skip to main content

Paradise Unified School District

Every Student Matters. Every Moment Counts.

Paradise Unified School District

Every Student Matters. Every Moment Counts.

Universal Prekindergarten

UPK Universal PreKindergarten: California's Great Start
Universal Prekindergarten Programs

Universal Prekindergarten Programs

Parents of 4-year-olds are being given a unique range of educational options for their children in California. Attending a high-quality early education program prepares children to develop critical social-emotional, cognitive, and early academic skills (literacy and math) to be ready for kindergarten and beyond.
 

What does a High-Quality Early Learning Experience Offer?

  • Fulfills child’s curiosity; positively impacts academic performance.
  • Provides discipline and structure balanced with fun.
  • Builds child’s desire to learn.
  • Provides opportunities for physical activity.
  • Builds social and emotional development by increasing positive behavior, self-worth, and confidence.
  • Improves child’s pre-reading and math skills.
 
Paradise Unified School District has two opportunities to support family choice.  California State Preschool Program and Transitional Kindergarten are available at the following locations:
  • Paradise Ridge Elementary School
  • Cedarwood Elementary School (located at Pine Ridge School for the 23-24 school year)
  • Pine Ridge School

State Preschool Programs Through Butte County Office of Education (BCOE)

Butte County Office of Education, Early Education Programs and Services in collaboration with Paradise Unified School District offers pre-kindergarten classes for three-year-old and four-year-old children. The California State Preschool Program (CSPP) is for families who meet eligibility requirements.
All programs are 3 hours per day with an AM and PM option and follow the PUSD calendar.
 
Parents can apply using this link: https://bit.ly/BCOEParentPortal
 
Questions??? Call 530-532-5643 or visit eeps.bcoe.org
 

Transitional Kindergarten

 
PUSD offers full-day TK programs that build a bridge between the preschool years and kindergarten. This developmental program acts as a link between a flexible environment and the more structured academic setting. Instruction will focus on literacy and numeracy along with a strong emphasis on self-regulation and social engagement. Paradise Unified uses a distinct TK curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate.
 
The district may enroll children as part of Extended TK based on space, site availability, and Superintendent recommendation.
 
TK is expected to be fully phased in for all 4-year-old children by 2025-26 statewide at no cost to families.
 
TK is offered at the following locations:
  • Paradise Ridge Elementary School
  • Cedarwood Elementary School (located at Pine Ridge School for the 23-24 school year)
  • Pine Ridge School
 

Understanding the difference between CA State Preschool and TK

Program
Definition
Age Requirements
Teacher Qualifications
Student-Teacher Ratios
California State Preschool Program
Part-day and Full-day services for eligible families. Provides a curriculum that is developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate for the children served.
2 years, 9 months (Must turn 3 by
Dec 1)
to Kindergarten
 
 
Associate Teacher:
12 ECE Units
Teacher:
24 ECE Units + 16 GE Units
Site Supervisor:
AA (or 60 units) with 24 ECE/CD units (incl. core); + 6 units administration; + 2 units adult supervision
1 adult to 8 children
Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
First year of a two-year kindergarten experience that is developmentally-informed, based on the California Preschool Learning Foundations, and
uses a modified kindergarten curriculum.
2023-24: Students born between
Sep 2, 2018 and
Apr 2, 2019
 
2024-25: Students born between
Sep 2, 2019 and June 2, 2020
 
2025-26: Students born between
Sep 2, 2020 and Sep 1, 2021
 
Credentialed teachers are required to complete 24 early childhood education units or obtain a Child Development Permit by August 1, 2023 or demonstrate equivalency of 24 units through training, experience and a waiver approved by the PUSD Board.
1 adult
to 12 children