# data[].attributes.body
The Preschool/TK Learning Foundations (PTKLF) in the domain of Approaches to Learning describe skills that help children engage in learning activities, problem-solving, and collaboration with peers and adults. The foundations in this domain describe children’s growing abilities to take initiative in learning, show persistence, regulate their behavior, focus their attention, adjust to changing demands in the environment, and collaborate with others during play and everyday activities. These skills are particularly important for school readiness and support children’s adjustment to formal schooling both socially and academically.

# data[].attributes.body
At A Glance guide to the strands and sub-strands including:

Approaches to Learning

Social and Emotional Development

Foundational Language Development

English Language Development

Mathematics

Science

Physical Development

Health

Social Science

Visual & Performing Arts

# data[].attributes.body
The California Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) outline key knowledge and skills that most children ages three to five and a half years old can achieve when provided with the kinds of interactions, instruction, and environments that research has shown to promote early learning and development. The foundations can provide preschool and transitional kindergarten (TK) educators, parents, and the public with a clear understanding of the wide range of knowledge and skills that children typically attain when given the benefits of a high-quality preschool program, whether it be in center-based, home-based, or TK settings.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The California Preschool Learning Foundations outline key knowledge and skills that most children can achieve when provided with the kinds of interactions, instruction, and environments that research has shown to promote early learning and development. The foundations can provide early childhood educators, parents, and the public with a clear understanding of the wide range of knowledge and skills that preschool children typically attain when given the benefits of a high-quality preschool program.

The foundations were developed using an inclusive and deliberative input process, including statewide stakeholder meetings, public input sessions held throughout the state, public hearings, and public comment. Input from the various review opportunities was considered and incorporated as appropriate.

California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1

On January 22, 2008, the California Department of Education (CDE) released the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume (PDF; 5MB) . Former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell stated that these foundations offer our early childhood educators a clear understanding of what our youngest learners should know before entering kindergarten.

Volume 1 of the California Preschool Learning Foundations focuses on the domains of social-emotional development, language and literacy, English-language development, and mathematics. They provide a comprehensive understanding of what children learn in these four domains.

In an effort to partner with parents in the education of their preschool children, key sections of the publication are available and have been translated to support parents' understanding of the preschool learning foundations, their purpose, and what they describe as the knowledge and skills that children typically attain at 48 and 60 months of age. The translations include traditional Chinese, simplified Chinese, Hmong, Korean, Pilipino (Tagalog), Spanish, and Vietnamese, and are based on the prevalent non-English languages spoken by parents of preschool children in California.

Foreword by former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell
Available Translations of the Foreword by former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell

Introduction to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1
Available Translations of the Introduction to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1

Appendix to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1 (DOC)
Available Translations of the Appendix to the Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1

The California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1, can be purchased from CDE Press by calling the toll-free number at 1-800-995-4099, or by ordering through the CDE Press Catalog Listings of Publications (Item Number 001681) . The price of the publication is $21.95.

Fundamentos del Aprendizaje Preescolar de California, Volumen 1 (PDF)
Spanish translation of the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1

California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 2

The California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 2 covers the skills and knowledge that children attain at around 36 months and 48 months in the domain areas of visual and performing arts, physical development, and health.

Foreword by former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell
Available Translations of the Foreword by former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell

Introduction to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 2
Available Translations of the Introduction to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 2

Appendixes to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 2

The California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 2, can be purchased from CDE Press by calling the toll-free number at 1-800-995-4099, or by ordering through the CDE Press Catalog Listings of Publications (Item Number 001708) . The price of the publication is $21.95.

Fundamentos del Aprendizaje Preescolar de California, Volumen 2 (PDF)
Spanish translation of the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 2

California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 3

The California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 3 covers the skills and knowledge that children attain at around 36 months and 48 months in the domain areas of history-social science and science.

Foreword by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson
Available Translations of the Foreword by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson

Introduction to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 3
Available Translations of the Introduction to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 3

Appendix A to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 3
Available Translations of Appendix A to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 3

The California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 3, can be purchased from CDE Press by calling the toll-free number at 1-800-995-4099, or by ordering through the CDE Press Catalog Listings of Publications (Item Number 001727) . The price of the publication is $21.95.

Fundamentos del Aprendizaje Preescolar de California, Volumen 3 (PDF)
Spanish translation of the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 3

Additional Resources

Further information about the Preschool Learning Foundations is provided in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document clarifying key issues for early childhood educators, administrators, and stakeholders. For information about some professional development opportunities, please refer to the California Preschool Instructional Network (CPIN) .
Return to Publications
Last Reviewed: Thursday, February 23, 2023

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The foundations outline key knowledge and skills that most children can achieve when provided with the kinds of interactions, instruction, and environments that research has shown to promote early learning and development.

# data[].attributes.body
The Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten

Learning Foundations (PTKLF) in the domain of Social and Emotional Development describe the social and emotional competencies children can demonstrate and develop through their early learning experiences. In early childhood, a child develops understanding of their social and emotional qualities, including their own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, as well as awareness of their abilities and identities. Once a child develops a concept of self, they extend this understanding to others. Children’s social and emotional development is shaped in the context of interactions with adults and peers. Supporting children’s healthy social and emotional development helps them build strong, respectful relationships with others, appreciate people’s similarities and differences, and learn to collaborate and solve problems with others. These qualities promote social awareness and lay the groundwork for equity and prosocial behaviors, contributing to children’s sense of belonging, inclusion, love, and acceptance.

# data[].attributes.headline
Introduction to the Learning Foundations

# data[].attributes.subject
Introduction to the Learning Foundations

# data[].attributes.body
A Language and Literacy Domain with two sub-domains: Foundational Language Development (FLD) and English Language Development (ELD).

FLD describes the knowledge and skills in language and literacy for children in their home language (whether it be English or another language) - with examples of child speech in over 15 languages. ELD describes the trajectory of English language and literacy development for children who are English language learners.

# data[].attributes.body
Children are born with a natural ability for and interest in exploring mathematical concepts. Through interactions with adults and their environment, children in the early years explore concepts such as quantity, shape, and size, and gain experience in counting, sorting, ordering, collecting data, and engaging in spatial thinking. Early mathematics skills are one of the most important factors in children’s academic success. The mathematical concepts and skills that young children develop set the foundation for their mathematics learning in the elementary years.

# data[].attributes.body
The Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) in the domain of Science describe the knowledge and skills that young children can develop and demonstrate in their daily learning experiences. As children play and

interact with others and their environment, they are constantly encountering opportunities to investigate and solve problems related to science phenomena. Children explore concepts related to living things and nonliving things, the weather,

objects in the sky (for example, the sun, moon, and stars), and how their actions impact the environment around them. Children identify everyday problems in play and learning experiences that they solve through trial and error and by employing their prior knowledge. As children explore their environment, they use tools, digital devices, and mathematics skills to measure, document, and make sense of their observations.

# data[].attributes.body
Physical development and physical activity play an important role in children’s health and development throughout their life. Physical development, including fundamental movement skills, perceptual–motor skills, movement concepts, and active play, provides the foundation for much of what preschool children do throughout the day. Children’s physical skills and involvement in physical activities allow them to interact with others, explore, learn, and play. Physical development includes how children learn to move their bodies, control their movements, and

navigate spaces. Children’s physical development is influenced by their physical growth (for example, height, muscle development, general body mass) and their experiences and interactions with the world around them. Because physical development is recorded in growth charts, it is often thought of as

something that happens naturally, with all children achieving skills in the same way or predetermined order. However, young children’s physical development is much more complex than growth charts suggest. While the California PTKLF in Physical

Development each describe one discrete skill or behavior, these skills develop within a larger context. Physical development does not happen in isolation, but rather is influenced by a child’s culture, community, and experiences, and by their own body.

# data[].attributes.body
The foundations and examples in the Health domain reflect children’s readiness to learn key health and safety concepts during early childhood, while recognizing children’s diverse backgrounds and abilities. Young children can learn about healthy habits that influence their own health, such as brushing their teeth, washing their hands, eating a variety of foods, and using sunscreen

appropriately. They also learn about protecting the health of the group by following health practices like covering their cough. Additionally, young children learn about safety, including preventive behaviors such as using a car seat, wearing a helmet on bicycles or tricycles, and responsive behaviors such as seeking help when needed.

# data[].attributes.body
History–Social Science addresses how children learn about and make sense of the social world, including their families, schools, communities, and the institutions and places they encounter in their daily lives. The domain of History–Social Science supports young children’s developing understanding of their social world. It considers how children grapple with questions of who they

are in the world and how they relate to other people in space and across time.

# data[].attributes.body
Children naturally engage in visual and performing arts activities, and artful expressions are present throughout much of what they do in daily activities and interactions. They experiment with sounds

and movements—sing, color, dance—and engage in pretend play as they go about their day. The visual and performing arts (visual arts, music, drama, and dance) offer young children many ways to experience playful exploration, self-expression, creativity, and the joy of learning. Such play is the natural “work” of young children and contributes to their overall development and learning in addition to expanding their artistic abilities.

# data[].attributes.headline
Documents Translated into Simplified Chinese

# data[].attributes.subject
Documents Translated into Simplified Chinese

# data[].attributes.body
The Simplified Chinese version of the Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) provide guidance to all California early education programs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
PTKLF Publications (Simplified Chinese Version) - Child Development (CA Dept of Education)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Simplified Chinese version of the Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) provide guidance to all California early education programs.

# data[].attributes.headline
Documents Translated into Traditional Chinese

# data[].attributes.subject
Documents Translated into Traditional Chinese

# data[].attributes.body
The Traditional Chinese version of the Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) provide guidance to all California early education programs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
PTKLF Publications (Traditional Chinese Version) - Child Development (CA Dept of Education)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Traditional Chinese version of the Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) provide guidance to all California early education programs.

# data[].attributes.body
The Spanish version of the Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) provide guidance to all California early education programs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
PTKLF Publications (Spanish Version) - Child Development (CA Dept of Education)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Spanish version of the Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) provide guidance to all California early education programs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Updates to the Preschool Learning Foundations

# data[].attributes.body
Recorded webinar for the Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF)

Introductions by the California Department of Education and WestED. This provides an overview of the updated PTKLF and the introduction of the publication.

# data[].attributes.body
Recorded webinar for the Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) Foundations: Approaches to Learning Domain by the California Department of Education and WestED on June 14, 2024

# data[].attributes.body
Recorded webinar for the Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) Foundations: Social and Emotional Development Domain by the California Department of Education and WestED on June 28, 2024

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
PTKLF: Social & Emotional Development Domain

# data[].attributes.body
Recorded webinar for the Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF): Language & Literacy Development - Foundational Language Development by the California Department of Education and WestED on May 3, 2024

# data[].attributes.body
Recorded webinar for the Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) Foundations: Language and Literacy Development - English Language Development by the California Department of Education and WestED on August 15, 2024

# data[].attributes.body
Recorded webinar for the Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF): Mathematics by the California Department of Education and WestED on May 23, 2024.

# data[].attributes.body
Recorded webinar for the Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) Foundations: Science Domain by the California Department of Education and WestED on July 23, 2024.

# data[].attributes.body
Recorded webinar for the Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) Foundations: Physical Development by the California Department of Education and WestED on September 23, 2024

# data[].attributes.body
Recorded webinar for the Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) Foundations: Health by the California Department of Education and WestED on October 9, 2024.

# data[].attributes.body
Recorded webinar for the Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) History - Social Science Domain by the California Department of Education and WestED on August 28, 2024.

# data[].attributes.body
Recorded webinar for the Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) Foundations: Visual and Performing Arts by the California Department of Education and WestED on September 13, 2024.