California Child Care Grants, Programs and Services
Whether you are looking to start a child care program in California or are a seasoned owner, there are many resources available to help fund your programs. Each state has a primary agency or organization responsible for subsidizing child care programs. They partner with local child care resource and referral (CCR&R) agencies and shared services organizations to raise awareness of grant opportunities and support the distribution of funding. They also provide additional programs and services to help you run your business.
California Child Care Grants, Programs and Services
Primary State Agency (Child Care Development Fund)
This primary agency oversees early care and education programs and services in California, and is responsible for subsidizing child care programs through federal and state grants. Visit the California Department of Education.
Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R Agency)
Child Care Resource & Referral agencies (CCR&Rs) are another great resource for assisting child care providers with available grants and funding and other resources. Find your local CCR&R.
Shared Services Organizations and NAEYC Regional Affiliates
The community of ECE leaders working to provide services to support sustainable child care programs is growing all the time. Reach out to your local organizations to learn more about their services. Visit California Association for the Education of Young Children (CAAEYC) to learn more.
Champions for Mixed Delivery Monthly Call
The Early Care and Education Consortium (ECEC) and National Child Care Association (NCCA) and are partnering to offer Champions of Mixed Delivery, a series of monthly check-in calls to share and receive updates about key proposals, coordinate messaging and talking points and share resources for advocacy. View dates and register for a call here.
California Child Care Licensing Requirements
Learn more about California early learning standards: California Department of Education
Learn more about child care licensing requirements in California: California Department of Social Services
California Early Childhood Education Quality Ratings, Curriculum and Assessments
Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS)
Child care providers earn a rating when they meet quality standards. Many states require these quality standards in order to receive grants and additional funding. View more details at Quality Counts.
State-Aligned Curriculum
Feel confident knowing your curriculum aligns to your state standards. Procare Early Learning by Learning Beyond Paper provides a 100% digital curriculum and assessments addressing the needs of child care centers, daycares, preschools and early learning teachers.
Assessments
Simplify the assessment process and meet state standards with a unique early childhood assessment framework that makes clarity a key strength of your child care center’s assessments and communications.
Average Cost of Child Care in California
Understanding the cost of child care in California is important for both parents and child care providers.
Annual Child Care Costs in California
California is one of the most expensive states for parents who need child care services. Annual child care costs in California are approximately $18,201.
Child Care Affordability in California
In California, the annual cost for infant care is more than the cost of renting an apartment or paying college tuition. The median family living in the Golden State finds themselves spending up to 15% of their annual household income on child care services for a single infant.
View child care costs in other states.
Professional Development Resources
Professional development programs are designed to encourage, support and recognize early childhood professionals seeking to expand their skills to raise the quality of their programs. View a list of professional development resources for child care providers here.