LACOE early childhood education programs prepare even the littlest learners for school. Designed for children of different ages and abilities, from birth to age five, our programs address the needs of the whole child with a special focus on learning skills and literacy. Studies show that when a child starts school with the social and academic skills they need to learn, they are more likely to be successful throughout their school years. All of our programs work toward this goal.

• Early Head Start provides prenatal health and parenting classes for pregnant women, helping them take the best care of their baby before and after birth. As the infants grow, center-based and home-based Early Head Start programs provide appropriate developmental activities and nurturing up to age three. We interact with children and their families daily, using fun activities like games and songs to help them develop the skills they will need for later learning.
• Head Start gets children from ages three to five prepared to start kindergarten. We make learning fun while giving kids the social skills and educational foundation they need to succeed. Many centers offer half-day sessions, with home-based and full-day programs available in some communities.
• California State Preschool Program and the General Child Care and Development Center-based Program offer early education, family, and health services in center-based settings. We use age-appropriate activities to help children build their foundation for learning. State programs offer part-day and full-day sessions.
• The LACOE Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework makes sure children who need extra support get the help they need. The three-tiered process includes increasing intensity of services, more frequent assessments, and ongoing monitoring to prepare these children for kindergarten. In a culture that promotes children’s social-emotional well-being, staff and parents work together to share resources and ideas that work at school and home. LACOE also provides agency leadership, teachers, and staff with individualized training, coaching, and mentoring to support the success of this framework.
• Early Start services support the special needs of infants and toddlers from birth to age three who may have a developmental delay or disability. This program is free to eligible children and families and help promote the child’s maximum growth and development.
• The California Preschool Instructional Network (CPIN) at LACOE serves Region 11 and includes administrators and leaders of early care and education/school readiness programs. CPIN is responsible for communicating and collaborating with various stakeholders to promote smooth transitions from preschool to kindergarten for all children, including English language learners and children with special needs.
• The Inclusive Early Learning and Care Coordination Program (IELCCP) is designed to increase access, participation, and support for children with severe disabilities. IELCCP will train and support early child care and education providers and give them the knowledge, skills, and resources to offer more inclusive and welcoming environments for children with severe disabilities across LA County.

LACOE works with agencies, childcare providers, school districts, and nonprofits, to ensure children and families receive excellent services. Our staff is trained to respect cultural differences and we make a best effort to provide services in  families’ preferred languages. We also work with our agencies to get parents involved, both in the classroom and at home. We connect families with valuable resources in their community and the services they need most, including health, nutrition, disability assistance, and family services.

Our early childhood education programs serve nearly 13,000 pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and three-to-five-year olds in Los Angeles County. We believe every child deserves a head start in life.