Dear CalWORKs Child Care Contractors:

It is with sadness that I have instructed my staff to issue this directive to begin terminating services to families and children receiving CalWORKs child care, consistent with the 2011 Budget Act. I am well aware of the tremendous workload that CalWORKs Stage 3 contractors were required to complete over the last 14 months.

My staff and I remain committed to working with the Legislature and Governor to identify any resources that could restore the reductions made to child care and development programs this fiscal year, including CalWORKs Stage 3. However, in light of potentially insufficient funding for Stage 3 for many contractors across the state, it is necessary to provide this directive for the termination of services.

We know that high-quality child care services are one of the most important components to assist parents in finding and maintaining employment while supporting young children and preparing them for school. My staff will be available to provide assistance to contractors during this difficult time, and are open to suggestions from our agencies on any possible way to make this extremely difficult task less onerous and burdensome.

Sincerely,

/s/

Tom Torlakson

TT:nr

Child Development Division Management Bulletin 11-36