State Preschool
Enroll for 2026–2027 State Preschool Starting April 20, 2026
Program Overview
NMUSD’s State Preschool Program is funded by the California Department of Education and is designed to serve income-eligible families. Children learn in a safe, nurturing environment led by qualified early childhood educators using research-based curriculum.
Program features include:
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Free or low-cost preschool for eligible families
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Developmentally appropriate, play-based instruction
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Focus on social-emotional development and early academics
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Highly qualified teachers and supportive staff
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Family engagement and partnership
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility for State Preschool is determined by:
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Child Age (For 2026-2027 enrollment, the child must turn 3 by December 1, 2026)
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Family income and need, per California State Preschool guidelines
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Reside in Orange County
Priority is given to families meeting state eligibility criteria. Enrollment is contingent upon available space.
State Preschool Income Guidelines
Enrollment Options
NMUSD offers both part-day and full-day State Preschool programs, depending on eligibility, family need, and site availability.
Part-Day State Preschool Program
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Schedule: 3-hour program (AM or PM)
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Program Length: 10 months (August–June)
School Locations:
Full-Day State Preschool Program
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Schedule: Full School Day
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Program Length: 12 months (July–June)
School Locations:
Where To Begin?
Our Early Learning team is here to support you every step of the way. Families are encouraged to contact our Office Assistants to begin the registration process or to ask questions regarding eligibility, required documents, and enrollment procedures.
For enrollment at Paularino, Sonora, Wilson, and Whittier, please contact:
Osiris Sosa De Martinez
📞 Phone: (949) 515-6828
📧 Email: ososademartinez@nmusd.us
For enrollment at College Park, Killybrooke, and Pomona, please contact:
Georgina Melgoza
📞 Phone: (949) 515-6645
📧 Email: gmelgoza@nmusd.us
Contact Us - State Preschool Office
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday
7:30 AM-4:00 PM
📞 Phone: (714) 424-8978
Evelyn Mesina
Administrative Assistant
📧 Email: emesina@nmusd.us
Kathleen Leary
Director of Early Learning
📧 Email: kleary@nmusd.us
The school readiness initiatives of NMUSD receive partial funding from a partnership with First 5 Orange County. Together, NMUSD and First 5 Orange County are utilizing the Early Development Index (EDI) data to inform teachers, parents, and communities about ways to create supportive services and environments that enable children, parents, and caregivers to learn and thrive, promoting healthy development. For more information on the Early Development Index (EDI), please visit NMUSD’s EDI Information webpage or First 5 Orange County’s EDI webpage.
All of our preschool classrooms have achieved a 4- or 5-star QRIS rating from the Orange County Department of Education. This rating reflects the highest quality for preschool programs.