(Updated January 19, 2023)
View COVID-19 Federal Resources and Updates.
Summary of California County Child Care COVID-19 Initiatives
Early Edge California has compiled a summary of how California is providing resources to families and providers at the county level.
- EECA Summary: California Counties – Child Care Initiatives
- Highlights from Los Angeles’ Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 Updates from the State of California
(Update February 21, 2021) CDC-California K-12 Schools Guidance Crosswalk | The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under President Biden issued guidance on safely resuming in-person instruction in K-12 schools. The CDC guidance is a set of non-mandatory recommendations and does not supersede existing state or local guidance. As state and local officials study the CDC approach and recommendations, this document is intended to serve as an initial crosswalk between the new CDC guidance and existing California guidance. The CDC guidance is highly aligned with California’s approach. Where there are differences, California’s health and safety standards for school staff and students are generally more cautious. Learn more by reading the full CDC-California K-12 Schools Guidance Crosswalk and visiting California’s Safe Schools For All Hub.
(Update June 5, 2020) California Department of Public Health, California Department of Social Services, and Cal/OSHA released guidance for childcare programs and providers. The guidelines are based on the available data that currently exists and will be updated as new data and practices emerge.
(Update April 30, 2020) Governor Newsom announced the establishment of a new Child Care Portal which helps parents to find safe and licensed child care providers in California. The Child Care Portal at CA.gov is a new resource for families working in essential fields (such as health care, postal services, grocery and agriculture, police, and emergency services) who are looking for child care services. By typing in your zip code, you will be able to see child care centers and homes that are currently open, their capacity, licensing history, and other useful information for choosing care. This new portal provides information on family care homes and centers throughout the state. Find child care options in your community.
During his daily press conference today, Governor Newsom also shared another new resource that launched today called Carina, a multi-state effort to provide quality, licensed child care to working families. Local child care providers regularly post when they have open slots so that families in need of child care can search and contact them quickly. The SEIU, AFSCME, and the SEIU Education and Support Fund, along with Carina, are sponsoring this joint effort to bring together families and care providers. Learn more.
Governor Newsom’s Executive Order to Provide Expanded Access to Child Care for Essential Workers During COVID-19
Governor Newsom signed an executive order on April 4, 2020 describing the need for state-subsidized child care among workers in essential industries, including workers who may previously not have required child care or who now require more child care due to their work responsibilities during COVID-19. We applaud Governor Newsom’s leadership and continued support for families and their children during the COVID-19 crisis. Early Edge California has compiled a summary outlining key points from this executive order.
- Summary on Executive Order for Expanded Access to Child Care for Essential Workers During COVID-19
- CDE Guidelines on Emergency Child Care Services for Essential Workers & At-Risk Populations
New Guidance Documents from CDE/CHHS
On Tuesday, March 17, 2020 the California Department of Education (CDE), in conjunction with the California Health and Human Services (CHHS) Agency released guidance measures for schools amid the COVID-19 crisis. The resources provide guidance regarding distance learning, school meals, and child care and student supervision. The guidance for child care and student supervision includes those for:
- Families
- Local Educational Agencies
- Temporary Emergency Child Care Facilities
- Subsidized Child Care Providers
The Governor’s Office and CDE are deeply committed to the state’s students and, although this is a dynamic and fluid situation, there are dedicated officials who are focused on providing guidance and resources for the state’s students and families. Additional guidance will be released from the California Department of Education each Friday and updated guidance will be issued as necessary.
- Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
- Read Full COVID-19 Guidance for K-12 Schools – Health Services & School Nursing from the CDE/CHHS
- Child Care and Student Supervision
- Early Edge California’s Summary of the CDE’s COVID-19 Guidance
CDE Management Bulletins
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-04: COVID-19 Guidance on SB 117
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-04A Updated Guidance on Apportionment, Attendance, and Reporting Requirements
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-06A: Childcare for Essential Workers
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-06A: Clarifying Guidance
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-08: COVID-19 Guidance on Procurement and Audits
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-09: Program Self Evaluation, Contract Monitoring, and Program Quality Requirements
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-10: FCC Home Education Networks
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-11: Emergency Closures
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-12: Revised State Median Income (SMI) Ceilings and Income Ranking Table for Fiscal Year 2020–21
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-13: Family Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2020–21
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-14: Guidance Regarding the Temporary Extension of Emergency Childcare Services
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-15: Fiscal Year 2020–21 Alternative Payment Provider Reimbursement Requirements and Data Collection Requirements
- Management Bulletin 20-15A: Alternative Payment Provider Reimbursement Requirements
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-16: Continued Funding Application Fiscal Year 2021–22
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-17: Requirements for Distance Learning
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-18: Reopening and Reimbursement Requirements for Direct Service Contractors
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-19: Family Fees for 2020-21
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-19A: Updated Guidance on Family Fees for 2020-21
- CDE Management Bulletin 20-20: Non-COVID-19 Emergency Closure Requests
- CDE Management Bulletin 21-01: Guidance to R&Rs and LPCS during COVID
- CDE Management Bulletin 21-02: Guidance on Implementation of Program Quality Requirements during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- CDE Management Bulletin 21-03: Revised Guidance on 12-Month Eligibility
- CDE Management Bulletin 21-03: RESCINDED Revised Guidance on 12-Month Eligibility
- CDE Management Bulletin 21-04: California State Preschool Program Free or Reduced-Price Meal Eligibility Criteria
- CDE Management Bulletin 21-05: Fiscal Year 2020-21 Program Self Evaluation
- CDE Management Bulletin 21-06: Updated Reimbursement Requirements for Alternative Payment Programs and Providers
- CDE Management Bulletin 21-07: Updated Reopening and Reimbursement Requirements for Direct Service Contractors
- CDE Management Bulletin 21-08: Guidance Regarding the Extension of Temporary Emergency Child Care Services, Enrolling New Families in Temporary Emergency Child Care, Transition into Ongoing Child Care Services, and Assessment of Family Fees for Essential Workers and At-Risk Populations
- CDE Management Bulletin 21-08: Updated Enrollment Requirements for Alternative Payment (AP) Contractors
- CDE Management Bulletin 21-09: Revised State Median Income (SMI) Ceilings and Income Ranking Table for FY 2021–22
- CDE Management Bulletin 21-10: Non-COVID-19 Emergency Closure Requests for Fiscal Year 2021-22
Child Care and Development Bulletins
- Child Care and Development Bulletin 21-04: (CalWORKs) Stage One Child Care Reimbursement Report Revision (CCP 2145)
- Child Care and Development Bulletin 21-05: Revised State Median Income Ceilings and Income Ranking Table for FY 2021-22
- Child Care and Development Bulletin 21-06: Revised Family Fee Schedule for FY 2021-22
- Child Care and Development Bulletin 21-07: Reimbursement Based on Enrollment Rather than Attendance and Signature Requirements for Child Care and Development Programs
- Child Care and Development Bulletin 21-08: Child Care Providers United – California (CCPU) Access to Preservice Meetings and Orientations
- Child Care and Development Bulletin 21-09: Increase in Paid Non-Operational Days for Child Care and Development Providers
- Child Care and Development Bulletin 21-10: Equipment Purchase Approval Request
- Child Care and Development Bulletin 21-11: Reopening, Reimbursement, Distance Learning Plans, and Distance Learning Requirements for California State Preschool Program (CSPP) Contractors
- Child Care and Development Bulletin 21-11: Guidance to State Subsidized Early Learning and Care Programs on the Notice of Action, Parent Appeals
- Child Care and Development Bulletin 21-12: Guidance on Family Fees for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021–22
- Child Care and Development Bulletin 21-13: Fiscal Year 2021-22 Child Care and Development Budget Overview
- Child Care and Development Bulletin 21-14 and 21-15: Reimbursements for School-Age Children in Subsidized Programs
- Child Care and Development Bulletin 21-12: One-time $600 Stipend for Child Care Providers Caring for Children Receiving a State Child Care Subsidy
- Child Care and Development Bulletin 21-21: Regional Market Rate (RMR) Ceiling Changes
- Child Care Bulletin 21-26E: Erratum to Direct Service Contract Reimbursement Changes
- Child Care Bulletin 22-04: CalWORKs Stage One Child Care Program
- Child Care Bulletin 22-06: Program Self-Evaluation for FY 2021-2022
- Child Care Bulletin 22-18: Fiscal Year 2022-23 Child Care and Development Budget Overview
- Child Care Bulletin 22-19: Extension of Child Care Reimbursement Based on Enrollment
- Child Care Bulletin 22-31: General Child Care and Development (CCTR) FY 2022–23 Request for Funding Application (RFA)
- Child Care Bulletin 22-37: Implementation of the Provision of SB 1047 (Chapter 923, Statutes Of 2022) Pertaining To 24-Month Eligibility
CDE Updates
Note: This section is organized with the most recent on top of the list.
- CDE Update: Service County Enrollment Reporting for California State Preschool Contractors
- CDE Update: Income Raking Table and Error Code WI129 in the Child Development Management Information System
- CDE Update: Resource Announcement: CDE, Early Learning and Care Translation of The California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 3
- CDE Update: Application for American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Stabilization Funding
- CDE Update: California Wildfires
- CDE Update: Ratings Guidance for California State Preschool Program (CSPP)
- CDE Update: Fiscal Year 2021–22 Family Fee Waiver Augmentations
- CDE Update: Age Eligibility for California State Preschool Program Services
- CDE Update: Guidance Regarding Requirements for Reopening, Reimbursement, and Distance Learning
- CDE Update: Initial FY 2021-22 California State Preschool Apportionment Payments
- CDE Update: FY 20-21 Year End Reporting Reminders
- CDE Update: Notice of Action, Parent Appeals, and Equipment Purchase Approval Requests
- CDE Update: Family Fee Waivers for FY 2021-22
- CDE Update: CDE and CDSS Joint Guidance to State Subsidized Early Learning and Care (ELC) Programs and Child Care and Development (CCD) Programs
- CDE Update: Family Fee Waivers for FY 2021–22
- CDE Update: Stipend Allocations for Preschool and Child Care Programs
- CDE Update: 12-Month Eligibility Regulations
- CDE Update: FY 2021–22 Child Development Contract Processing Updates
- CDE Update: New Audit Submission Guidance and Quality Checklist
- CDE Update: Changes to FY 2020-2021 General Child Care (CCTR)/California State Preschool (CSPP) Intra-agency Transfer and Voluntary Temporary Transfer (VTT) Period
- CDE Update: Assembly Bill 82 – Stipend Update
- CDE Update: Assembly Bill 82 – Stipend Guidance
- CDE Update: Stipend Allocations for Direct Contract and Alternative Payment Contractors
- CDE Update: Hazardous Pay and Stipends for Employees funded with ELC Contracts
- CDE Update: SRR Rate Increase Application
- CDE Update: Impact Inclusion State Leadership Team – Request for Applications (ELC)
- CDE Update: Interim Guidance on Distribution of Federal Funds to Support State-Subsidized Child Care
- CDE Update: CSPP Age Eligibility Management Bulletin 15-08 RESCINDED
- CDE Update: Advanced Apportionments to California Alternative Payment Programs Contractors
- CDE Update: CSPP Age Eligibility Survey
- CDE Update: Child Care and Development Contract Changes
- CDE Update: Early Start Program
- CDE Update: July and August 2020 Waived Family Fees
- CDE Update: Online Reporting through the Child Development Provider Accounting Reporting Information System (CPARIS)
- CDE Update: Information on Revised Cohort Guidance
- CDE Update: Guidance for Completing the Desired Results Developmental Profile for Fiscal Year 2020–21
- CDE Update: Alternative Payment Projected Over-Earnings
- CDE Update: Guidance Regarding Requirements for Reopening and Distance Learning
- CDE Update: Interim Guidance for Collecting Family Fees in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020–21
- CDE Update: Connecting During COVID-19: Supporting You Supporting Others- Building Resilience Through Relationships
- CDE Update: Emergency Disaster Relief Information Related to Fires, Extreme Weather Conditions
- CDE Update: Information on Revised August Budget Trailer Bill
- CDE Update: Guidance for Serving School-Age Children During Distance Learning
- CDE Update: Guidance on Parent Signatures on Monthly Attendance Records
CDSS Updates
Additional CDE Guidances
- CDE Survey to Assess Impacts of Coronavirus for CalWORKS, CAPP, CMAP
- CDE Survey for Center-based/Direct Contract Early Learning Contractors
- Contingency Funds Application Process
- Fiscal Year 2019-20 E-Signature Forms
- CDE’s Revised Timeline for Guidance for Allocation of Funds for Cleaning and Supplies for Childcare Providers
- CDE Online Publication: Responsive Early Education for Young Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness
- Survey for Resource & Referral Agencies on COVID-19 Emergency Supplies Comment end (due 5/26/20)
- CDE and Partners to Host Early Math Symposium on June 26, 2020
- Quality Counts California Workforce Pathways Grant Request for Applications Release and Webinar
- CDE Fiscal Year 2020-21 Contract Information
- CDE Guidance on School Reopening
- Social Justice and Anti-Bias Curriculum and Resources
- Fiscal Year 2019–20 Year-End Reporting Reminders
- 12-Month Eligibility Regulations & Public Hearing on July 27, 2020
- Distribution of Essential Protective Gear and Cleaning Supplies
- CDE Regulation Stakeholder Input Session Announcement CA State Preschool Program, Free and Reduced-Price Meal Eligibility Regulations (Register by 7/15/20)
CDE Messages
- CDE Message: Reopening for Direct Contract Programs
- CDE Message: Upcoming Guidance and Family Fees
- CDE Message: Advisory for 12-Month Eligibility
- CDE Message: Additional Information Regarding Essential Protective Gear and Supplies
CDE’s COVID-19 Guidance: Temporary Waiver of Family Fees
The CDE’s latest Management Bulletin notifies and provides guidance to state-subsidized Early Learning programs that they must waive family fees following the enactment of Senate Bill 117. The bulletin makes clear that contractors must not impose or collect family fees for the months of April through June 2020. The waiver of family fees for parents will not affect the amounts paid to providers, as contractors will reimburse providers for the full amount of the certificate or voucher without deducting family fees.
It is important to note that the fee waiver is not a permanent change to statute or regulation. Each requirement will apply until June 30, 2020, unless nullified or changed by the Legislature. As the situation evolves and more information is available, the California Department of Education (CDE) will issue additional guidance.
Read the full bulletin to learn more.
CDE’s Webinar Regarding Guidance on COVID-19 School Closures
On Wednesday, March 18, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, led a webinar regarding the newly-released guidance on COVID-19 school closures. The purpose of the webinar was to discuss the guidance and provide an opportunity for engagement and questions from participants. Presenters on the webinar included Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Linda Darling Hammond, Board of Education President, Ben Chida, Office of Governor Newsom, Kris Perry, Deputy Secretary of Early Childhood Development of the Health and Human Services Agency, Wesley Smith, ACSA and CDE staff Shanine Coats, Sarah Neville Morgan, and Kim Frinzell.
Presenters discussed the three areas of the released guidance: Distance Learning, School Meals, and Childcare and Student Supervision.
CDE’s guidance for schools on how to arrange supervision and childcare included the following:
- Consider the age of the students when providing group supervision.
- Partner with community based organizations who may be operating childcare.
- Allow sites for pop up childcare within the appropriate licensing and health requirements.
- Use school campuses to provide childcare for parents who are first responders and health care professionals.
Additional highlights from the discussion:
- California’s communities are distinct and unique, and as such, there is no “one size fits all” solution for students or families.
- Districts are urged to be innovative, not only in their delivery of distance learning resources and materials, but also in the delivery and distribution of meals. CDE stressed their intent to provide continuity of care for the state’s neediest families.
- Sarah Neville Morgan announced that CDE will be releasing a management bulletin by the end of the day to provide clarification and guidance regarding SB 117 which was signed by Governor Newsom on March 17, 2020.
The webinar, as well as the slides covered during the webinar, will be posted to the California Department of Education’s (CDE) website by the end of the day March 18, 2020.
Check the CDE site for this information and other updates.
New Legislation – SB 117
(3/31/20 Update) COVID-19 CDE Guidance: Temporary Waiver of Family Fees
The California Department of Education’s (CDE) latest Management Bulletin notifies and provides guidance to state-subsidized Early Learning programs that they must waive family fees following the enactment of Senate Bill 117. The bulletin makes clear that contractors must not impose or collect family fees for the months of April through June 2020. The waiver of family fees for parents will not affect the amounts paid to providers, as contractors will reimburse providers for the full amount of the certificate or voucher without deducting family fees.
It is important to note that the fee waiver is not a permanent change to statute or regulation. Each requirement will apply until June 30, 2020, unless nullified or changed by the Legislature. As the situation evolves and more information is available, the California Department of Education (CDE) will issue additional guidance.
(03/19/20 Update) California Department of Education (CDE) sent a Management Bulletin to notify and provide guidance to state-subsidized early learning and care programs about updated apportionment, attendance, and reporting requirements after the enactment of Senate Bill, SB 117.
Please note: this is not a permanent change to statute or regulations. These requirements will apply until June 30, 2020, unless nullified or changed by the Legislature. As the situation evolves and more information is available, the California Department of Education (CDE) will issue additional guidance.
- Read the CDE Management Bulletin 20-04: COVID-19 Guidance on Apportionment, Attendance, and Reporting Requirements.
- Read Early Edge California’s Summary of the CDE Management Bulletin 20-04.
(03/18/20 Update) California’s Legislature pursued emergency legislation to respond rapidly to the COVID-19 crisis, passing SB 117 in order to provide relief and assurance for school districts across a host of issues impacted by the current health pandemic. The bill includes a provision to provide relief for state-subsidized child development programs that states:
“To ensure continuity of payments to state-subsidized childcare and development programs, the attendance and reporting requirements imposed on childcare and development programs are waived for programs that comply with an Executive Order, subject to guidance from the Superintendent of Public Instruction pursuant to this section. Pursuant to guidance and direction from the Superintendent, childcare and development programs shall be reimbursed using the most recent certified record or invoice available.”
Governor Newsom signed SB 117 into law on March 17, 2020. The provision cross-references the following programs in California that are intended to be covered by SB 117:
8221.5: Monthly attendance records for AP providers
8230: Migrant Child Care
8235: State Preschool Program
8240: General Child Care
8245: Family Child Care Home Networks
8250: Child Care for Children with Disabilities
8351: CalWORKS, Stage 1
8353: CalWORKS, Stage 2
8354: CalWORKS, Stage 3
COVID-19 National, State, and Local Resources on Business and Paid Family Leave
National Resources
- Read the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)’s Small Business Resources in Response to Coronavirus
- Webinar on Congressional and Legal Updates for Small Businesses
- Webinar on How Small Businesses, Workers, and Workplaces Should Respond to COVID-19
- US Department of Labor Resources
State Resources
- California Chamber of Commerce’s Workplace Podcast: COVID-19 Federal Paid Leaves Explained
- California Employment Development Department
- Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development: Small Business FAQs
- California State Assembly: COVID-19 Resources for Businesses, Employers, and Employees
- California Labor and Workforce Development Agency: COVID-19 Resources for Employers and Workers
Local Resources
- California State Association of Counties
- League of California Cities
- City & County of San Francisco: Guidelines on Paid Sick Leave and the Coronavirus (3/16/20)
- LA County Economic Development Corporation: California Competes Tax Credit
- San Mateo ELC Reopening Forum Summary (7/6/20)