Neurological research shows that the early years play a key role in children’s brain development. Babies begin to learn about the world around them from a very early age – including during the prenatal, perinatal (immediately before and after birth) and postnatal period. 

Children’s early experiences – the bonds they form with their parents and their first learning experiences – deeply affect their future physical, cognitive, emotional and social development. Optimizing the early years of children’s lives is the best investment we can make as a society in ensuring their future success.

The Lake County Office of Education is proud of the Early Childehood Education (ECE) programs we offer to our 0 - 5 year old population.

Download our Bloom Into Kindergarten booklet to help your 0-5 year old become kindergarten-ready.

Descargue nuestro folleto Bloom Into Kindergarten para ayudar a su niño de 0 a 5 años a prepararse para el kindergarten.

Early Connections Preschool programs are offered at eight elementary schools for three hours a day, morning and/or afternoon.

State Preschool programs are free to income qualified families. Children receive breakfast, lunch, or afternoon snack daily.

Read more about LCOE Preschools.

The Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) is a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early and school-age care and education programs.

QRIS is focused on creating quality early education programs within Lake County for children ages 0-5. 

Read More about QRIS.

The Lake County Child Care Planning Council works to build partnerships with individuals and organizations in our community to help meet the child care needs of our communities.

Read more about the Lake County Child Care Planning Council. 

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book-gifting program that mails free, age-appropriate, high-quality books to children from birth until their fifth birthday, no matter their family’s income.

Read More about Imagination Library.

The Early Start Program provides Early Intervention Services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. The Early Start Program is a multi-agency effort by the California Department of Developmental Services and Education. 

The Lake County SELPA, in conjunction with Redwood Coast Regional Center, provides Early Intervention services in Lake County.

Read more about the SELPA Eartly Start program.

The goal of Bloom is to inspire families to use simple techniques with their young children to prepare them for school through reading, games and fun conversation so they can start their education right, and prepare for their bright futures beyond the classroom.

Download our Bloom Into Kindergarten booklet to help your 0-5 year old become kindergarten-ready.

Descargue nuestro folleto Bloom Into Kindergarten para ayudar a su niño de 0 a 5 años a prepararse para el kindergarten.