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Early Education

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 education 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.
Interest Holder 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 Early Education
  • CAPSDAC Update #3 (added 16-Oct-2024)
    This web page includes information related to updates in the CAPSDAC Monthly Data Submission.
  • Early Education Careers Webinar (added 11-Oct-2024)
    Early Education Careers Webinar December 2023.
  • CDMIS Update #36 (added 04-Oct-2024)
    Child Development Management Information System (CDMIS) Update Regarding New Date for Separation of CDMIS
  • CAPSDAC Update #2 (added 27-Sep-2024)
    This web page includes information related to updates in the CAPSDAC Monthly Data Submission.
  • CLASS Frequently Asked Questions for CSPP (added 25-Sep-2024)
    This page includes answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about classroom assessment requirements in the California State Preschool Program (CSPP) and implementation of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®) and CLASS Environment®.

  • Dual Language Learner (DLL) Support (updated 12-Sep-2024)
    Technical support, guidance, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and resources for the identification, reporting, and support of dual language learners in the California State Preschool Program (CSPP).
  • Pilot Legislative Report (added 12-Sep-2024)
    Executive Summary of the legislative report mandated by Assembly Bill 1294 (Statutes of 2021).