CAPSDAC Update #8
This web page includes information related to updates to resources for the California Preschool Data Collection (CAPSDAC) System Monthly Data Submission.To: Local Educational Agency (LEA) Representatives
From: California Department of Education (CDE) – California Preschool Data Collection (CAPSDAC) Team
Date: June 5, 2026
Subject: CAPSDAC Update #8
Finalized CAPSDAC 2.0 Data Domains and Fields
The California Department of Education (CDE) published the finalized version of the California Preschool Data Collection (CAPSDAC) 2.0 Data Domains and Fields, to the CAPSDAC Planning Resources for Upcoming Release web page under “CAPSDAC Data Domains and Fields.”
Please note that any significant changes made are noted in the revision history tab. Version 7 is the current release, published in May 2026.
Agencies and software vendors are strongly encouraged to reference this file during the preparation period for CAPSDAC 2.0, including for beta testing, the optional testing period, and for when CAPSDAC 2.0 is live for required data certification. Agencies will be responsible for submitting and certifying all contents from the data domains and fields.
CAPSDAC 2.0 File Upload Templates
The CDE published a revised CAPSDAC 2.0 File Upload Template, which provides Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and software vendors with sample templates and detailed instructions for preparing and uploading comma-separated value files to the CAPSDAC 2.0. This file includes built-in field validation rules, and required or optional field indicators.
This template will support LEAs and agencies in correctly formatting and submitting data during the certification process. The CAPSDAC 2.0 File Upload Template can be found on the CAPSDAC Planning Resources for Upcoming Release web page under “CAPSDAC 2.0 File Upload Template.”
Please note that any significant changes made are noted in the revision history tab. Version 4 is the current release, published in May 2026.
The CDE has also published a second CAPSDAC 2.0 template, titled CAPSDAC 2.0 File Upload Template with Code Set Drop-Down, that includes the additional feature of drop-down options for applicable Code Set values for fields with limited response values. This resource helps LEAs and agencies select valid reporting codes for each field, reduce formatting errors, and prepare data files for successful upload and certification in the CAPSDAC 2.0 system. The CAPSDAC 2.0 File Upload Template with Code Set Drop-Down Validations can be found in the CAPSDAC Planning Resources for Upcoming Release web page under “CAPSDAC 2.0 File Upload Template with Code Set Drop-Down Validations.”
CAPSDAC 2.0 Manual Documents
The CDE published the CAPSDAC 2.0 User Manual Appendix A: Data Definitions in April 2026. This document provides detailed definitions, reporting guidance, and rules for the data elements collected in CAPSDAC 2.0. It explains global data fields and operational keys, identifies where agencies can locate required data, and includes code set references and EED-9600 form connections to support accurate CAPSDAC submission and data management by LEAs and program staff. The CAPSDAC 2.0 User Manual Appendix A: Data Definitions can be found on the CAPSDAC Planning Resources for Upcoming Release web page under “CAPSDAC 2.0 User Manual Appendix A: Data Definitions.”
Updated Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) Statutory Age Eligibility Calculator for 2026–2027
The CDE has released an update on the Pre-K Statutory Age Eligibility Calculator web tool for the California State Preschool Program (CSPP) and Transitional Kindergarten (TK). California law specifies the ages by which children are eligible for the CSPP and TK. This tool allows users to enter a child's date of birth to determine age eligibility for a month within the selected fiscal year. After these three fields have been input, the calculator can inform users on the child’s CSPP and TK Age Eligibility Status.
This calculator is available for use and can be found at Pre-K Age Eligibility Calculator.
How to Use the Pre-K Age Eligibility Calculator: After navigating to the Pre-K Age Eligibility Calculator site, choose the fiscal year you would like to check the child’s age eligibility for. After selecting the correct fiscal year, select the correct reporting period from the drop-down menu list. Then, input the child’s birthdate and click the “Check Age Eligibility” button. You should now see the child’s statutory Age Eligibility Status for CSPP and TK.
Updated Family Fee Rate Calculator for 2026–2027
The CDE has also released an update on the Family Fee Rate Calculator web tool for the CSPP. Effective July 1, 2026, at initial certification or at recertification, a family will be considered income eligible if that family’s adjusted monthly income is at or below 115 percent of the State Median Income (SMI), adjusted for family size. Children from families whose income is between 100 percent and 115 percent of the SMI may not exceed 10 percent of the participating CSPP's total contract enrollment. At initial certification or at recertification, contractors will determine a family’s income eligibility, as directed in Management Bulletin 26-03. Contractors should also use the Family Fee Rate Calculator to determine the family fee they collect.
This calculator is available for use and can be found at Family Fee Rate Calculator.
How to Use Family Fee Rate Calculator: After navigating to the Family Fee Rate Calculator site, choose the fiscal year for which you would like to check the family fee. After selecting the correct fiscal year, select the county and family size from the drop-down menu list. Then, input Monthly Income and click the “Get Family Fee Rates” button. You should now see the Family Fee Rates for Monthly Part-time fee and Monthly Full-time fee.