Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Child Care Reporting-Federal Processing Code


The Head-of-Household (HoH) Federal Information Processing Standards Code information field indicates the code that identifies the state and county in which the HoH receiving subsidized child care services through an agency’s contract with the Early Education Division (EED) lives.

Important: Enter the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) code of the HoH’s residence; do not use the FIPS code of the provider.

Where to Find It

On the EED-9600, look in the box “FIPS Code” in Section I: Family Identification.

Use the “Zip/FIPS Lookup” function available on the Child Development Management Information System (CDMIS) Main Menu to look up a FIPS code. Update the family’s file with this information for future reference.

Rules and Guidelines

  • This information field is required.

  • Valid California FIPS codes are “06001” to “06115.”

  • The FIPS code consists of a two-digit state code and a three-digit county code. The dropdown box automatically displays the correct FIPS code for the county selected.

  • The FIPS code must be consistent with the zip code. For example, the FIPS code for Sacramento County should be entered only for families who reside in Sacramento County.

  • The FIPS code must be consistent with the zip code for the family.

Error Messages and Solutions

  • The FIPS Code is required. [801A Electronic File Transfer], [801A Input/Edit]

    Problem: No FIPS code has been provided.

    Solution: Enter the FIPS code for the county where the family resides.

  • Invalid FIPS Code. [801A Electronic File Transfer only]

    Problem: The FIPS Code entered is not a valid code for California.

    Solution: Confirm that a valid California FIPS code is entered.

  • The Zip Code does not exist in the FIPS Code provided. [801A Electronic File Transfer], [801A Input/Edit]

    Problem: A zip code that does not exist in the county indicated by the HoH’s FIPS code is entered.

    Solution: Confirm that the correct family zip code and HoH FIPS codes are entered. Use the “Zip/FIPS Lookup” function available on the CDMIS Main Menu to verify zip code and FIPS code information.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a FIPS Code and how do I find it?

    FIPS stands for Federal Information Processing Standards. In California, FIPS codes are assigned by county. If the county is known, the FIPS code can be found at the United State Census website as American National Standards (ANSI) and FIPS Codes External link opens in new window or tab. .

    For residents of contiguous states, the FIPS code is the two-digit state code followed by three numbers associated with the counties in those states. The CDMIS maintains a Zip/FIPS Lookup function that can be accessed from the Main Menu. Input the zip code into this function; the CDMIS provides the correct FIPS code to enter in files.

    Note: Enter the zip code where the HoH resides (not where the family receives subsidized child care services).

Return to Appendix A: Data Definitions

Questions:   CDMIS Office | CDMIS@cde.ca.gov
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Recently Posted in Early Education
  • Data Reporting - Child Gender (added 07-Aug-2025)
    The Child Gender information field indicates whether the child receiving subsidized child care services through an agency’s contract with the Early Education Division (EED) is female, male, and non-binary.
  • Is this Provider License-Exempt? (added 06-Aug-2025)
    The ‘Is this Provider License-Exempt?’ field indicates whether the provider is license-exempt or if they hold an active license number.
  • Head-of-Household Zip Code (added 06-Aug-2025)
    The HoH Zip Code information field indicates the zip code of the residence of the HoH for the family receiving subsidized childcare services through an agency’s contract with the EED.
  • Child’s Eligibility (added 05-Aug-2025)
    801A data field “Child’s Eligibility” indicates the criteria in which a child is eligible for California State Preschool Program (CSPP) services, as specified in California Education Code (EC) Section 8208(d)(4).
  • Is Child Receiving Extended Learning and Care? (added 05-Aug-2025)
    The “Is Child Receiving Extended Learning and Care?” field applies to children in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) or Kindergarten (K) who also attend part-day California State Preschool Program (CSPP) during non-instructional hours.

  • Is Child Enrolled in a CDSS Program? (added 05-Aug-2025)
    The “Is Child Enrolled in a California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Program?” field shows if a child is also in a CDSS program while enrolled in California State Preschool Program (CSPP) with the California Department of Education (CDE).
  • Is Child Enrolled in a Head Start Program? (added 05-Aug-2025)
    The ‘Is Child Enrolled in a Head Start Program?’ field indicates whether the child is also enrolled in a Head Start program, in addition to being enrolled in California State Preschool Program (CSPP) with the California Department of Education (CDE).
  • Provider Address 1 (added 05-Aug-2025)
    New 801A data field “Provider Address 1” indicates the address where the provider offers California State Preschool Program (CSPP) services.
  • Provider Address 2 (added 05-Aug-2025)
    801A data field “Provider Address 2” indicates the secondary components of the address where the provider offers California State Preschool Program (CSPP) services.
  • Provider City (added 05-Aug-2025)
    801A data field “Provider City” indicates the formal name of the city or town where provider offers California State Preschool Program (CSPP) services.