California’s implementation of universal transitional kindergarten has adversely effected already struggling preschool programs, which are attempting to adapt to the shifting marketplace.

A recent data snapshot from the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment at UC Berkeley shows that preschool enrollment of all age groups fell during the pandemic and has only partially rebounded. Particularly, there has been a large reduction in enrolling 4-year-olds.

It is not certain that transitional kindergarten expansion is the leading cause of this due to its overlap with COVID-19. However, early education programs are suffering.

Universal TK in California

Gov. Gavin Newsom released California’s Master Plan for Early Education and Care in 2021, and it listed specific goals. One of them was providing 3- and 4-year-olds with access to high-quality learning. The state began phasing in universal TK and income-eligible preschools across the state.

Related Story: Universal Transitional Kindergarten Will Be a Game Changer

In the governor’s 2025-26 school year budget, $2.4 billion was provided to fully implement universal TK for all children who turn four by Sept. of the school year. This provided access to about  60,000 additional students. Also, $1.5 billion was put toward lowering the average student-to-adult ratio in TK classrooms from 12:1 to 10:1.

To compensate for the majority of 4-year-olds now enrolling in TK, preschools have shifted efforts to signing up more 3-year-olds. In Fresno, preschools, often marketed as academies, are offering programs for children as young as 6 weeks old.

“It’s not just a matter of getting the right curricula, books, and furniture for the classroom—many educators who have built a career on teaching four-year-olds will have to adapt their teaching practice for a younger age group,” CSCCE says.

The CSCCE conducted an early educator survey in spring 2024 to gather information on this transition. The survey drew responses from 945 educators — 508 family child care providers and 437 center teaching staff.

The findings indicated that nearly 60% of center teachers, who are more accustomed to teaching 4-year-olds, would consider switching to 3-three-year-olds, but only 20% would want to teach infants or toddlers.

Early educators typically want to remain in their current programs, especially those teaching children under the age of three with 70% wanting to stay.

However, there is more uncertainty among teaching center staff. Fewer than half of teachers, working across all age groups, indicated they want to continue with their program. And, about half of the staffers don’t expect to be working in a center three years from now.

Need for Public Funding in Preschool

Preschool tuition is expensive and many parents can’t afford the high rates. Yet, early educators are some of the lowest-paid workers in the country.

According to CSCCE, turnover is incredibly high among early educators due to low wages and lackluster benefits.

Centers lack the resources to increase teacher pay, which results in a continued struggle to staff classrooms. These programs, which serve younger children, have smaller group sizes by law and are forced to raise prices to offset reductions in enrollment.

Brighten Academy, a preschool with multiple locations in Fresno and Clovis, charges $370 for a week (five days) of full-day care from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. That adds up to $1,480 per month. Additionally, there is a $75 initial registration fee and $48 materials fee.

Comparably, Clovis Unified charges $35 per half-day, which is three hours of preschool. This comes to $6,195 for a full school year. Additionally, the district offers a free program to those who meet financial requirements.

Preschools receive little to no state funding, relying on student tuition to cover expenses.

“Family child care is not recognized as essential and is not treated with respect. It also barely pays the bills I have now, let alone when my child is going to high school or college. I need more stability and — heaven forbid — some benefits like health care and unemployment,” a family childcare provider from Contra Costa County told the CSCCE.

Educators are hoping California aligns opportunities with teacher aspirations, so there is a pathway for teaching infants to three and teaching TK. Preschool teachers can only be aides in TK classrooms if they enroll in a credential program. These experienced teachers are worried about losing their students and continuing to struggle financially.