Alameda County Pre-K

Alameda County Pre-K Online Resource

The Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) has a website to support Alameda County families in navigating Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K).

“The website is great. The easy and simple navigation is exactly what families need. It is not text heavy for our busy families who need to access information quickly.”

— Dr. LaWanda Wesley, Director of Government Relations, Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)

What is unique about the online platform? 

  • Centralized, user-friendly online platform that describes and organizes all UPK options with interactive features.

  • Provides decision-making tools to compare early learning programs in Alameda County.

Why is this needed & how is this different from available resources?

  • 180+ providers and 350+ families indicated the need for a centralized, family-focused online platform that defines available early learning programs in Alameda County.

  • Closes the information gap – no single source provides information about all mixed delivery options (subsidized, voucher-based care, family child care, TK, etc.) and family decision-making calculus.

  • Provides insights on program quality and standards.

Why does this online platform matter?

  • Closes the information gap – gives families easy, consolidated access to all UPK options in one place with links to resources. 

  • Promotes family decision-making – provides tools that help families compare and choose the best program for their child.

  • Supports equitable access – ensures that all families, regardless of background, have the information needed to make informed early learning decisions.

What decision-making tools does it offer?

  • Provides guidance to assess which type of program best fits families needs (age, regions, program hours, etc.).

  • Explores commonly asked questions that families might have.

  • Links families to their local R&R for additional resources and support.

Why ACOE?

  • Neutral entity – ACOE is uniquely positioned to provide unbiased information to families and maintain neutrality between school districts and community providers.

  • ACOE has specific state funds allocated for UPK family resourcing. 

Spread the Word:

Promote this resource for Alameda County families by sharing this one-pager.

Contact Lucero Irizarry, Early Learning Program Manager & Local Planning Council (LPC) Coordinator if you want to get more involved in this project at lirizarry@acoe.org.

“It has so much helpful information! We will be mining this site for sure.”

—Joci Kelleher, Director of Early Learning, Oakland Promise

Case Studies

  • A parent new to Alameda County


    Before:
    A mother who just moved to Hayward with her 3-year-old searched online for “preschool near me” and only found private schools or the local school district's TK page, which her child wasn’t old enough for. She didn’t know about local Head Start or family child care programs, and no one mentioned the R&R agency.


    Now:
    That same parent finds AlamedaCountyPreK.org and learns about all program types, including subsidized care, vouchers, and FCC, and is connected to their local R&R agency for support and next steps.

  • A family that doesn’t speak English fluently


    Before:
    A Spanish-speaking father tried to navigate multiple websites (school district, R&R, provider sites) with limited or no Spanish-language options. He gave up and asked a cousin where they send their child.

    Now:
    He opens AlamedaCountyPreK.org, clicks into Spanish, and can easily read about his options, learn about local R&R’s, and understand funding sources, all in one place.

  • A parent confused by acronyms


    Before:
    Families had to learn specialized terms like "Tiered Reimbursement," "FFN," "CSPP," or "TK" separately, often from different providers, agencies, or education-focused websites.

    Now:
    The glossary offers a one-stop, comprehensive, family-friendly resource where all key early learning terms are clearly defined in plain language. Parents don’t have to jump between sources or rely on jargon-heavy explanations.

  • A working parent with very little time


    Before:
    A working parent has to search multiple websites after work just to figure out where to go for things like developmental referrals or local playgroups.


    Now:
    This same parent is able to quickly find clear, multi-lingual information and next steps, all in one place, on AlamedaCountyPreK.org.

“This is great and fits in perfectly with what our families are looking for in inclusive preschool environments.”

—Olivia Rangel, Executive Director of Special Education Innovation, Whole Child Programs, ACOE