High-quality early learning programs spark curiosity and build confidence, helping young learners grow academically and socially. By supporting creativity and exploration from the start, these programs equip children with the tools they need to succeed and adapt in a dynamic world.
To raise awareness about early education and care programs across the region, the Sacramento Local Child Care and Development Planning Council (LPC) joined the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) in hosting hundreds of Sacramento families last weekend for a free day of playful learning, laughter, and literacy at the Family Fun & Playfest at Fairytale Town. More than 750 attendees with children ages birth to five years old explored programs and met local service providers at the second in a series of ongoing events.
Fun activities, free resources, and pizza all helped families with young children connect with the early learning and care community to learn about the various programs that make up Sacramento County’s Mixed Delivery System of early learning and care. The goal is to inform families about choices when it comes to finding the right program for their child—whether it’s licensed family childcare, center-based care, transitional kindergarten, or FFN (family, friend, and neighbor). The event hosted many family resource programs, including Help Me Grow Sacramento, the CalKIDS college savings program, Child Action, Inc., and United Way (which shared information about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library). Children also had a unique opportunity to hear local authors reading their own stories.
More than 50 local community organizations and early learning and care programs participated in the event. Programs that participated were pleased with the turnout and enthusiastic about the wide variety of other organizations at the event.
SCOE’s Early Learning Department partnered with LPC to coordinate its first Family Fun & Playfest at Safetyville USA this February. The events provide connections to early learning and care programs and resources for Sacramento County families so that families understand the options they have. The mixed delivery system for universal pre-kindergarten programs—including center-based programs, family child care homes, transitional kindergarten, and family/friend/neighbor care—offers a wide variety of options that meet the diverse needs of families. SCOE and LPC will host another event in 2026.