Preschool Education

Utah Core Standards

Early Learning Standards (Preschool)

This page explains how Utah’s Early Learning Standards connect with the Utah Core Standards to support high-quality preschool instruction and smooth transitions into kindergarten. 
Utah’s standards system is designed to establish what students should learn as they progress through public school, with learning that builds steadily and becomes more advanced across grades and courses. 

Utah Core State Standards for Early Learning for Ages 3 to 5 (2023) 

Utah’s Early Learning Standards provide developmentally appropriate guidance for preschool programs, focusing on whole-child development and school readiness. 
Preschool programs should continue to use the Early Learning Standards to guide instruction, assessment, and professional learning. 

Alignment Across the P–12 System

Utah’s Early Learning Standards are intentionally aligned with the Utah Core Standards to support continuity as children transition into kindergarten. 
As standards are reviewed and revised over time, preschool standards are being integrated with K–12 standards to strengthen alignment while maintaining a clear focus on early childhood education.

For Preschool Programs

• Consider using the Early Learning Standards as your primary instructional framework.
• Leverage alignment with the Utah Core Standards to support kindergarten readiness and transitions. 
• View standards as part of Utah’s broader high-quality preschool and school readiness system. 

Utah Core Standards

The Utah Core Standardsdefine statewide academic expectations for students guide instruction and learning expectations across content areas in Utah public school classrooms. The Utah Core Standards establish learning expectations but do not prescribe curriculum or instructional materials.

District/Local Education Agency (LEA) Programs 

Alpine School District Preschool
350 N State Street
Lindon Utah 84042
Phone: 801-610-8216
Contact: Heather Slaymaker Alpine District Director of Early Childhood Education

Beaver County School District
291 North Main Street 
Beaver, UT 84713
Phone: 435.438.2281 or 435.438.2291
Contact: Kensi Limb, Preschool Coordinator
Contact: Russell Carter, SPED Director

Box Elder School District (BESD) Preschool Services
960 South Main
Brigham City, Utah 84302
Phone: (435) 538-1575
Contact: Tina Herbert, BESD Preschool Administrative Assistant

Cache County School District (CCSD) Community Preschools
84 East 2400 North
North Logan, Utah 84341
Phone: (435) 752-3925
Contact: Fran Schumann, CCSD Inclusion Preschool Coordinator
Contact: Wendee Radmall, CCSD Inclusion Preschool Administrative Assistant

Canyons School District Early Childhood Department
7501 South 1000 East
Midvale, Utah 84047
Phone: (801)  826-5112
Contact: Assistant Director, Early Childhood, Stephanie Petersen, Email: stephanie.petersen@canyonsdistrict.org

Carbon School District Preschool
755 North Cedar Hills Drive
Price, Utah 84501
Phone: (435) 613-3107
Contact: Preschool Coordinator, Danielle Tuttle, tuttled@carbonschools.org

Daggett School District
196 West Second North
Manila, Utah 84046
Phone: (435) 784-3174

Davis School District Early Childhood
Freeport Center F-2
Clearfield, Utah 84016
Phone: (801) 402-5409
Contact: Amy Garlick, Director for Early Childhood Programs 

Duchesne County School District Preschool Program
1010 East 200 North
Roosevelt, Utah 84066
Phone: (435) 725-4500
Contact: preschool@dcsd.org

Emery County School District Preschool
120 North Main Street
Huntington, Utah 84528
Phone: (435) 749-0216
Contact: Amanda Nelson, Preschool Coordinator 

Garfield County School District
145 Center Street
Panguitch, Utah 84759
Phone: (435) 590-8144
Contact: Preschool Coordinator, Vonnie Parkin, vonnie.parkin@garfk12.org

Grand County School DIstrict Preschool
190 East 100 North
Moab, Utah 84532
Phone: (435) 259-5628
Contact: Preschool Coordinator, Jill Tatton, tattonj@grandschools.org

Granite School District Preschool Services
2500 South State Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
Phone: (385) 646-4672
Contact: Preschool Director, Nannette Barnes, nbarnes@graniteschools.org

Iron County School District Preschools
638 West 500 South
Cedar City, Utah 84720
Phone: (435) 586-2801
Contact: Preschool Coordinator, Penny Seely, penny.seely@ironmail.org

Jordan School District Child Development Center
3706 West 9800 South
South Jordan, Utah 84009
Phone: (801) 567-8510
Contact: Preschool Director, Kristy Whiteside, kristy.whiteside@jordandistrict.org
Contact: Preschool Assistant Director, Jennifer Manning, jennifer.manning@jordandistrict.org
Contact: Preschool: preschool@jordandistrict.org

Juab School District Preschool
380 East 200 North
Nephi, Utah 84648
Phone: (435) 623-1940
Contact: Preschool Director, Sandra Nielsen, sandra.nielsen@juabsd.org

Kane County School District Kanab Elementary School
1357 S Vermillion
Kanab, UT 84741
Phone: 435-644-6205
Contact: April Riddle, Kane School District Special Education Director

Logan City School District Early Childhood Center (ECC)
325 West 400 South
Logan, Utah 84321
Phone: (435) 755-2395
Contact: Loreen Flanary, Preschool Teacher Specialist  

Millard School District
285 East 450 North
Delta, Utah 84624
Phone: 435-864-1044 / 435-864-1000
Contact: Sheila Sheriff - Elementary Education/Special Education Director - Email

Morgan County School District Preschool
344 East Young Street
Morgan, Utah 84050
Phone: (801) 829-3438
Contact: Alisa Griffith Program Director - Morgan & Mountain Green Elementary Schools - E-Mail 

 Murray City School District Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC)
73 West 6100 South
Murray, Utah 84107
Phone: (801) 264-7404
Contact: Kristin Millet, Preschool Coordinator - E-Mail

Nebo School District Summit Center Preschool
165 South 700 East
Springville, Utah 84660
Phone: (801) 489-3021

North Sanpete School District Preschool and Special Education
579 South 400 East
Mount Pleasant, Utah 84647
Phone: (435)462-2222
Contact: Libby Murphy 

North Summit School District  
240 S. Beacon Hill Drive
PO Box 497
Coalville, UT 84017
Phone: (435) 336-2101 435-336-5654
Contact: Camrin Beard 

Ogden School District Preschool
1950 Monroe Boulevard
Ogden, Utah 84401
Phone: (801) 737-7360

Piute County School District
300 South Center
Circleville, Utah 84723
Phone: (435) 577-2912, Extension 1102

Provo City School District Preschools 
Sunrise Preschool 
87 N 700 E
Provo, Utah 84606
Phone: (801) 374-4915
Contact: Ondylyn Wagner

Title 1 Preschools 
80 West 940 North 
Provo, Utah 84604 
Phone: (801) 370-4616
Contact: Ari Lechiminant

Rich School District
25 South 100 West
Randolph, Utah 84064
Phone: (435) 793-2135 or 435-514-1288
Contact: Tammy Hoffman

Salt Lake City School District Early Childhood
1388 South Navajo Street,
Early Learning Suite A,
Salt Lake City, Utah 84104
Phone: (801) 974-8396

San Juan School District Preschool Information
200 North Main Street
Blanding, Utah 84511
Phone: (435) 678-1222

Sevier School District Preschool
80 West Center Street
Richfield, Utah 84701
Phone: (435) 896-8776
Contact: Madeline Lee  madeline.lee@seviersd.org

South Sanpete School District
39 South Main
Manti, Utah 84642
Main Phone: (435) 835-2261
Contact: Ephraim Preschool, Katie Shaw Phone: 435-283-4171
Contact: Manti Preschool, Krisell Hill  Phone: 435-835-2271 
Contact: Gunnison Preschool, Randi Sylvester, Phone: 435-528-7256 

South Summit School District
535 East 300 South
Kamas, Utah 84036
Phone: (435) 783-4318

Tintic School District
545 East Main Street
Eureka, Utah 84628
Eureka Elementary School
55 E Main Street
Eureka, UT 84628
Phone: 435-433-6927
Contact: Skyleigh Alder, Preschool Coordinator, Phone: (435) 433-6979

Eureka Elementary School
55 E Main Street
Eureka, UT 84628
Phone: 435-433-6927
Contact: Preschool: Skyleigh Alder 
Contact Principal: Karen Kramer

Tooele County School District Preschools
92 Lodestone Way
Tooele, Utah 84074
Phone: (435) 833-1966
Contact: Christy Opeta, Preschool Director
Contact: Jennifer Flagg (EI Transitions, Records Request), Preschool Specialist

Uintah School District – Central Cove Early Learning Center
23 North 1600 West
Vernal, UT 84078
Phone: 435-781-3125
Contact: Erin Brown, Principal and SPED Preschool Coordinator  

Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind (USDB)
Phone: (801) 629-4700
USDB provides services for students across the state. 
* Please refer to the USDB website for services near you. 

Wasatch County School District Preschool
101 East 200 North
North Heber, Utah 84032
Phone: (435) 654-0280

Washington County School District Preschool
121 West Tabernacle
St. George, Utah 84770
Phone: (435) 673-1557
Contact: Preschool Administrator, Brittney Nelson, brittney.nelson@washk12.org
Contact: Preschool Coordinator: Andrea Johnson, andrea.johnson@washk12.org

Wayne County School District
50 East 100 South
Loa. Utah 84747
Phone: (435) 836-2851
Contact: Preschool,  Wayne School District - Preschool Registration

Weber County School District Preschool
5320 Adams Avenue Parkway
Ogden, Utah 84405
Phone: (801) 476-7800
Contact: Amy Peters, Preschool Administrator, Phone: 801-452-4935
Contact: Stacey Gomez, Preschool Coordinator, Phone: 801-452-4940

School Readiness Initiative

School Readiness Program

At a glance: The School Readiness Initiative provides funding and support to improve preschool quality and expand access for eligible children across Utah, helping more students enter kindergarten ready to learn. 
Utah’s School Readiness Initiative supports high-quality preschool experiences across Utah by strengthening program quality and expanding access for children who may benefit from additional support as they prepare for kindergarten.

Who the Initiative Serves

The Initiative supports children who may face barriers to early learning success, including those who are economically disadvantaged, English learners, or have other qualifying risk factors.

What the Initiative Provides

The School Readiness Initiative offers coordinated funding and supports focused on program quality and student access.

Core Components

1. Elements of High-Quality: State law establishes clear requirements for high‑quality school readiness programs, including evidence‑based curriculum, ongoing assessment, professional learning, family engagement, and kindergarten transition planning to support children’s readiness for school.
2. Becoming Quality Grants: These grants support preschool programs as they work toward meeting Utah’s high-quality school readiness standards, with a focus on quality improvement, serving eligible children, and program accountability. 
3. High Quality School Readiness Grants: These grants support high‑quality preschool programs in expanding access for eligible students, with funding decisions based on program quality and demonstrated outcomes.

Student Eligibility

Eligibility criteria are defined in the state statute. A child may be eligible if they meet at least one of the following criteria: 

• Economically disadvantaged
• Experienced one or more qualifying risk factors
• English learner (a language other than English is spoken at home)
• Has been in foster care

Governance and Oversight

The Initiative is overseen by the School Readiness Team, with representatives from: 

• Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS), Office of Child Care (OCC)
• Utah State Board of Education (USBE)

Utah State Statute

The School Readiness Initiative is established in Utah law:

• Title 35A15102: Definitions 

• Title 35A15202: Elements of a High-Quality School Readiness Program 

• Title 35A15203: School Readiness Restricted Account – Creation, Funding, Distribution 

• Title 35A15301: Becoming Quality School Readiness Grant Program 

• Title 35A15302: HighQuality School Readiness Grant Program

Learn More

School Readiness Grant Initiative Act (Utah Department of Workforce Services, Office of Child Care)

Families, preschool providers, and school districts can explore related pages on this site for eligibility details, funding opportunities, and participation information.

Family Resources

Preschool to Kindergarten Transition 

“Kindergarten, here we come!" Preschool BINGO:  Starting kindergarten is a big step—for children and families. These printable resources are designed to help families support their child’s transition from preschool to kindergarten in a simple, fun way. 
“Kindergarten, Here We Come!” & Preschool BINGO helps families notice and celebrate everyday skills children are learning as they get ready for kindergarten. The BINGO card includes skills related to routines, independence, communication, movement, early reading, and early math. Families can mark off skills their child is practicing at home through play and daily activities. 
The information included with the BINGO card explains why these skills are important and how families can support learning through regular routines—like reading together, getting dressed, playing games, and talking about the day. 
These resources are available in English and Spanish, and in portrait and landscape formats, so families can choose what works best for them.

Available downloads:

• Kindergarten, here we come! Preschool BINGO (English Portrait)
• Kindergarten, here we come! & Preschool BINGO (English Landscape)
• Kindergarten, Aquí Vamos! &  BINGO Preescolar (Spanish Portrait)
• Kindergarten, Aqua Vamos! &  BINGO Preescolar (Spanish Landscape)

Kindergarten Readiness

This section includes USBEReady, Set, Go! - A Parent's Guide to Toilet Training for Kindergarten.

Special Education Preschool

If you have concerns about your child’s skills, contact the school district where you live to request a special education evaluation. For additional resources, click on the Resources for Families tab.

Preschool Professionals

Stay Connected: USBE Preschool Mailing List

Subscribe to the USBE Preschool Mailing List to receive statewide updates, resources, the USBE Preschool monthly newsletter, and information about professional learning opportunities. This UENhosted mailing list connects preschool educators, administrators, and partners across Utah. 

Joyful Journeys: Utah's Preschool Community

This private USBE Facebook group aims to create a collaborative space for preschool families, preschool professionals, and individuals passionate about early learning. Scan the QR code below to join!

Professional Learning

Student Services Training Request Portal (TRP)
The Student Services Training Request Portal (TRP) is an online tool for all Utah preschool programs to request professional learning and technical assistance from USBE. Preschool administrators may use the TRP to request training and professional learning facilitated by the USBE Preschool Team at no cost, helping coordinate support and learning opportunities across the state.

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

Early childhood educators interested in completing the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential may contact a USBE Preschool Education Specialist for guidance and support. For more information, please reach out to Jared Lisonbee or Katrina Herd

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Utah uses a mixed delivery system for preschool education. Preschool and early learning opportunities may be offered through public school districts, charter schools, Head Start programs, private preschools, childcare centers, and community organizations. Oversight, funding, and eligibility vary depending on program design. The questions below are intended to support families, preschool providers, charter schools, and community partners seeking information about preschool in Utah. 

 For Families 

1. Is preschool required in Utah? 

No. Preschool is optional in Utah. Families may choose early learning options that best meet their child’s needs and are available in their community. 

2. How do I enroll my child in preschool? 

Enrollment depends on the type of preschool program. 

• Public preschool: Some school districts and charter schools offer preschool programs. Availability, eligibility, and enrollment processes vary by location. Families should contact their local school district or charter school directly.
• Head Start: Head Start provides free preschool services for eligible children ages 3–5. 
• Private preschools and child care centers: Families may contact programs directly to ask about enrollment, schedules, and tuition.

Because Utah uses a mixeddelivery system, not all preschool options are offered through public schools. 

3. Who do I contact to enroll my child in Head Start? 

Head Start is a federally funded program that provides free preschool services for eligible children and families. To learn more about eligibility and local programs, visit the Utah Head Start Association (UHSA). 

4. What school district do I live in? 

You can find your local school district using the Search for Public Schools tool from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES):  

5. How do Utah public schools measure early learning and kindergarten readiness? 

Utah uses the PreKindergarten Entry & Exit Profile (PEEP) in public prekindergarten settings to better understand children’s development as they enter and exit preschool. PEEP focuses on literacy, numeracy, and lifelong learning practices. 

Learn more about PEEP through the Utah State Board of Education Assessment page. 

 For Preschool Providers, Charter Schools, and Community Partners 

6. Does the Utah State Board of Education license or regulate preschools? 

No. The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) does not license or regulate private preschools or child care programs. 

USBE’s role is to provide instructional guidance, resources, and professional learning related to early learning standards and public education: 

7. What are the licensing requirements for starting a preschool or child care program? 

Requirements vary based on program structure. 

• Many programs operate under commercial preschool/child care licensing through the Utah Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) – Office of Licensing
• Some educational programs serving children age 3 and older that operate for fewer than 4 hours per day may qualify as license exempt (LE) under Rule R4308
• Local governments typically require a business license regardless of licensing status. 

Programs are encouraged to connect early with licensing agencies to confirm requirements. 

8. What agencies support licensed preschool and child care programs? 

Two primary state agencies support licensed programs: 

• Utah Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) – Office of Licensing 
  Oversees licensing requirements, exemptions, inspections, and health and safety standards.
• Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS) – Office of Child Care 
  Supports licensed providers through child care subsidies, quality systems, and School Readiness supports.  

9. Can charter schools operate preschool or child care programs? 

Yes. Charter schools may operate preschool or child care programs; however: 

• Charteroperated preschool programs generally fall under commercial preschool/child care licensing rules. State K–12 education funds may not be used to support preschool. Charterbased preschool programs typically require separate funding sources, such as tuition, donations, fundraising, or federal funds (e.g., Title I). 

Licensing requirements depend on the structure of the program. 

10. What should schools know about using Title I funds for preschool? 

If a school or LEA uses federal Title I funds to support a preschool program, the program must comply with the Head Start Program Performance Standards. Federal guidance is outlined in Supporting HighQuality Preschool with Title I Funds (U.S. Department of Education, December 2024). 

11. What is the School Readiness Grant Initiative? 

Utah’s School Readiness Grant Initiative Act provides statefunded preschool grants to established programs serving eligible students. Grants are awarded competitively and require programs to meet quality criteria, including: 

• Use of approved assessment tools
• Demonstrated student learning growth using PEEP 

More information is available through the Utah Department of Workforce Services – School Readiness page.

12. Are preschool teachers required to hold a Utah teaching license? 

Requirements depend on the setting. 

• Public school settings (such as Title I Preschool Teacher positions) may require a Utah teaching license in Early Childhood Education (PreK–Grade 3).

• Private preschool or child care programs follow staff qualification requirements outlined by the DHHS Office of Licensing. 
   

13. Where can programs find instructional support and early learning guidance? 

The USBE Preschool Team provides instructional guidance and professional learning aligned with the Utah Early Learning Standards.

14. Who should I contact if I still have questions? 

• Enrollment and availability → Local school district, charter school, or preschool provider 

• Head Start → Utah Head Start Association 

• Licensing and Regulation → DHHS Office of Licensing

• Funding and Child Care Supports → DWS Office of Child Care 

• Instructional Guidance → Utah State Board of Education