Capistrano Unified School District Early Childhood Preschool Programs

Capistrano Unified School District Early Childhood Programs includes general education and special education options for young children. The program offers Learning Link, an interactive learning center for children and their parents or caregivers, preschool classes with half-day and full-day sessions, and Transitional Kindergarten classrooms. Preschool options include California State Preschool Program, tuition-based programs, and language-immersion classrooms.

• Ages: 0–5 years old

The program’s mission states that CUSD is committed to providing a quality educational program that enhances the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child, and that it recognizes the importance of forming a partnership with parents. It supports children through Learning Link for ages 0–5, an Early Start Program for children under 3 years old with low incidence disabilities, preschool classrooms for ages 3–5, and a Transitional Kindergarten program for 4-year-olds who must be 4 years old by September 1. The program currently has 78 Transitional Kindergarten classrooms, with the potential to expand based on enrollment, and families are encouraged to connect with teachers, be part of the classroom when possible, and take part in their child’s learning experience.

The leadership team includes Lauren Pattullo, Ed. D., Director II, General Education Early Childhood Programs & Services; Angela Dryden, Director II, Special Education Early Childhood Programs & Services; Rachelle Sakemi, Coordinator II, Universal Pre-Kindergarten Specialized Support; Rana Shah, Psy. D., Early Intervention Transition Specialist; Elisabeth Elsea, Early Learning Coach; Rhysa Suh, BCBA, Contracted Mental Health Specialist; Sandra Herrera, Staff Secretary; an Account Clerk II (Tuition) to be determined; Adriana E. Rodriguez, Bilingual Intermediate Office Assistant (Enrollment); Afrina Afshar, Account Technician II; Cynthia Ramirez, Bilingual Intermediate Office Assistant (Enrollment); and Fernanda Santillan, Intermediate Office Assistant. CUSD Early Childhood Programs collaborates and works closely with community partners and notes that there are free meals for all students.

Last updated May 18, 2026.