Head-of-Household Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 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 ELCD-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
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This information field is required.
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Valid California FIPS codes are “06001” to “06115.”
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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.
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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.
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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], [801B]
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], [801B]
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 National Institute of Standards and Technology
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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