A young child smiles while holding green sensory foam in a classroom setting.

Early Learning

The Early Learning Department, part of ACOE's Whole Child Programs Division, is dedicated to building a cohesive early learning system that supports children from birth through third grade. By connecting early learning programs with TK–12 educational systems and partnering with families, educators, and community organizations, we work to expand access, strengthen quality, and reduce opportunity gaps for Alameda County's youngest learners.

In partnership with the Alameda County early learning community, we support the following key areas:

Workforce & Professional Development Collaborative Networks & Committees Resources for Families

Stay Connected & Involved:

Event Calendar Newsletter

Workforce & Professional Development

Alameda County Early Childhood Workforce Pathways Program

This program gives financial rewards to early learning and care professionals that work in Alameda County for completing training, college courses, and obtaining or updating their child development permits and early childhood related degrees. By participating, they improve their skills and knowledge, which helps raise the quality of education and care they give to children.

Professional Development & Early Childhood or Child Development Coursework

ACOE offers professional development to educators and leaders on a variety of topics, including inclusion, PTKLFs, and more! Check out our training and events calendar! Email Early Learning Team (earlylearning@acoe.org) to learn more about different programs available to meet your needs.

For additional resources to support your UPK programs, visit the UPK Resources Portal.

The Early Learning Department also offers ECE classes through partnerships with colleges. Email us at Early Learning Team (earlylearning@acoe.org) to learn more.

Career Pathways and Credential Programs

For additional support in pursuing a career pathway and/or credential please visit our PATH department.

Collaborative Committees & Networks

Alameda County Early Care & Education Planning Council (Local Planning Council - LPC)

The Alameda County Early Care & Education Planning Council (LPC) is a state-mandated advisory body that brings together parents, early childhood educators, community organizations, businesses, and public agencies to support the planning and coordination of early care and education services throughout Alameda County. The LPC is also responsible for developing the Alameda County UPK Mixed Delivery Plan to guide future efforts around access, quality, and coordination of services. For more information, please visit the Early Care & Education Planning Council Webpage.

Inclusive Early Education Expansion Program (IEEEP) Leadership Network

Children with disabilities and special needs have a rightful presence in early education programs. To support these efforts, we convene leaders and community partners to plan for training, acquiring special equipment, renovating facilities to be more accessible and inclusive of diverse needs.

P-3 Alignment Network

P-3 alignment is an approach to supporting quality within children's early education experiences. A strong P-3 Alignment strategy involves educators and leaders who are knowledgeable about early childhood development and make education decisions with this knowledge in mind. The P-3 Alignment Network gathers leaders and educators to plan for conditions that promote quality experiences starting from preschool through 3rd grade, and beyond.

Quality Counts

Quality Counts is a countywide initiative that is part of a statewide effort to strengthen California’s early learning and care system. In Alameda County, Quality Counts is co-led by the Alameda County Office of Education and First 5 Alameda County to support continuous quality improvement across early learning and care programs. ACOE leads Quality Counts services for California State Preschool Programs (CSPPs), while First 5 Alameda County leads services for non-CSPP programs. Together, these efforts help ensure that children have access to high-quality early learning experiences that support their success in school and beyond.

For more information, email Quality Counts Team (qualitycounts@acoe.org).

Region B ASPIRE

Resources for Families

Alameda County UPK Website

This is an accessible and multilingual website designed to help families find and navigate early care and education options for their children.

All About Young Children First 5 California California Early Childhood Online

Referral Guide for Families

Children grow and learn differently. Many developmental differences can be supported through different environments, targeted strategies, and ongoing observation. If you are concerned about your child’s development, refer to this Referral Guide to learn the referral process. English/Spanish. Referrals should be considered thoughtfully within the context of a child's strengths, development, and experiences.