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ABOUT

Providing resources and information so all children in
San Diego County thrive in their early learning settings

WHO WE ARE

The San Diego Quality Preschool Initiative (SDQPI) funded by Quality Counts California (QCC) and First 5 San Diego and operated by San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) is focused on continuous quality improvement of early education programs, enhancing the development and learning trajectory of children from birth through five and supporting families with resources. SDQPI is an effort to strengthen San Diego’s early learning and care system to support young children and their families.

SDQPI is the San Diego County version of the State of California’s quality system for birth through five settings: Quality Counts California (QCC), which focuses on quality early learning experiences because those experiences build the foundation for skills children need in school, work and life.

WHAT WE DO

SDQPI provides children, especially in their critical first five years of life, with the kinds of early education experiences they need to do well in school and beyond. We do this through an individualized approach for all birth through five education programs, including center-based preschools, infant/toddler programs as well as family childcare homes, that focuses on program improvement to maximize each child’s potential.

We also help connect parents and families to high quality early learning and care programs, and ensure that infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children have quality early learning experiences in their local communities.

HISTORY

San Diego County has a long history of working toward continually improving quality in early care and education programs to ensure all children enter kindergarten ready to learn. The quality early learning journey began in 2006 through First 5 San Diego’s Preschool for All and Power of Preschool projects. Over the years, much has been learned as to what is most critical to continue supporting the needs of our early care and education providers, and the families they serve. Nearly 14 years later, we now have a comprehensive system that aims to continue improving the overall quality of all early care and education through the county.

MISSION

We are a resource for families to identify and access quality early learning and care programs. We also help providers develop and maintain best practices to offer high quality early learning and care programs.

VISION

All families with children birth through five and providers in San Diego County will understand what quality is, how to look for it, why it matters and turn to SDQPI as a trusted source of information, education and resources.

Young kids playing with building blocks