Early Care & Education

Early Stars raises the quality and accessibility of early care and education in Fresno and Central Valley. Learn more about the resources available to families interested in learning more about the Early Care and Education (ECE) programs. Additional resources are available to ECE programs interested in providing high quality services to children and families.

Count Play Explore is a multi-agency effort led by the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, Early Care and Education Department (FCSS-ECE) as part of California’s System of Support. The Initiative focuses on building the capacity of administrators, coaches, and teacher leaders to provide effective professional learning and mentoring in mathematical content and pedagogy within their local communities and regions.

The Fresno County Child Care and Development Local Planning Council (LPC) is a forum which supports planning and actions to promote a quality early care and education system that meets the needs of all children and families.

The Local Planning Council welcomes residents of Fresno County to get involved

The Pathways to Quality (PTQ) program provides the opportunity to receive a stipend award to ECE professionals engaging in professional development. Additionally, all ECE professionals participating in PTQ will work with a Navigator that will work alongside them to support the successful completion of professional development goals. Learn more about the program eligibility criteria.

The Lighthouse for Children child development center provides Early Care and Education services to young children. Our staff is committed to relationship-based, individualized care for each child. Ensuring that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The center also serves as a demonstration site for early childhood professionals and students.

Technical assistance and support for for the planning and implementation of Universal PreKindergarten (UPK).
The Early Educator Teacher Development Grant (EETDG) program provides stipend opportunities to ECE professionals working directly with children ages 4-5 years. All ECE professionals that participate in EETDG will have access to a program navigator to support with their professional development goals.