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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 services to babies, toddlers, and children in preschool, kindergarten, and other grades. Some programs assist children with disabilities and children of migrant farm workers. 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 often paid for with state and federal tax money.

The California Department of Education helps manage several child care 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 child development 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.
Resources
Resources for child development contractors, families and the child care community.
Race to the Top -- Early Learning Challenge
The Race to the Top -- Early Learning Challenge focuses on improving California early learning and development programs and increases access to high-quality programs for high-needs children.
California Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC)
The ELAC is a governor-appointed leadership body that ensures statewide coordination and collaboration among early childhood programs in the state that will help define the future policy direction for children birth to kindergarten.