The 2025-26 California Spending Plan: Child Care and State Preschool

Nov 14, 2025 - The budget includes a total of $9.8  million in funding and authority for 41 new child care related positions at the Department of Social Services (DSS). Of the total, $6.4  million in federal funding and 29 positions are provided to support a variety of activities, including maintaining compliance with federal rules and administrative functions of the Child Care and Development Division.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5088

The 2020-21 Spending Plan: Early Education

Oct 26, 2020 - Shifts Child Care Programs to the Department of Social Services (DSS). Trailer legislation shifts administration of state child care programs and initiatives from CDE to DSS beginning July 1, 2021. The programs shifting to DSS include CalWORKs Stages 2 and 3, AP, General Child Care, Migrant Child Care, Care for Children with Severe Disabilities, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Head Start State Collaboration Office.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4289

The 2023-24 California Spending Plan: Child Care and State Preschool

Nov 17, 2023 - Trailer legislation requires the Department of Social Services (DSS), in collaboration with the California Department of Education (CDE), to develop and conduct an alternative methodology for a single rate structure.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4817

The 2021-22 Budget: Child Care Proposals

Feb 11, 2021 - Figure 3 Governor Proposes Shifting Positions Across Six Divisions at CDE CDE Division Positions Shifting From CDE to DSS New Positions at CDE 83.0 CDE = California Department of Education and DSS = Department of Social Services.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4363

The 2022-23 Budget: State Preschool

Feb 22, 2022 - Providing access to inclusive settings can help children with disabilities improve in their development and school readiness, as well as provide opportunities for meaningful social interaction with their peers.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4555

Overview of Federal Relief for K-12 Education and Child Care

Apr 29, 2021 - In deciding how to use its ESSER funds, schools are expected to consider student social-emotional needs and the student groups most impacted by COVID-19. Each school district or charter school must also make publicl y available its plan for safe in-person instruction within 30 days of receiving ESSER funding.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4419

A Review of Child Care and Preschool Program Flexibilities in Certain Counties

May 13, 2021 - As “permanent pilot ” counties, San Mateo and San Francisco must submit a report to the Legislature, CDE, and the Department of Social Services (DSS) once every three years. Counties With Flexibilities Has Grown to 13.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4431

The 2019-20 Budget: Overview of the Governor's Budget

Jan 14, 2019 - The state ’s federal Medicaid waiver allows for local initiatives that coordinate health, behavioral health, and social services for Medi ‑Cal beneficiaries. These programs have the option of providing housing and supportive services.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3916

The 2020-21 Budget: CalWORKs Child Care Outlook

Nov 21, 2019 - For Stage 1 child care, the state provides the Department of Social Services an appropriation for the county single allocation block grant. This block grant is intended to cover counties ’ costs for determining families ’ CalWORKs eligibility, providing employment services, covering Stage  1 child care costs, and undertaking various other related administrative functions.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4115

COVID-19: Federal and State Actions Affecting K-12 Education and Child Care

May 14, 2020 - The orders also directed CDE and the Department of Social Services to issue guidance in a number of areas. The most significant guidance is described in greater detail below. Eligibility Changes. The state has expanded eligibility for the remainder of the current fiscal year to allow essential workers to receive state subsidized child care.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4231