Now accepting interest forms for Fall 2023
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Learn. Play. Grow.

State and county-funded preschool programs for SLO County families.

Enroll a Child
Start a Preschool

8 Preschools throughout SLO County

Important Dates

Year-Round

Enrollment is year-round until classroom capacity is met

Mid-Late August

Our academic year begins

Jan - April

Submit your interest for the upcoming school year

Early May

Applications and enrollment begin following priority guidelines

Explore Preschools in SLO County

High-quality, no-cost preschool services

The Early Learning Centers of San Luis Obispo County provide high-quality, no-cost preschool services to families and children ages 3- 5 years old in SLO County. There are Centers in Atascadero, Grover Beach, Nipomo, Oceano, Paso Robles, and San Luis Obispo.


This program is funded by the California State Department of Education and First 5 of San Luis Obispo County.

For 3-5 year-olds of low to moderate income families in SLO County

Administered by the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education

“The teachers are very helpful and professional. I thank the program for my daughter’s educational advances. The program is amazing and I love that they really promote social skills.”

What Your Child Will Learn

Social Emotional Development

Our curriculum enhances children's confidence, empathy and social relationship skills.

Arts

Art can connect students with their own culture as well as with the wider world. Here, children will engage in chalk art, water art, collaging, and painting.

Cognitive Skills

Children will develop an increased attention span, understand cause and effect, learn to ask questions, and more. 

Language and Literacy

In our classrooms, children enjoy books, a language rich environment, storytime, activities to enhance skills in reading and writing.

Physical Health

In the classrooms and on the play ground, children engage in all sorts of physical activities which help them learn, grow, and play.

Motor Competencies

Our program enables and challenges children to perform gross-motor skills (running, jumping, skipping, etc.) and fine-motor skills (stringing beads, drawing, cutting with scissors, etc.).

Other Benefits for Children and Families

Dental and Vision Screenings

Parent Education

Raising a Reader

Parent Advisory Council

Food Programs

For Schools

Interested in Starting a Preschool/Early Learning Center?

Partner with San Luis Obispo County Office of Education and Early Learning Centers to learn how we can help you get started with everything from staffing to funding.


Call (805) 782-7275 or complete this form.

Watch a Quick Overview

FAQs

How old does my child have to be to enroll in the program?

For the 2022-23 school year, Children whose birthdates are between 9/2/2017-12/1/2019 are eligible for the program. Children must also be fully-potty trained as classrooms are not set up to change and/or dispose of diapers.

Where are the Early Learning Centers located? What are the times?

We have 8 Preschool classrooms across San Luis Obispo County. Programs run 3 hrs. /day (hours vary, but most are in the AM) Monday - Friday.

  • San Miguel-Lillian Larsen Elementary
  • Paso Robles- Paso Robles First 5 Education Center
  • Paso Robles- Marie Bauer Early Ed. Center
  • Paso Robles- Winifred Pifer Elementary
  • Atascadero- San Gabriel Elementary
  • Grover Beach- Grover Beach Elementary
  • Oceano- Oceano Elementary
  • Nipomo- Nipomo High School

Does my family qualify for the program?

The state preschool program eligibility is based on one of the following: Income-based, CalWORKs recipient, experiencing homelessness, or the child is the recipient of CPS/CWS services or is identified as at-risk. Income is calculated using the provided income documents by the family and may not exceed the 85% of the Schedule of Income Ceilings provided by CDE. If there is space available, families who are ‘over-income’ may also qualify after all others have been enrolled with support from First 5 of SLO County funding.

How do I get an application? Am I able to complete the application in-person or on paper?

Since there are state priority guidelines for enrollment:

1. 3 & 4-year-old children who are recipients of child protective services or who are at-risk of being neglected or abused.

2. ALL 4-year-old children

3. ALL 3-year-old children

Applications are sent to families who submit an interest form directly via email. Paper applications and in-person sessions, may be available for specific centers, but our main application process is done through our online system.

Are there any fees associated with this program/How much does it cost?

Our program is fully-funded by the State of California and First 5 of San Luis Obispo County, so there is no additional cost to families.

Who can I contact for more questions?

Please contact our administrative assistant, Marisol Espino, via email at mespino@slocoe.org or at (805)782-7275

2023-2024 Preschool Interest

Enroll a Child
Start a Preschool
early learning centers in san luis obispo county

© 2023 San Luis Obispo County Office of Education

 Office of James J. Brescia, Ed.D.

 3350 Education Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

 805-782-7275      Policies