California offers a comprehensive network of subsidized child care and development programs designed to support families with children from birth to 5 years old. These programs ensure that even families with limited income have access to quality care, fostering early childhood development during these crucial years. This overview details the various program types available, helping families navigate the options and find the best fit for their needs.
Voucher-Based Child Care Programs
Voucher-based programs empower families by providing financial assistance to choose their preferred child care setting. This flexibility allows parents to select licensed child care centers, licensed family child care homes, or even license-exempt care arrangements that best suit their child and family dynamics.
CalWORKs Stage Two Child Care (C2AP)
The CalWORKs Stage Two Child Care program (C2AP) is a vital resource for families transitioning off of cash aid. Once a family is deemed stable by the county welfare department, they become eligible for Stage Two. Families can benefit from Stage Two or the initial Stage One assistance for up to 24 months after discontinuing cash aid. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) partners with Alternative Payment Program (APP) agencies to manage Stage Two. Additionally, California Community Colleges also contribute by administering a portion of Stage Two services through on-campus child care centers or vouchers for student parents. For in-depth information, explore the CalWORKs child care webpage.
Alternative Payment Program (CAPP)
Alternative Payment Programs (CAPP) bridge the gap for eligible low-income families by offering vouchers funded through federal and state resources. These programs assist families, including those in CalWORKs Child Care or CAPP, in securing child care services and directly managing payments to the chosen child care provider. This streamlined approach simplifies the process for families seeking affordable child care.
Migrant Alternative Payment Program (CMAP)
The Migrant Alternative Payment Program (CMAP) is specifically tailored to support eligible migrant families in California’s Central Valley. CMAP provides vouchers redeemable with child care providers throughout the region, ensuring consistent care as families move for agricultural work. This program serves children from birth through 12 years, and older children with exceptional needs, offering stability and support to this mobile community.
Direct Contract – Title 5 Subsidized Child Care Programs
Direct contract child care programs, funded under Title 5, represent another significant avenue for subsidized care. These center-based programs are directly managed by CDSS and the California Department of Education (CDE). CDE oversees the California State Preschool Program, while CDSS administers key programs like the General Child Care Program (CCTR), the Severely Handicapped Program (CHAN), and the Family Child Care Home Education Networks (CFCC) Program. The state directly contracts with child care centers and Family Child Care Home Education Networks, allocating a fixed number of subsidized slots. Title 5 programs adhere to stringent Title 5 and Title 22 regulations, with Title 5 imposing more rigorous child-to-adult ratios and staff qualification standards compared to Title 22.
General Child Care and Development (CCTR)
General Child Care and Development Programs, encompassing CCTR and Family Child Care Home Education Networks, are jointly funded by state and federal resources. These programs operate through centers and family child care home networks managed by public or private agencies, as well as local educational agencies. They deliver comprehensive child development services for children from infancy to 12 years, including older children with special needs. CCTR programs emphasize developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive, and linguistically relevant education. Furthermore, they provide essential meals and snacks, parent education opportunities, referrals to health and social services, and professional development for staff.
Migrant Child Care and Development Programs (CMIG)
Migrant Child Care and Development Programs (CMIG) mirror the CCTR model but are specifically designed for migrant families. Operating through centers and family child care home networks, CMIG programs offer culturally, linguistically, and developmentally appropriate care for children from birth to 12 years, and older children with exceptional needs in agricultural worker families. Like CCTR, CMIG includes meals, parent education, health and social service referrals tailored to agricultural families, and staff development resources.
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, extending up to 21 years of age. Funded through federal and state sources, CHAN is currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area, focusing on specialized support for children with significant disabilities.
Family Child Care Home Education Networks (CFCC)
Family Child Care Home Education Networks (CFCC) cater to families eligible for subsidized care by creating consortia of licensed family child care homes within communities. CFCC provides a network of child care and development services, coupled with parenting education and referrals to social and health services. These networks also invest in the quality of care by offering training for child care providers and staff, conducting quality assessments of participating homes, developing child profiles, and fostering parent engagement.
The California Head Start State Collaboration Office
Head Start, a national program under the Office of Head Start (OHS), is a cornerstone of early childhood development for low-income families. California’s Head Start program is the largest in the nation, offering comprehensive developmental services from birth until elementary school entry. Many California Head Start programs integrate Head Start funding with state and federal resources to provide full-year, full-day services. The California Head Start State Collaboration Office (CHSSCO) facilitates cooperation between Head Start agencies and other entities supporting low-income children and families. CHSSCO works with state agencies and local organizations to shape and improve policies and practices related to young children. For more information, visit the Head Start Collaboration Office website.
California’s commitment to early childhood education is evident in its diverse array of child care programs for children ages birth to 5 years. These programs, whether voucher-based or directly contracted, aim to provide accessible, high-quality care that supports both children’s development and families’ economic stability. Families are encouraged to explore these options to find the most suitable program to nurture their child’s early learning journey.
