Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Contracting Agencies Audit Guidelines

Resources for external auditors and contracting agencies for completing the annual audits of Early Education, Nutrition, Adult Education, and 21st Century Learning Community Centers programs.

Audit Guidelines

Guidelines for independent auditors conducting audits of Early Education, Nutrition, and Adult Education, and 21st Century Community Learning Centers contracts administered by the California Department of Education (CDE).

CDE Audit Guide, Revised 2023 (PDF; 1MB)

CDE Audit Guide, Revised 2025 (PDF; 1MB)

Audit Extension Requests

Contractors may submit a request for a one-time-only, 30-calendar-day extension of time to file the required audit report, provided the inability to submit the audit report by the due date was beyond the fault and control of the contractor. The Extension Request Form (PDF) must be submitted to the CDE Audit Report Review Unit by 4:00 PM on the day prior to the original due date.

Audited Attendance and Fiscal Reports

Forms and instructions for independent auditors to simplify the audit process and facilitate CDE's determination of fiscal year end reimbursable earnings needed to close out child development contracts.

AUD Forms-Fiscal Year 2024-25

AUD Forms-Fiscal Year 2023-24

AUD Forms-Fiscal Year 2022-23

Electronic Submission Process

Instructions and information detailing the electronic submission process for submitting annual audit reports through the CDE’s exFiles File Transfer System are available on the Fiscal Year 24-25 Electronic Submission Instructions page. All agencies are highly encouraged to electronically submit their annual audit reports.

Annual Audit Status Certification (AASC)

Organizations that participate in Early Education, Nutrition, Adult Education, and 21st Century Community Learning Centers programs administered by the California Department of Education (CDE) must annually report to the CDE the total amount of federal and state funds expended during the past fiscal year. The AASC form (PDF), while streamlining this process, does not replace the federal and state requirements to submit an annual audit report to the Federal Clearinghouse External link opens in new window or tab. and to the CDE Audits and Investigations Division.

The AASC form must be completed according to the AASC form instructions and returned to the CDE Audits and Investigations Division by the deadline noted at the top of the form. To ensure the accuracy of reported information, the person completing the AASC form should have knowledge of all your organization’s financial contracts and programs. If the information requested on the AASC form does not apply to your organization for reasons such as cancellation, termination, or voluntary discontinuation of CDE’s programs, please sign, date, and return the form with a notation stating the reason of non-applicability.

Submit your organization’s completed and signed AASC form to:

Robert Hoyer, Associate Governmental Program Analyst
California Department of Education
Audits and Investigations Division
1430 N Street, Suite 5319
Sacramento, CA 95814

Failure to timely submit the AASC form to the CDE Audits and Investigations Division may jeopardize your continued participation in all programs administered by the CDE.

If you need assistance with the AASC form, please contact Robert Hoyer, Staff Services Analyst, at 916-445-6776.

Resources

Early Education Fiscal Services Web Site
Information on child care and development programs that includes (1) contract funding terms and conditions and (2) fiscal reporting and reimbursement procedures (the "Greenbook").

Government Auditing Standards (the "Yellowbook") External link opens in new window or tab.
United States Government Accountability Office’s standards for use by auditors of government entities and entities that receive government awards and audit organizations performing audits under these standards.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations External link opens in new window or tab.
Part 200—Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

Questions: Robert Hoyer | rhoyer@cde.ca.gov | 916-445-6776 
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Trending in Auditing
Recently Posted in Auditing