Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education Starts with CVESD
At CVESD, we believe every child is unique and capable. Therefore, we strive to provide programs that value creativity, encourage curiosity, and foster a love of learning.
Using developmentally appropriate teaching strategies, our staff facilitates student growth in all physical, social, emotional, and intellectual areas. We anticipate and welcome varying ability levels, overall development, and learning styles, and design appropriate activities to accommodate every child. We offer high-quality part-day preschool (morning and afternoon sessions) and full-day transitional kindergarten. Please refer to the age requirements below:
Love Talk Play
At Chula Vista Elementary School District, we are passionate about nurturing your child's early development. Our Early Childhood Education programs are built on the belief that children thrive when they are loved (Love), engage in meaningful interactions (Talk), and learn through play (Play).
- Did you know? 90% of a child's brain development happens between ages 0-5. This is a crucial time for growth!
- Positive relationships with caregivers are key. They help your child's brain develop in healthy ways.
- Our classrooms buzz with conversation and interaction. This environment helps your child develop language and pre-literacy skills.
- Play is at the heart of our program. Through play, children explore, learn, and grow.
Join us in our free preschool program that provides a loving, interactive, and playful learning experience for your child!
We offer high-quality inclusive part-day preschool (morning and afternoon sessions) and full-day transitional kindergarten. Please refer to the age requirement below:
- Your child must be three at the time of enrollment for preschool, any time throughout the school year.
- For transitional kindergarten, your child must be 4 on or before September 1st.
There will be no exceptions to the age requirements.
Please note that income requirements are required for most of our preschool sites. Chula Vista Elementary School District has some schools that are part of the California State Preschool Programs (CSPP) Neighborhood Schools Programs. If your School Of Residence (SOR) is a school that qualifies for CSPP Neighborhood Schools program, then you may be eligible for free preschool regardless of your income. Please call our office to obtain more information.
Enroll Now for Preschool - 2025-26 School Year
Preschool enrollment for 2026-27 school year opens March 20th, at 9 a.m.
How do I know if my family is eligible CVESD’s free, high-quality preschool?
We’re so glad you’re exploring our preschool program—choosing the right early learning environment for your child is an exciting step!
Families may qualify for our state preschool program based on household income and family size, in accordance with eligibility guidelines established by the California Title 5 Code of Regulations. These guidelines help ensure access to a free, high-quality preschool experience for families who qualify.
Please click HERE to view our income and family size eligibility guidelines.
In addition to income-based eligibility, there are other ways families may qualify for our program. Every family’s situation is unique, and we’re here to help.
We encourage you to call our office to speak with our welcoming team. We’re happy to answer your questions, explain all eligibility options, and help you determine how your child may qualify for our wonderful preschool program.
Program Goals
- To provide the physical, emotional, social, and mental development support of each child in the preschool.
- To provide each child/student with a program that will enable him/her to appreciate self-worth and a positive self-image.
- To provide a sound foundation for continuing academic and social success in the following years.
- To provide every child with a feeling of being loved and accepted for his/her unique self.
- Remember that a child's work is play and that valuable learning and development experiences come through play.
- To expose the child to literacy and technology, which will give the child skills to compete in the changing world.
Contact Us
Please contact us with any questions regarding our preschool or transitional kindergarten programs. Our phone number is (619) 409-6604, and our fax is (619) 425-3558.