Early Care and Education
Age 3-6 (preschool Age)
Note
*: Statistically unstable
Data not available:
No data by Gender for last 10 years
Race-Ethnicity categories:
Race-Ethnicity: Hispanic or Latino (of any race),
The following are not Hispanic or Latino: White alone, Black or African American alone, AIAN: American Indian and Alaska Native alone, Asian alone, NHPI: Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, Race Some Other Race alone, Multi-Race: Two or More Races,
Sources:
U.S. Census Bureau. “School Enrollment.” American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S1401, 2015 (data retrieved: 9/12/2024)
U.S. Census Bureau. “School Enrollment.” American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S1401, 2016 (data retrieved: 9/12/2024)
U.S. Census Bureau. “School Enrollment.” American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S1401, 2017 (data retrieved: 9/12/2024)
U.S. Census Bureau. “School Enrollment.” American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S1401, 2018 (data retrieved: 9/12/2024)
U.S. Census Bureau. “School Enrollment.” American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S1401, 2019 (data retrieved: 9/12/2024)
U.S. Census Bureau. “School Enrollment.” American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S1401, 2020 (data retrieved: 9/12/2024)
U.S. Census Bureau. “School Enrollment.” American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S1401, 2021 (data retrieved: 9/12/2024)
U.S. Census Bureau. “School Enrollment.” American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S1401, 2022 (data retrieved: 9/12/2024)
U.S. Census Bureau. “SCHOOL ENROLLMENT BY LEVEL OF SCHOOL FOR THE POPULATION 3 YEARS AND OVER.” American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Selected Population Detailed Tables, Table B14001, 2015 (data retrieved: 4/3/2025)
U.S. Census Bureau. “SCHOOL ENROLLMENT BY LEVEL OF SCHOOL FOR THE POPULATION 3 YEARS AND OVER.” American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Selected Population Detailed Tables, Table B14001, 2021 (data retrieved: 4/3/2025)
What is the indicator?
This indicator—the percentage of children ages 3-4 enrolled in early care and education—shows trends in early childhood care and education for San Diego County’s preschool age children who are regularly attending an out-of-home and non-relative early care and education setting. Parents’ reports may reflect the use of a childcare center, preschool, Head Start program, or family childcare setting. The data are collected in the US Census Bureau American Community Survey.
Why is this important?
Quality early care and education from birth to 5 years is essential for a child’s success in school and life. It enhances school readiness and offers long-term educational and employment benefits. Childcare quality is important because most young children spend time in the care of others while their parents’ work. Quality early care and education also produces economic benefits to society that far exceed the initial investment, particularly investments in children from low-income families.
What strategies can make a difference?
These evidence-based strategies are used across the country to increase early care and education:
- Expand access to high-quality early care and education by targeting child care subsidies for low-income families and increasing the availability, affordability, and quality of infant, toddler, preschool, Head Start, Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and pre-K programs.
- Strengthen child care resource and referral services to help families find affordable, high-quality care, including inclusive options for children with special health care needs and disabilities.
- Invest in the early childhood workforce by developing career pathways for low-income mothers and providing no-cost technical assistance and training to family day care homes and centers to ensure financial sustainability and high-quality care.
- Strengthen specialized support services by training and utilizing childcare health consultants (e.g. physical and mental health) to enhance early learning environments.
- Provide adequate reimbursement rates for early care and education providers to maintain a stable and qualified workforce.
- Implement and publicize a quality rating system (e.g., 1–5 stars) to help families identify top programs and provide incentives for providers to maintain high standards.