State Revises State Median Income and Age Range for Preschool Access
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2024
Contact:
Marci McFadden, Chief of Communications & Engagement
831-706-6971
State Revises State Median Income and Age Range for Preschool Access
MPUSD to expand preschool classrooms to accommodate demand for 2-year olds
Monterey, CA - The California Department of Social Services recently made announcements that will significantly increase access to preschool for more families on the Monterey Peninsula. First, the state announced its revised family fee schedule for the fiscal year 2024-2025 effective July 1, 2024. The median income threshold increased by $400 for families, allowing families that did not previously meet the median to now apply for preschool at no cost. Second, the state also modified regulations that went into effect July 2, 2024, to allow preschool sites to serve more two year-old students. Third, it eliminated the requirement for families to show proof of current employment or enrollment in school to qualify for subsidized preschool programs.
In accordance, the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is expanding its preschool classrooms to meet the demand for early childhood education. MPUSD announced that it will begin enrolling more two year-old students who previously were on waitlists, as well as families who historically have not met income qualifications.
“This is good news for families on the peninsula because the increased income guidelines and modified age range will allow more families to qualify for free preschool,” said PK Diffenbaugh, Superintendent, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. “We know first-hand the importance of giving early learners a head start in their educational journey. We proudly offer comprehensive preschool programs in Marina, Monterey, and Seaside and I applaud the state for taking action that will open up access to more families”
“We have seen an increased demand for children between the ages of two and three and have expanded our program to include news classrooms to accommodate this growing need,” said Tia Robinson, Coordinator, MPUSD Early Childhood Education.
MPUSD offers four preschool locations for two and three-four year olds. Most families qualify for the free program (based on income eligibility) and the district also offers fee-based programs in Marina, Monterey, and Seaside. The fee-based program is $850 per month for community members and $590 discounted rate per month for employees of the school district.
Program Highlights
- Full-day and half-day
- Classrooms tailored for toddlers (age 2) and pre-school aged students (ages 3 - 4)
- Seamless transition from preschool to kindergarten
- Readiness skills for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten
- Social and emotional skill building
- Language development
- Multicultural education
- Music, arts, crafts
To learn more about MPUSD’s preschool program and to enroll students, families can visit www.preschool.mpusd.net for information.
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About Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is home to approximately 9,400 students in grades transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. The district also houses preschool and adult education. The district is built on a solid foundation of effective instruction, positive school culture, systems of support, and collaborative leadership. The district is nestled along the Monterey Bay, and stretches from the city of Marina to the north to the city of Monterey to the south, and includes the communities of Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Sand City and Seaside.