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.
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For help finding information on child care in your area, visit the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency County Listing.
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The Child Care and Development Programs - CalEdFacts page provides a more detailed overview of child care and development programs in California.
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The links and information below were developed for educators and others who work with child care and development programs in California.
Helpful Links
Descriptions of and budget information about child development programs administered by the Department.
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.
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.
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 for child development contractors, families and the child care community.
Leadership bodies that ensure statewide collaboration among early childhood programs that will help to define future policy for children birth to kindergarten.