High quality childcare and preschool play an important role in preparing children for kindergarten. To help ensure that children in San Diego County have the best early learning experience possible, First 5 San Diego provides funding to preschool teachers, teaching assistants and family childcare providers who attend college to further their education.

The goal of the CARES program is to raise the quality of early childhood education for all children. By supporting teachers in their effort to enhance knowledge and skills, First 5 is helping to improve the quality of early learning in local communities.