Child Care Funding

In a combination of state and federal funds, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Stage One California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) child care program served and supported approximately 38,843 children and families in Fiscal Year 2018/19.

Federal Funding Source

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant

TANF is a block grant distributed by the federal government to the states to provide subsidized child care for TANF recipients, families transitioning off TANF, and other low income families.  In California, TANF funds the CalWORKs Stage One child care program and is administered by the CDSS through the local county welfare departments.

Title XX Block Grant

The annual Budget Act authorizes the transfer of $10 million in TANF funds to the Title XX block grant for use by the California Department of Education with the Child Care and Development Fund.  The purpose of this funding is to increase eligibility for federal meal reimbursements at proprietary child care centers.

Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG)

The CCDBG is also the primary source for “quality” child care expenditures including provider training, workforce development, and child care licensing functions.

The CDE is California’s lead agency and oversees the administration of CCDBG funded child care programs.  Although the CDSS does not have direct responsibility for the administration of the CCDBG, CDE collaborates with CDSS regarding the use of the child care funds.

CCDBG State Plan

Every three years, the lead agency must submit a State Plan.  The State Plan must describe key policies related to administering the federal fund, including but not limited to: provider payment rates; eligibility requirements, including work status of parents; family income, and health and safety standards required for child care providers. 

The most current State Plan will be effective from June 1, 2016.

Final CCDF State Plan FFY 2016–18