Program Self-Evaluation FAQs

Fiscal Year (FY) 2025–26 Program Self-Evaluation (PSE)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the requirements for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025–26 Program Self-Evaluation (PSE)?

• The CSPP contractor must analyze the findings from the self-evaluation of items 1-25 on the Program Instrument. Key Dimensions one (1) through five (5), including the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP), the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), and the Desired Results Parent Survey, and complete the survey to summarize the following:
  • An assessment of the staff and board members’ (as applicable) participation in the PSE, and
  • Program areas that did not meet standards and a list of tasks to improve in those areas in a timely and effective manner, and
  • Program areas that did meet standards and procedures for ongoing monitoring to ensure those areas continue to meet standards and
  • Current data indicating the percentage of children enrolled with Children with Exceptional Needs and Dual Language Learners.
    

What forms must be submitted to the California Department of Education (CDE), Early Education Division (EED)?

• California State Preschool Program (CSPP) contractors will submit a summary of findings using the Program Self-Evaluation Survey Form, and a Training Needs Survey using SNAP Survey. All other documents must be kept on-site and available upon request.

What is the deadline for submitting the PSE survey to the CDE, EED?

• The PSE survey must be submitted to the CDE, EED on or before Monday, June 1, 2026.

Is there a consequence for submitting a late survey or for failing to submit the PSE survey?

• Yes. Submitting the PSE Survey Form, and a Training Needs Survey using SNAP Survey late or failing to submit the PSE and training needs survey may result in a noncompliance finding.

Do California State Preschool Programs (CSPP) need to use all the components of the PSE process (Program Instrument, Classroom Assessment Scoring System, CLASS Environment, and Desired Results Parent Survey)?

• Yes. Contractors with Center-based CSPP programs and/or Family Child Care Home Education Networks are required to complete the PSE using the Program Instrument, Classroom Assessment Scoring System, CLASS Environment, and the Desired Results Parent Survey

Note: All documents required, as part of the PSE process, must be kept on-site, are not included with the submission of the PSE survey, and must be available for review and/or submittal to the EED upon request.

Can contractors use electronic surveys to collect and analyze parent survey data?

• Yes.

Are contractors required to complete one PSE survey if they have both part-day/part-year and full-day/full-year CSPP programs?

• Yes. Gather all the information for both CSPP programs and submit only one Program Self-Evaluation Survey Form and one Training Needs Survey via SNAP Survey per contract.

Do contractors with multiple contracts, including CSPP, submit their PSE to the CDE?

• For CSPP contracts only, submit your PSE Survey Form, and a Training Needs Survey using SNAP Survey to the CDE, EED using the SNAP Survey.
• For all other contract types, contact your assigned California Department of Social Services (CDSS) consultant listed on the CDSS Child Care and Development Contacts web page.
  

Are contractors required to have Board approval for our CSPP PSE?

• The CDE, EED, does not require Board approval. However, your Board may have a policy for Board approval. If so, ensure you place the PSE on the next agenda prior to the PSE due date of June 1, 5:00 p.m.

If a contractor has not operated their program for the current fiscal year is the PSE still required?

• Yes. The PSE still needs to be completed. In the comments, please indicate that the program was not operating for the current fiscal year and why.

Will we receive confirmation our PSE survey has been successfully submitted?

• Yes. For the Program Self-Evaluation Survey Form, you will receive an automated response from the PSEFY2526@cde.ca.gov confirming that your response has been submitted. The Training Needs Survey will be submitted through SNAP Survey. You will receive an automated notification confirming acceptance of the Training Needs Survey. Regional PQI consultants will reach out to contractors individually if additional information is needed.