Enrollment Center Hours

Enrollment is now by appointment, so our Enrollment Center hours have been updated. We now offer afternoon hours twice a week for families who cannot visit in the morning.

  • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday and Thursday: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions?

Call the Enrollment Center at (916) 395-5500, or visit us at 5601 47th Avenue (next to Serna Center) during office hours. Our staff will be glad to help.

Enrollment Office Hours

  • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday and Thursday: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.