About Us

What is Early Childhood Education

Welcome to MPUSD's Early Childhood Education program. We proudly offer four preschool programs in different locations and offer programs and services to two and three year old children at the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.

Our program incorporates several facets to best meet the needs of families in our learning communities. We are committed to providing enriching Early Childhood Education programming to support families by delivering high quality learning experiences to children.

We offer free (based on income eligibility) and fee-based programs in Marina, Monterey, and Seaside.

Children turning age 2 (offered at our Seaside location) or 3 on the day of enrollment and 3 year olds must be potty trained at the time of enrollment.

The cost is $850 per month for community members and $590 per month for employees of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.

Program Offerings

Full-day and half-day preschool in Marina and Seaside
Classrooms tailored for toddlers (age 2) and pre-school aged students (ages 3 - 4)
Seamless transition from preschool to kindergarten
Readiness skills for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten
Social and emotional skill building
Language development
Multicultural education
Music, arts, crafts

Program vision:

MPUSD Early Childhood programs consist of diverse and professional teams who nurture and educate infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-age children. Our students thrive while gaining critical social and self-regulation skills through relationship and play. We provide a developmentally appropriate environment for our children to explore, which promotes culturally responsive, authentic, and relatable learning experiences. MPUSD strives to provide world-class care and education to our youngest scholars. We aim to create spaces that accept ALL students for who they are and acknowledge the wealth of knowledge and experience they bring into their first classrooms. We aspire to provide quality relationships, environments, and learning experiences that will create positive change in our students, their families, and their communities.

Program philosophy:

The MPUSD early childhood programs provide a developmentally appropriate learning environment for children ages 6 months to 5 years. Rooted in the social constructivist theory, we recognize that the foundation of all learning begins with secure relationships. We prioritize the formation of strong, nurturing attachments between children, educators, and families, knowing that trust, belonging, and connection are essential for healthy development.

We create natural environments through neutral tones and calming spaces that support children's curiosity and creativity. Through active learning experiences and open-ended exploration—individually and in groups—children are encouraged to wonder, investigate, process, and collaborate.

We are committed to serving the diverse needs of our community by offering high-quality early education in partnership with families, health providers, and social service agencies. Our ongoing program self-evaluation ensures that children thrive in a safe, warm, and supportive environment that respects each child’s unique developmental journey.

Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula Preschool

831-899-1100

Marina Child Development Center

831-384-0255

Seaside Child Development Center

831-392-3456

Monterey Child Development Center

831-392-3456