KCSOS’s No-Cost Childcare Helps Families Build a Foundation for Learning

On a typical morning at one of Kern County Superintendent of Schools’ early childhood education sites, children as young as two years old can be seen stacking blocks, painting at easels, or gathering on the rug for story time. To the untrained eye, it looks like fun. To educators, it’s building the foundation for lifelong learning.

KCSOS is working to increase enrollment in its state-funded preschool programs, which serve children ages two to five and are designed to support families across Kern County, including Bakersfield, Lamont, Wasco, Shafter, and McFarland.

“We’re trying to provide that early learning experience for them before they go to kindergarten,” said Rene Maston, Child Development Site Supervisor for KCSOS. 

Maston oversees four child development sites: the Fairgrounds Child Development Center, Richardson Child Development Center, Blanton Center, which also serves infants, and Discovery Preschool. Each site offers all-day educational childcare in a safe and nurturing environment.

“Our goal is to have 24 children enrolled in each classroom. They can stay with us until the day before they go to kindergarten,” Maston said.

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the program, Maston said, is who qualifies.

“Because it’s considered low income, a lot of parents assume they won’t qualify,” she said. “But there’s a pretty big income bracket to play with.”

Many families qualify for no-cost childcare, but families that exceed certain income thresholds may pay a small monthly fee for full-day care under the California State Preschool Program (CSPP). 

For example, a family of four can earn up to $12,000 per month and still qualify for childcare with a co-pay of less than $50. For infant care, a family could earn up to $9,000 per month and qualify with a co-pay of less than $70. In some cases, payments may be reduced or waived entirely if families are already paying for other childcare.

“We don’t want them being out of pocket too much,” Maston said. “We try to accommodate parents as much as possible.”

The program is also designed with working families in mind. Full-day sites operate from early morning to early evening, offering flexibility for parents with traditional work hours, school schedules, or long commutes.

Teachers use a STEAM curriculum infused with Pre-K On My Way, a program which places a strong emphasis on literacy development. Teachers also blend their structured lessons with learning through play. Throughout the day, children rotate through small groups, with hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and confidence. Maston emphasized that play is not just fun — it’s essential.

“We learned how important play is and how it plays a huge part in their little minds,” she said. “They need to start at step one — what letters are, what numbers are, how letters form their name.”

That early exposure matters more than ever.

“Kindergarten is very different from when we were in school,” Maston said. “Teachers expect students to come in knowing how to write their name, knowing their letters. We take baby steps here to introduce those skills.”

The program also helps children develop socially and emotionally.

“Being around other children, learning how to share, how to be kind — it builds a great social component,” Maston said.

Young students learn valuable social skills through play.

All KCSOS early childhood education sites meet Title 22 state health and safety standards, providing a clean, safe, and secure environment where children can grow and thrive. The sites also conform to Title 5 regulations, stipulating one teacher for every eight students, a much stricter ratio than other childcare sites. Behind every classroom is a dedicated team of teachers and aides who work together to create welcoming, engaging spaces for children.

“I have a great team here,” Maston said. “They’re always setting up the yard, preparing activities, and finding fun ways to engage the kids.”

As KCSOS looks to increase enrollment, Maston hopes families who may be unsure will take the first step and ask questions.

“We want parents to know we’re here for those first steps in their educational journey,” she said.
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