Early Learning

Local Planning Council

It is the core purpose of San Bernardino County Early Learning and Development Local Planning Council to promote the availability of quality, equitable, affordable and accessible child care and development programs, facilities and services for families who reside in and/or work in San Bernardino County. Twenty-six members are appointed, half by the County Board of Supervisors, and half by San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS). 

Quality Start San Bernardino

Quality Start San Bernardino is working to raise the quality of early learning programs in the County by setting standards for quality rating programs using these standards and providing training and support to early childhood educators. It helps early learning educators, parents and caregivers, and communities give children a quality start. 

CLASS Observation Support & ASPIRE Program

Management Bulletin (MB) 23-10, released by the California Department of Education (CDE) in December 2023, included a May 15, 2024 deadline for California State Preschool Program (CSPP) contractors to provide information to the CSPP Regional Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) leads funded through the CSPP Achieving Success in Positive Interactions, Relationships, and Environments (ASPIRE) program.

The Achieving Success in Positive Interactions, Relationships, and Environments (ASPIRE) program supports California State Preschool Program contractors in building the capacity of their staff on the CLASS Tools: CLASS 2nd Edition and CLASS Environment. 

Inclusive Practices

Inclusive practices in early education refer to approaches and strategies that promote the active participation, engagement and success of all children, including those with diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, languages, and learning styles. These practices aim to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every child feels valued, respected, and can fully participate in all aspects of education. The Early Education and Development department is committed to providing professional development and instructional support that includes topics on:

• Individualized Support and Differentiation: Tailor teaching methods, materials and assessments to meet the unique needs and abilities of each child, providing appropriate support and challenges as required.
• Adapted Instructional Strategies: Utilize varied teaching approaches, visual aids, auditory cues, hands-on experiences, and technology to cater to diverse learning styles and abilities, ensuring that every child can grasp the concepts being taught.
• Social Emotional Supports in Early Education Environments: Implement a framework that emphasizes proactive behavioral expectations, provide guidance for how to make adaptations for daily activities and routines so that young children ages 3-5 with disabilities and other special needs can successfully participate in all classroom activities.
• Teacher Training and Professional Development: Provide ongoing training and development opportunities for educators to enhance their knowledge and skills related to inclusive practices, diversity and special education strategies.
• Accessible Physical Environment: Ensure that the physical space, materials and resources in the classroom are accessible and accommodate the diverse needs of children, including those with mobility challenges.

By embracing inclusive practices, early educators strive to create a nurturing and enriching environment that allows every child to reach their full potential, regardless of their abilities or background.