The Early Learning programs provide early care and education opportunities for young children to maximize their potential to succeed in school.
The Commission established the Early Literacy Program to promote the expansion of model literacy programs including:
- Reach Out and Read – volunteers read aloud to children in doctors’ waiting rooms and model reading behavior for parents.
- HABLA (Home-based Activities Building Language Acquisition) – home visitors use toys and books to model parenting techniques.
- Family Literacy Programs – involves families in creative programs that include Home Based literacy instruction.
The School Readiness program aims to ensure that children are physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to learn when they enter the classroom, and have the potential to succeed. The Commission funds School Readiness Coordinators, who act as liaisons with early learning centers, school districts, and Head Start, to make sure that schools are prepared for the needs of children from their first day of school. The Local School Readiness program operates as a partnership between the Commission, the Orange County Department of Education and the county’s 26 school districts with kindergarten programs.
First 5 California School Readiness Program is the statewide program to improve the transition from early care settings to elementary school, and to increase the capacity of schools and communities to promote the success of young children at low-performing schools. School Readiness Coordinators focus their efforts on the five key dimensions of school readiness: health and physical development; emotional well-being and social competence; attitudes toward learning; communicative skills; and cognitive skills.
Read the Commission’s Recent Report:
School Readiness Cash Match Certification Program