ARPA Funded Rate Adjustments
Information regarding questions on per-child stipends funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).Early Education Division Email
Date Sent: April 19, 2023
Expires: Not Applicable
Attention: Executive Directors and Program Directors of all California State Preschool Programs
The purpose of this email is to address questions the California Department of Education (CDE) has received from California State Preschool Program (CSPP) contractors regarding the $1,442 per-child stipends that programs administered by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) will be receiving, as originally communicated through Child Care Bulletin (CCB) No. 23-08, which can be accessed at https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/CCBs/2023/CCB_23-08.pdf?ver=2023-03-30-161203-310.
The CDE does not presently have the legal authority to allocate a per-child stipend to CSPP contractors. The CDSS’ plans to issue stipends to its contractors did not account for stipends for CSPP. Immediately upon becoming aware of CDSS’ plans, the CDE identified this oversight and began seeking solutions with the CDSS, the Department of Finance, and the Legislature in fall 2022. The CDE elevated this issue multiple times and has been working to ensure equitable access to financial relief across all early learning and care programs. While the necessary changes to law have not yet been made to allow the CDE to issue funding, the CDE will continue to work towards access to this support for CSPP contractors with the Administration and the Legislature.
The CDE will provide CSPP contractors with updates regarding reimbursement rate relief through the use of federal pandemic relief funds as information becomes available.
Sincerely,
Stephen Propheter, Director
Early Education Division
California Department of Education