California offers a variety of subsidized child care and development programs designed to support families and ensure children have access to quality early learning experiences. While some programs are linked to CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids), a significant portion falls under the direct administration of agencies like the California Department of Education (CDE). This overview focuses on child care programs not tied to CalWORKs, specifically those managed or overseen by the CDE, providing crucial support to families across the state.
Direct Contracts – Title 5 Subsidized Child Care (CDE Administered)
The California Department of Education directly administers several key child care programs through direct contracts with child care centers and family child care home education networks. These programs, often referred to as Title 5 subsidized child care, operate under more stringent regulations than Title 22 programs, particularly in child-to-adult ratios and staff qualifications, emphasizing high-quality care and developmental support.
General Child Care and Development (CCTR)
General Child Care and Development Programs (CCTR), including Family Child Care Home Education Networks, are funded by both state and federal resources. These programs are implemented through contracts with public or private agencies and local educational agencies. CCTR programs offer comprehensive child development services for children from infancy to 12 years, and for older children with special needs. A core component is providing an educational curriculum that is developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive, and linguistically relevant to the children they serve. Furthermore, CCTR programs are committed to holistic family support, offering meals and snacks to children, parent education opportunities, referrals to essential health and social services, and professional development for staff.
Migrant Child Care and Development Programs (CMIG)
Similar in structure to CCTR, Migrant Child Care and Development Programs (CMIG) cater specifically to the needs of migrant families. Administered through centers and family child care home networks by public or private agencies and local educational agencies, CMIG programs provide culturally, linguistically, and developmentally appropriate care for children from birth through 12 years, including older children with exceptional needs. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by agricultural families, CMIG programs also provide meals, snacks, parent education, referrals to health and social services tailored for agricultural families, and staff development opportunities, ensuring consistent support as families move for agricultural work.
Children with Severe Disabilities (CHAN)
The Children with Severe Disabilities (CHAN) program is dedicated to providing enhanced access to child care and development services for children with exceptional needs up to the age of 21. Funded by federal and state resources, CHAN programs address the critical need for specialized care, ensuring that children with severe disabilities receive the support they require to thrive in child care settings. Currently operating in the San Francisco Bay Area, CHAN represents a targeted effort to support families with unique caregiving responsibilities.
Family Child Care Education Home Networks (CFCC)
Family Child Care Education Home Networks (CFCC) represent a community-based approach to subsidized child care. CFCCs are consortia of licensed family child care homes that collaborate to deliver child care and development services to families eligible for subsidies. Beyond direct care, CFCCs offer parenting education, social and health service referrals, and professional development for child care providers and their staff. They also conduct quality assessments of participating licensed family child care homes, track child development through profiles, and actively encourage parent involvement, creating a robust support system for both families and providers within the network.
The California Head Start State Collaboration Office
While Head Start is primarily a federal program, California’s Head Start State Collaboration Office (CHSSCO) plays a vital role in the state’s early childhood education landscape. Head Start programs nationally, administered by the Office of Head Start (OHS), offer comprehensive developmental services to children from low-income families from birth to elementary school entry. California boasts the largest Head Start program in the nation. The CHSSCO facilitates collaboration between Head Start agencies and various entities supporting low-income children and families. This collaboration aims to align and enhance state and local policies and practices related to early childhood development. For more information, the Head Start Collaboration Office website provides further details on their initiatives and partnerships: Head Start Collaboration Office website.
In conclusion, the California Department of Education plays a central role in administering a range of non-CalWORKs subsidized child care programs. These programs, including CCTR, CMIG, CHAN, and CFCC, are crucial for providing accessible, high-quality child care and development services to diverse populations across California, ensuring that children have a strong foundation for future success.
