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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.

Audit Guide for Child Development Contracts
Guidelines for independent auditors who conduct examination of child development services contracts administered by the California Department of Education (CDE).

California Code of Regulations

Regulations are program requirements formally adopted by state agencies, which are also reviewed and approved by the Office of Administrative Law, and filed with the Secretary of State.

  • Title 5, Chapter 18.5 External link opens in new window or tab.
    California State Preschool Programs, Subchapters 1-11, Sections 17700-17833

  • Title 22 External link opens in new window or tab.
    Community care facilities license regulations, including child care centers.

California School Accounting Manual

Comprehensive reference source of acceptable accounting principles and practices for local educational agencies.

Federal Program Monitoring/Contract Monitoring Review 2019-20 Program Instrument
The CDE performs reviews of programs offering subsidized child development services. This assessment tool presents each compliance area the child development consultant examines.

Education Code External link opens in new window or tab.
Statutes applied to child care programs identified within the Child Care and Development Services Act.

Contract Terms and Conditions

In conjunction with California Education Code and Title 5, California Code of Regulations, these documents are prepared by contract type and represent a compilation of required program implementation practices.

Early Identification Legislative Report

Proposed Tools and Process for the Early Identification of Developmental Delays and Learning Disabilities - Legislative Report

Early Education Teacher Development Grant Legislative Report

Report to the Legislature and Department of Finance – Evaluating the Impact of the Early Education Teacher Development Grant Expenditures and Outcomes

Questions:   Early Education Division | 916-322-6233
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
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Recently Posted in Early Education
  • Management Bulletin 25–08 (added 22-Aug-2025)
    Fiscal Year 2026-27 Continued Funding Application information, forms, and instructions for California State Preschool Program contractors.
  • Continued Funding Application FAQs (added 13-Aug-2025)
    Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) relating to the Continued Funding Application (CFA).
  • Data Reporting - Child Gender (added 07-Aug-2025)
    The Child Gender information field indicates whether the child receiving subsidized child care services through an agency’s contract with the Early Education Division (EED) is female, male, and non-binary.
  • Is this Provider License-Exempt? (added 06-Aug-2025)
    The ‘Is this Provider License-Exempt?’ field indicates whether the provider is license-exempt or if they hold an active license number.
  • Head-of-Household Zip Code (added 06-Aug-2025)
    The HoH Zip Code information field indicates the zip code of the residence of the HoH for the family receiving subsidized childcare services through an agency’s contract with the EED.

  • Is Child Receiving Extended Learning and Care? (added 05-Aug-2025)
    The “Is Child Receiving Extended Learning and Care?” field applies to children in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) or Kindergarten (K) who also attend part-day California State Preschool Program (CSPP) during non-instructional hours.
  • Child’s Eligibility (added 05-Aug-2025)
    801A data field “Child’s Eligibility” indicates the criteria in which a child is eligible for California State Preschool Program (CSPP) services, as specified in California Education Code (EC) Section 8208(d)(4).
  • Is Child Enrolled in a CDSS Program? (added 05-Aug-2025)
    The “Is Child Enrolled in a California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Program?” field shows if a child is also in a CDSS program while enrolled in California State Preschool Program (CSPP) with the California Department of Education (CDE).
  • Is Child Enrolled in a Head Start Program? (added 05-Aug-2025)
    The ‘Is Child Enrolled in a Head Start Program?’ field indicates whether the child is also enrolled in a Head Start program, in addition to being enrolled in California State Preschool Program (CSPP) with the California Department of Education (CDE).
  • Provider License Number (added 05-Aug-2025)
    The "Provider License Number" field indicates the license number of the provider. If a provider holds an active Department of Social Services (CDSS) Facility License Number, this number should be entered into this field.