Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll my child in UP 4 WS?

You enroll directly with UP 4 WS providers by contacting the individual preschools certified by the UP 4 WS program. Each participating preschool handles its own enrollment and will provide you with the necessary paperwork.

How do I know if a preschool in West Sacramento is an UP 4 WS provider?

Ask staff if the preschool is part of the program, visit the UP 4 WS Web site for a listing of UP 4 WS preschools or call the universal preschool director's office at (916) 617-4531.

How were the 135 slots in the first year of UP 4 WS programs chosen?

The number of slots was determined by available funding and the assessed needs of the West Sacramento community. Priority in the first few years is given to State and Head Start preschool programs. Providers applied and were selected because they met rigorous quality standards.

Do low-income families have priority enrollment?

UP 4 WS is mandated by First 5 California to focus on programs in neighborhoods with schools having low test scores. Therefore, public preschool programs in Washington Unified School District's low-performing schools have priority as well as a low-income eligibility requirement. The UP 4 WS private center and family daycare preschool programs are not required to give priority to low-income families.

How are UP 4 WS classrooms chosen?

In addition to focusing on neighborhoods with elementary schools that have low test scores, UP 4 WS selects classrooms meeting its published quality requirements.

Why do all children need preschool?

Children who have attended quality preschool enter kindergarten familiar with classroom settings and processes. Quality preschool programs introduce students to classroom instruction, use of numbers and letters and learning concepts. Most importantly, quality preschool programs nurture social, emotional and creative development, so children are ready to learn in kindergarten. Studies show those who attended quality preschool programs not only performed better academically throughout their K-12 school careers, they were more likely to stay in school and out of trouble.

Can anyone who applies be enrolled in UP 4 WS?

Your child must be 4 years old before December 2 and a resident of West Sacramento.

May I sign up my 2-year-old in advance? Is there a waiting list?

Individual providers have their own procedures and deadlines. Check with your chosen preschool provider to find out about that program's enrollment dates. There may be waiting lists for some providers. UP 4 WS preschool slots will increase each year until 2016 when there will be a preschool spot for every West Sacramento 4-year-old.

My child needs full-day childcare; how can she attend preschool that is part day?

Depending on what childcare and/or preschool program you choose, there are opportunities available for working parents. Some full-day programs have built-in preschool sessions, while some part-day preschools work with you to make transportation arrangements for childcare. Increasing options for full-day preschool/childcare is an UP 4 WS priority.

I home school my children; can I receive funds for preschooling my 4-year-old?

Probably not, as your home must be a licensed childcare site with an approved program providing preschool in a group setting of at least six children ages 2.5 to 5 years old. If you believe you qualify, please complete an UP 4 WS application.

I am a licensed home childcare provider; can I be reimbursed for my 4-year-old?

Yes, as long as your preschool program meets the same mandatory standards and quality criteria of all UP 4 WS home-based providers.

Will all children have to attend preschool?

No. While attending preschool is encouraged for all West Sacramento 4-year-olds, this program is voluntary. There are many known benefits of quality preschool, including exposure to the English language, early assessments with appropriate referrals for children with special needs and multiple opportunities for children to learn educational, social and behavioral skills that will aid them in kindergarten and beyond. Additionally, UP 4 WS teachers and staff are appropriately trained and programs are monitored to ensure a nurturing, high-quality environment.

How do I know if my child's preschool program is a good one?

When a preschool is UP 4 WS certified, UP 4 WS does the work for you. The credentialing process ensures the program meets all the criteria of a "good," quality preschool. If the preschool is not UP 4 WS certified, contact the Yolo County Resource and Referral Agency at (530) 757-5695 for information on evaluating childcare programs.

Why are UP 4 WS programs free? How is UP 4 WS funded?

The funds come from a variety of sources, including childcare impact fees charged to developers and local tax money resulting from the passage of Measures K and J. The City of West Sacramento provides two-fifths of the needed capital, First 5 Yolo and First 5 California each provide an additional one-fifth and the remainder is raised through fund development. This is a community partnership with a five-year commitment to funding UP 4 WS through 2010.