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Child Development

There are many child care and development programs in California. These programs are for children from birth to age twelve. They offer early learning and after-school services to babies, toddlers, children in preschool, and children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Some programs assist children with disabilities and children of migrant farm workers. Many of the programs were set up to help parents with child care while they work.

Child care and development programs can provide care, education, and food for children. They are paid for with state and federal tax money, and in some cases, parent fees.

The California Department of Education helps manage several child care and development programs in California.


Program Overview
Descriptions of and budget information about child development programs administered by the Department.
Contractor Information
Resources and important information for Early Learning and Care Division contractors, including Desired Results, management bulletins, forms, fiscal services, child development permits, and data reporting.
Laws, Regulations, & Requirements
Legal and regulatory requirements contained in Education Code, California Code of Regulations, Funding Terms & Conditions, Compliance Review Instrument, California School Accounting Manual, and Audit Guide.
Quality Rating and Improvement System
A Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) is a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early and school-age care and education programs.
Resources
Resources for child development contractors, families and the child care community.
Stakeholder Groups
Leadership bodies that ensure statewide collaboration among early childhood programs that will help to define future policy for children birth to kindergarten.
Recently Posted in Child Development
  • ARPA Funding for Early Education FAQs (added 27-Oct-2021)
    Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) stabilization funding application.
  • ARPA Survey Information (added 15-Oct-2021)
    This page contains the survey questions contained in the ARPA Stabilization Fund Application.
  • MB 21-13 (added 29-Sep-2021)
    This Management Bulletin (MB) provides information and guidance to CSPP contractors related to meeting the program quality requirements of the CSPP contract and any flexibilities allowed due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • MB 21-12 (added 17-Sep-2021)
    This Management Bulletin provides Guidance on Family Fees for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021–22.