Child Development Main Page  

California State Preschool Program - Quality Early Care and Education

Imagine the possibilities . . . if all children, could participate in high quality preschool programs to support developmental and academic learning skills.  Children would play and learn in a fun, interactive, enriching environment, learning new, important skills.  They would practice social skills and build relationships with adults and other children.  They would receive a foundation for learning and life success.

Child Development Programs & Services of Butte County Office of Education offers an exceptional early care and education.  The state-supported preschool programs are offered at no cost to eligible families.  Informational brochure available. (pdf)

Our Program

Preschool can be an important part of children's education, developing vital academic, physical, social, and emotional skills that prepare young children for school entry.  Research shows that a quality preschool experience is the best preparation for later school and life success.  State funded preschool programs have high standards of safety and instruction to ensure quality early care and education for young learners.

 

Our Goals for children and families

We are passionate about serving our children and their families.  We hope that you will join us in striving toward these desired results:

• Children are personally and socially competent
• Children are effective learners
• Children show physical and motor competencies
• Children are safe and healthy
• Families support their children's learning and development
• Families achieve their goals

How we spend our day

All preschools offer two three-hour sessions, Monday through Friday.  Three sites also offer full day programs.  Calendars and daily schedules differ by site, and tentatively follow the public school calendar. 

Preschoolers will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational, creative, fun activities each day.  Many of these include . . .

• Storytelling, pre-reading, and pre-writing activities
• Music, song, and dance
• Creative art and dramatic play
• Cooking and nutrition
• Pre-math activities
• Block building, puzzles, and science exploration
• Language, listening, and communication skills development
• Outdoor playtime and quiet sharing time
• Sample Curriculum - How We Spend Our Day (pdf)

Parents as partners in education

Parents are the first and most important teachers in a child's life.  We encourage parent participation in the classroom, at parent meetings, and on parent advisory committees.  There is an opportunity for every parent to participate and learn with the children and staff.

Qualified, teaching professionals

The staff at all children's centers meet rigorous screening, education and experience qualifications.  Each teacher brings an individual contribution to working with children.  Staff members increase their skills and abilities to make unique and positive contributions to teaching young children.

Locations

Eligibility and Enrollment

Families can receive eligibility information and be pre-screened over the phone, by calling our administrative office at (530) 532-5643.  Families will be added to the eligibility list based on the following priorities:

1. Referral from a specialized children's professional
2. Four year olds, prioritized by income level
3. Three year olds, prioritized by income level
4. Other children from families who meet the eligibility requirements based on space availability

If determined eligible for the program, an Application for Services, along with an enrollment packet will be mailed to your home. 
A meeting to answer further questions and orient you to the program will be scheduled once the completed application is received.  All eligible families will be contacted as enrollment begins or openings occur.

No Program Cost

There is no cost for our Preschool Program for those eligible to enroll.  The cost of this valuable program is paid for by the California Department of Education.

Preschool Inquiry

If you would like more information prior to enrollment, please submit the following information.  You will receive a prompt response to your inquiry.

Name: *   Address: Phone: Email: *   Age of Child: Site Interest: * Required Field

For more information

Contact:
Heather Senske - Administrator
Butte County Office of Education
1870 Bird Street, Oroville, CA, 95965
Phone: (530) 532-5648
Fax:     (530) 532-5698
Email: hsenske@bcoe.org

Diana Becerra - Direct Service Coordinator - Gridley / Oroville
Phone:  (530) 532-5622
Email:  dbecerra@bcoe.org

Diana Drobny - Direct Services Coordinator - Chico / Paradise
Phone: (530) 532-5657
Email: ddrobny@bcoe.org