This report analyzes emerging workforce issues as California develops a universal preschool system, focusing on service delivery mechanisms, workforce standards for staff qualifications and compensation, and professional development and higher education system capacity. The review covers current conditions, emerging questions, research findings, gaps in available data, relevant activities in other states, and the decisions California program planners and policymakers will face as they progress. The report notes that in order to determine the kind of preschool workforce needed, a number of questions about the service delivery system will need resolution, including the extent to which existing early care and education providers will participate in the new system, the scope and types of universal preschool services, setting and auspice issues, and the extent to which universal preschool will be embedded within a comprehensive model of family support. Pointing out that universal preschool offers California an opportunity to confront challenges of qualifications and compensation standards, so that professional development is directly tied to a coherent wage and career ladder, the report contends that when qualification standards are not linked to an appropriate system of financial reward, compensation, qualifications, and retention of preschool staff will vary based on program location, thus failing to address the fundamental need for a skilled, stable, high-quality workforce. The report then summarizes the degree programs and training currently available in California at various levels and discusses challenges to building a universal preschool workforce through existing institutions and delivery mechanisms as they relate to articulation, content, and institution capacity. The report concludes with recommendations for workforce development, staff qualifications and compensation, and professional development needs and higher education system capacity. Appendices include a profile of California's current early care and education workforce and a description of Massachusetts' workforce development board. (Contains 29 references.) (KB)