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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 Learning and Care Division 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
  • MB 23-03 and PLIS FAQs (added 08-Nov-2023)
    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding Management Bulletin 23-03 and the Preschool Language Information System (PLIS).
  • PLIS Data Reporting Schedule (added 08-Nov-2023)
    Schedule of due dates and submission periods for the Preschool Language Information System (PLIS) Report.
  • Child Care and Development Programs (added 26-Oct-2023)
    Brief descriptions of Title 5 child development programs, quality improvement activities, and Local Child Care and Development Planning Councils.
  • Management Bulletin 23-09 (added 20-Oct-2023)
    Provides information and guidance on the Continued Funding Application for Fiscal Year 2024-25 for Early Education California State Preschool Program (CSPP) contractors.
  • Continued Funding Application FAQs (added 20-Oct-2023)
    Answers to Frequently Asked Questions relating to Management Bulletin 23-09 on the Fiscal Year 2023–24 Continued Funding Application.