Effective January 1, 2023, the minimum eligibility period for certain child care programs is extended to 24 months. The effected programs are:
- General Child Care and Development Programs (CCTR)
- California Family Child Care Home Education Networks (CFCC)
- Migrant Child Care and Development Programs (CMIG)
- Migrant Child Care Alternative Payment Programs (CMAP)
- California Alternative Payment Programs (CAPP)
- Child Care and Development Services for Children with Special Needs (CHAN)
The 24 month eligibility does not apply to CalWORKs Stage 1, 2, or 3 child care.
The 24 month period is not retroactive to before January 1, 2023. Certifications entered into prior to January 1, 2023 remain in effect.
Child care and development programs remain available until age 13. If a child turns 13 within the first 12 months of the eligibility period, eligibility is only for 12 months.
Families enrolled on or after January 1, 2023 must receive services for at least 24 months before recertification and are not required to report most changes. However, families must report income that exceeds the threshold for ongoing income eligibility. Families can voluntarily report changes that extend their eligibility.
If a family’s 24-month eligibility ends before the end of a California State Preschool Program program year, eligibility extends to the end of the program year, as long as age eligibility requirements are met.
The California Department of Social Services must develop implementing regulations by December 31, 2024. (CCB 22-37, December 30, 2023, and 22-37E, March 10, 2023