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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.


Program Overview
Descriptions of and budget information about child development programs administered by the Department.
Contractor Information
Resources and important information for early education contractors, including Desired Results, management bulletins, forms, fiscal services, child development permits, and data reporting.
Laws, Regulations, & Requirements
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.
Quality Rating and Improvement System
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
Resources for child development contractors, families and the child care community.
Interest Holder Groups
Leadership bodies that ensure statewide collaboration among early childhood programs that will help to define future policy for children birth to kindergarten.
Recently Posted in Early Education
  • CAPSDAC Update #6 (added 18-Apr-2025)
    This web page includes information related to updates to resources for the California Preschool Data Collection (CAPSDAC) System Monthly Data Submission.
  • CDMIS Update #37 (added 18-Apr-2025)
    Child Development Management Information System (CDMIS) Update Regarding New Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) Statutory Age Eligibility Calculator
  • Serving Two-Year-Old Children in CSPP FAQ (added 11-Apr-2025)
    Frequently asked questions (FAQ) for serving two-year-old children in California State Preschool Programs (CSPP)
  • Management Bulletin 25-02 (added 19-Mar-2025)
    This Management Bulletin notifies and provides guidance to California State Preschool Program Contractors about requirements for the Fiscal Year 2024–25 Program Self Evaluation.
  • CAPSDAC Update #5 (added 13-Mar-2025)
    This web page includes information related to updates in the California Preschool Data Collection (CAPSDAC) Monthly Data Submission.