California State Pre-School Programs provide comprehensive child development services for children three and four years of age. The program includes educational services, health services, social services, nutritional services, parent education and participation, program evaluation, and staff development.

State Pre-School Programs are funded through an annual contract with the California Department of Education, Child Development Division.

The first priority for enrollment in a State Pre-School Program is given to children identified as child protective service children. After children in the first priority are served, priority is given to eligible four year old children prior to serving eligible three year old children. Within these age groups, families with the lowest adjusted monthly income shall be served first. Parents of children enrolled in the program do not pay a fee for services.

Each State Pre-School Site must have a qualified site supervisor, qualified teachers and a sufficient number of aides or parents to maintain an adult-child ratio of 1:8 at all times. The Site Supervisor and teachers must meet the minimum credentialing qualifications established by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. A teacher-child ratio of 1:24 must be maintained at all times for State Pre-School Programs.