Let's get your child enrolled.
EES programs are free for families who qualify. Here's how to find out if that's you, and what happens next.
How to Enroll
To enroll your child at EES, call your coordinator, gather a few documents (birth certificate, proof of address, income documentation, and immunization records), and complete the application together with your coordinator. Programs serve children ages 3 months to 5 years in Vista, Linda Vista, Chula Vista, and National City. No Social Security Number required. Free for families who qualify.
Checklist
You qualify if:
Your child is between 3 months and 5 years old
Your household income meets state or federal guidelines
Your family meets the eligibility requirements for the program you are applying for
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to enroll your child.
01
Contact Us
Call or stop in. Our Enrollment Coordinators speak English and Spanish and are ready to help.
We will provide a list of documents and forms that need to be completed and schedule an enrollment appointment.
02
Gather Your Documents
Your Enrollment Coordinator will let you know everything you need based on your family's situation. You can start by gathering a few basic items: your child's birth certificate, proof of address, income documentation, and immunization records.
Don't have everything? Contact us anyway — we can help.
03
Turn in Your Documents
At your appointment, your Enrollment Coordinator will review the paperwork and answer any questions. Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation and next steps within a few business days.
North County (Vista & Oceanside)
(760) 639-4715
San Diego (Linda Vista)
(858) 278-2571
South Bay (Chula Vista & National City)
(619) 722-5810
Checklist
All applications require:
Child's birth record (birth certificate or proof of age)
Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement)
Proof of household income (pay stubs, unemployment benefits, proof of child support, etc.)
Physician's report (LIC 701) within 1 year prior to enrollment date
Child's immunization record (in compliance with California law)
FAQ's
Income limits vary by program and household size. For California State Preschool, a family of four generally qualifies at or below 85% of the state median income. For Head Start and Early Head Start, the federal poverty level applies. The fastest way to check is to call us. We'll look at your situation and tell you exactly where you stand.
Yes. Call as early as you can. Spots fill quickly, especially for infant care.
Our coordinators speak Spanish. Call us — we will find a way to communicate.
Depending on your household income and program, your family fee may be $0. Some families pay a small co-pay. Your coordinator will tell you exactly what applies before you sign anything.
EES welcomes all eligible children and families. Immigration or citizenship status is not used to determine enrollment in our programs unless required by law or a specific funding source. We do not require a Social Security Number to enroll. If you have questions about eligibility for a particular program, our team is happy to help.
Sometimes. If a spot is open, we accept applications year-round. Call to check current availability.
TK is a school-based program for 4-year-olds that typically runs between 3.5 hours per day and full-day during the school year only. EES offers full-day, year-round care for children from 3 months through age 5 — including infants and toddlers TK doesn't serve — plus free daily meals, developmental and health screenings, and a Family Liaison who stays with your family through hard situations, not just a referral list. See our full TK comparison
Call us anyway. That's the fastest way to find out — and it costs nothing to ask.