Upcoming TFC Events

Join TFC on April 14-15 for our Annual Statewide Training!

Thriving Families CA (TFC) Foundation is bringing our community together in Anaheim for a statewide training designed to spark ideas, strengthen partnerships, and support the professionals serving children and families across California. The training will take place just minutes from Disneyland Park.

Over two engaging days, participants will explore timely topics shaping the field, including:

• Practical uses of generative AI and emerging technology
• Implementation strategies for the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program for Foster Children
• Fraud prevention and program integrity
• Trauma-informed approaches
• Leadership and professional growth

Through a multi-track workshop format, attendees can choose the sessions most relevant to their work while connecting with colleagues to share solutions, challenges, and new ideas.

Join us to learn, collaborate, and build momentum for creating THRIVING environments for children and families!

California State Budget, Legislature & The Capitol

California Budget Updates

To support our field keeping up with budget related information, TFC will host updates and information on our Budget Page . If you have information you would like to have hosted, click here.

Use this Excel document to help you track budget actions as it is updated in real time. Click here to see the 2026-27 budget summary.

This Week's Budget Hearings

• TOMORROW March 24 (Tuesday)
• Joint Hearing Assembly Budget Subcommittee 2 on Education Finance and 3 on Human Services @ 9:00 a.m. - State Capitol, Room 447 - Add to Calendar
• January Budget proposals for Early Childhood Education
• State of Universal Preschool Oversight
• Click here for the agenda
• March 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
• Joint Hearing Budget Subcommittee No. 2 On Human Services And Budget Subcommittee No. 1 On Health @ 1:30 pm; State Capitol, Room 444 Add to Calendar
• Expected Impacts of Federal H.R. 1 and Proposals to Reduce Harm in California
• Recommendations to Create a “No Wrong Door” for Access to Senior Supports and Services
• March 26, 2026 (Thursday)
• Senate Budget Subcommittee 3 on Health and Human Services @ 9:30 a.m. or upon adjournment of Session 1021 O Street, Room 1200 - Calendar
• In-Home Supportive Services 

Child Care Hearings to Put on Your Calendar

• April 23, 2026 (Thursday)
• Senate Budget Subcommittee 3 on Health and Human Services @ 9:30 a.m. or upon adjournment of Session 1021 O Street, Room 1200 - Calendar
• Child Care 
• Child Welfare and Foster Care
• Community Care Licensing
• Housing Programs
• Immigration and Refugee Programs
• SSI/SSP
• Adult Protective Services
• Automation

Recent LAO Publications



The 2026-27 Budget: Child Care and State Preschool

Key Takeaways:

NO NEW SPACES - The Governor’s budget does not include additional child care slots to continue the multiyear slot expansion plan.

CCTR REDUCTION - The budget includes a $98 million reduction to General Child Care, eliminating ~4,200 slots.

• Potential upside and savings: Higher-than-expected Proposition 64 revenues (+$17M) predicted by the LAO could create additional funding for child care.
• With projected future budget shortfalls, the LAO advises that the Legislature monitor unspent General Child Care funding and consider additional reductions if necessary to avoid cuts to other critical programs, despite long-term expansion goals.

REDIRECT COLA MONEY - The Governor proposes suspending COLAs for child care and State Preschool and redirecting funds into “cost of care plus” payments, but calculating them separately by provider type—an approach that undermines the goal of a unified rate system.

• Costs are underestimated: The proposal to replace COLAs will likely cost ~$45 million more at May Revision due to missing program components.
• Rate disparities across providers: Redirecting COLA funds into cost-of-care payments creates uneven increases across child care and State Preschool providers, conflicting with the goal of a unified rate system.

ALIGNING RATES - The Legislature is advised to align rate increases across all program types to maintain consistency and support the transition to a single reimbursement structure.

INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT - The administration's proposed $11.5 million one-time infrastructure grant for wildfire-impacted providers lacks details; lawmakers should request more information to determine if the proposal is addressing key challenges to child care access in regions affected by wildfires.

Recent California Budget & Policy Center Publications

Demystifying California’s Child Care Provider Rate Reform Process, By Laura Pryor and Kristin Schumacher

Expanding the Young Child Tax Credit Would Help More Families Afford Basic Needs, By Nishi Nair and Alissa Anderson

Bill Sign-On Letters

SB 902 (Grayson) Childcare: Electronic signatures

• Authorizes the use of electronic signatures in child care programs, aligning child care processes with longstanding practices already used in county-administered programs and everyday life.
• Provides flexibility for families and providers, reducing paperwork barriers by allowing forms to be signed and submitted electronically instead of requiring in-person or wet signatures.
• Speeds up enrollment and modernizes recordkeeping, allowing families to complete forms wherever they are at and giving organizations the ability to convert and securely store paper documents digitally.

Click here to sign the SB 902 (Grayson) coalition support letter

• 24 organizations signed on in support so far

Click here for a template support letter

Have questions about this bill or the support materials? Please email mckenzie@thrivingfamilies-ca.org

AB 2314 (Rogers) "The Child Care Stability and Modernization Act"

• Maximizes use of child care funds to serve families, ensuring dollars are spent efficiently to reduce delays and reach families waiting to receive care.
• Protects continuity of care for families, ensuring children aren’t separated from siblings or moved between providers solely to balance enrollment.
• Supports stable, long-term child care, aligning funding practices with the 24-month eligibility to help families maintain consistent care.
• Reduces disruptions and increases transparency, with clear timelines for funding transfers and annual reporting to the Legislature on how funds are allocated and spent.

Click here to sign the AB 2314 coalition support letter

Click here for a template support letter

Have questions about this bill or the support materials? Please email mckenzie@thrivingfamilies-ca.org

TFC's Featured Bill of the Week

AB 2314 (Rogers) Childcare: alternative payment program: report.



Author: Assemblymember Chris Rogers

Assemblymember Chris Rogers proudly serves California’s 2nd Assembly District, which encompasses Eureka, Arcata, and Santa Rosa. Before joining the State Assembly, Chris made a significant impact as a Santa Rosa City Councilmember and Mayor, where he led efforts in wildfire recovery, housing affordability, and environmental sustainability. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Chris has been instrumental in securing resources to support small businesses and protect vulnerable communities during challenging times.

Chris holds degrees from UC Santa Barbara and Sonoma State University, where he developed a passion for policymaking and community engagement. He brings this passion to the State Assembly, focusing on creating a modern and equitable rural economy, healthcare access, and driving climate action. A lifelong resident of Santa Rosa, Chris is dedicated to preserving Northern California's natural beauty while ensuring its residents a prosperous future.

Important Dates, Deadlines,

Hearings, and Bills

Dates & Deadlines:

• March 26, 2026 - Spring Recess begins upon adjournment.

Upcoming Hearings:

• March 24, 2026 (Tuesday)
• Assembly Health Committee @ 1:30 p.m. - 1021 O Street, Room 1100 - Calendar
• Click here to see the bills being heard
• Position letters due by 12:00 p.m. on March 18
• Assembly Human Services Committee @ 1:30 p.m. - State Capitol, Room 437 - Calendar
• Click here to see the bills being heard
• Position letters due by 5:00 p.m. on March 18
• March 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
• Assembly Education Committee @ 1:00 p.m. - 1021 O Street, Room 1100 - Calendar
• Click here to see the bills being heard
• Position letters due by 5:00 p.m. on March 18
• Senate Education Committee @ 9:00 a.m. - 1021 O Street, Room 2100 - Calendar
• Click here to see the bills being heard
• Position letters due by 12:00 p.m. on March 20

Legislative Resources:

• See the tentative 2026-27 Legislative Calendar here.
• Visit TFC's Legislation Page to find a comprehensive list of bills of interest.
• Visit TFC's Budget Page for full budget bill details, as well as budget hearing video archive links.
• Click here to view all the bills that the Assembly and Senate introduced this legislative year.
• Click here to view legislative committee information, rules, and position letter deadlines.

Upcoming Events

April 11-17, 2026 - NAEYC Week of the Young Child

A fun-filled week celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities—now marking 100 years of NAEYC and the 55th anniversary of Week of the Young Child.

April 20-24, 2026 - National Home Visiting Week

Hosted by the Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals.

Friday, May 8, 2026 - National Provider Appreciation Day

Child Care Aware of America social media toolkit

Monday, May 11, 2026 - Day Without Child Care

Did You Know?

Child Care Q&A's

NOTE: If you have a question you would like answered or researched, please email.

Question: How much paperwork do families often have to complete just to enroll a child in care?

Answer: Families enrolling a child in care are often required to complete dozens of pages of forms, many of which must be printed, signed by hand, and submitted in person. For working parents—especially those juggling jobs, transportation, and appointments—these paper-only requirements can delay enrollment and make it harder to secure care when they need it most.

Allowing families to complete and submit forms electronically can remove unnecessary barriers and help children access care faster. SB 902 (Grayson) would allow electronic signatures on child care forms so families can complete the forms wherever they are at.

Federal Update

Updates on CCDF and Federal Proposed Rule Posted to TFC's Webpage

Click here to be directed to our website page that will be continually updated with the latest news. The newest update includes:

• Federal child care legislation considered in the 119th Congress
• System reform
• CCDF fraud
• Head Start
• Food, nutrition, and operational support
• Tax policy

Webinar (3/23) - Making Child Care Work for Student Parents

March 23, 2026 @ 3:00 PM (ET)

Join us to hear more about New America’s Policy Agenda on Improving Child Care Access for Student Parents and to learn how our guest speakers expanded child care access for student parents through improved access to state subsidies, partnerships, higher education systemwide coordination, and beyond.

Register here.

Click here to read the most recent weekly federal update from the National Women's Law Center.

Federal Government Update 

Congress remains in a partial government shutdown due to a lapse in funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Top Democrats and White House officials are nowhere near a breakthrough in negotiations to end the DHS shutdown.

The Senate on Friday (3/20) again failed to move forward with legislation to fund DHS, extending the shutdown. 

In a 47-37 vote, the legislation fell short of the 60-vote threshold needed to advance. Sixteen senators did not vote. Sen. Fetterman (D-PA) voted with Republicans. More: Senate fails to advance DHS funding bill for 5th time, with no deal in sight - CBS News

Fraud Narrative

This week, Senator Cassidy (R-LA), Chairman of the Senate HELP Committee:

• Sent letters demanding “accountability” regarding improper payment rates to MI, NY, and OR.
• Released a discussion draft of a reauthorization bill of CCDBG

The proposed reauthorization bill has numerous harmful provisions, but some toplines are: prohibits enrollment-based payments, presumptive eligibility, and timely payments; eligibility is changed from 12 months to 6 months; eligibility requires that parents be citizens rather than the child; lowers the income limit for single mothers; and initiates work requirements for married couples. This, in addition to many concerning anti-“fraud” provisions. At a time when families need more help with child care, the bill manages to penalize single moms, married couples, children, early educators, and mixed-status families.

NWLC and partners are working on resources for advocates to weigh in by the April 8th feedback deadline. Stay tuned.

Fraud should always be taken seriously and prosecuted when proven, and Minnesota has investigated and prosecuted fraud in the past. However, no credible evidence of current widespread or systemic fraud in Minnesota’s child care system has been publicly presented. State officials have indicated that many facilities named in recent claims were operating normally at the time of inspection. Investigations are ongoing, but broad funding disruptions lack evidence and harm children, families, and providers who are following the rules.

More:

• NEW: The Real Scandal is Failing to Protect and Support the Nation's Children | First Focus on Children
• EducationCounsel - Congress Considers Bills on Child Care Fraud
• BACKGROUND: Trump Administration’s Withholding of Child Care Funding (CCEFN)
• Feb 2026 Message Guidance for Attacks on Child Care_c3 friendly (CCEFN)
• Attacks on Somali Communities and Fraud Claims Fact Sheet (CLASP, NILC, ACT)

⇒ Take Action: Take action to restore child care funding! (CCEFN)

NEW: Coalition and network partners from the Child Care for Every Family Network, Children Thrive Action Network, Partnership for Basic Needs, and Protecting Immigrant Families Coalition invite local, state, and national groups to sign on to a letter to Congress in opposition to attacks on basic needs programs in the name of so-called fraud. Please note that it remains open for signatures despite the deadline on the form.

Take Action

• Take Action: Take action to restore child care funding! (CCEFN)
• Find in-person and online events here: CHN/partner events joint calendar
• Messaging Guide for Child Care (c3 version) (c4 version) (CCEFN)
• Join us at the Children Thrive Action Network! CTAN is a network of advocates and service providers at the national, state, and local levels. Our mission is to defend and support children in the United States in immigrant families. Organizations interested in a network to further this goal can join CTAN here.
• Raise Revenue, Raise our Families Toolkit (Community Change)
• Protecting & Supporting Immigrant Children & their Families in Early Learning Spaces | MomsRising
• Meals and Snacks - CACFP Federal Advocacy Toolkit 2025

Most Viewed Bills of the Week:

1.H.R.8404 [117th] Respect for Marriage Act

2.H.R.22 [119th] SAVE Act

3.H.R.4818 [118th] Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023

4.S.Amdt.3748 [119th] S.Amdt.3748 to S.2296

5.H.R.7296 [119th] SAVE America Act

6.H.R.6644 [119th] 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

7.H.R.1 [119th] An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.

8.H.R.4405 [119th] Epstein Files Transparency Act

9.H.J.Res.29 [119th] Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide that no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than three times.

10.S.Amdt.6552 [117th] S.Amdt.6552 to H.R.2617

Celebrate CACFP Week on March 15-21, 2026

In honor of National Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Week, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) CACFP Branch is excited to celebrate the vital role nutrition plays in supporting the health and well-being of children and adults across our communities.

This year’s CACFP Week theme is “Stirring Up Goodness.” We invite you to explore the CACFP Week website to access activities and promotional materials that encourage community engagement during CACFP Week and beyond.

CDSS & CDE Upcoming Events

Q1 Child Care Provider Webinar - March 24th, 2026

Guest Speakers: 

• California Department Public Health: Information on farm to ECE activities that support the health and well-being in ECE settings by sharing resources on lessons, buying and preparing local food.
• Child Care Technical Support Program: Information on Incidental Medical Service and Safe Sleep Death Data.

📆 Date: Tuesday, March 24th

🕕 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Secure your spot by registering early for this engaging webinar.

Register Here

Training Announcement: Changing the Lens: From Exclusion to Inclusion Webinar

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), in collaboration with the California Department of Education (CDE), invites early learning and care professionals to attend the upcoming webinar: 


Changing the Lens: From Exclusion to Inclusion 

Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 

Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

Location: Zoom (registration required) 


Click here to register in advance for this webinar. 


This webinar supports implementation of Assembly Bill (AB) 2806 and aligns with Executive Order N-31-25 by strengthening inclusive practices that reduce exclusionary discipline, promote equity, and improve outcomes for boys, particularly boys of color in early child care and learning settings. Executive Order N-31-25 calls on state agencies to advance strategies that address disparities and expand supportive, preventative approaches that foster belonging and positive developmental outcomes for children. 

CDSS & CDE Information & Updates

RELEASED March 17, 2026: Child Care Bulletin (CCB) 26-06: PROCESS FOR CONTRACTING AGENCIES TO MOVE FROM PROVISIONAL CONTRACT TO CLEAR CONTRACT STATUS

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Child Care and Development Division (CCDD) has recently published the following document: Child Care Bulletin (CCB) 26-06 PROCESS FOR CONTRACTING AGENCIES TO MOVE FROM PROVISIONAL CONTRACT TO CLEAR CONTRACT STATUS

The purpose of this Child Care Bulletin (CCB) is to provide information to Child Care and Development Contractors who are on Provisional Contract status. The information contained in this bulletin describes the programmatic and fiscal systems that must be implemented prior to agencies being moved by the Child Care and Development Division from a Provisional Contract to Clear Contract status.

RELEASED March 10, 2026: Child Care Bulletin (CCB) 26-05: Best Practices to Support Utilization of CalWORKs Stage One Child Care Services

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Child Care and Development Division (CCDD) has recently published the following document:Child Care Bulletin (CCB) 26-05: Best Practices to Support Utilization of CalWORKs Stage One Child Care Services

The purpose of this Child Care Bulletin (CCB) is to provide best practices to support utilization of child care services in the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) Stage One Child Care program.

If you are a Stage One Administrator and have questions regarding the information in this letter, please contact StageOneChildCare@dss.ca.gov.

RELEASED March 9, 2026: Child Care Bulletin (CCB) 26-04: Program Self-Evaluation for Fiscal Year 2025-2026

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Child Care and Development Division (CCDD) has recently published the following document: Child Care Bulletin (CCB) 26-04: Program Self-Evaluation for Fiscal Year 2025-2026

The purpose of this Child Care Bulletin is to describe the requirements for the Program Self-Evaluation for all child care and development contractors. Within the bulletin, guidance is provided on the submission requirements for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Program Self-Evaluation (PSE) as well as a list of all the required documents to be maintained onsite by contract type.

If you have any questions or need additional guidance regarding the information in this letter, please contact your assigned CCDD Program Quality and Improvement (PQI) Consultant.

Released March 10, 2026: PIN 26-02-CCP - 2025 Chaptered Legislation Affecting Child Care Facilities

CCLD has released a new Provider Information Notice (PIN), PIN 26-02-CCP - 2025 Chaptered Legislation Affecting Child Care Facilities

Primary Audience: ALL CHILD CARE FACILITY LICENSEES

Summary: PIN 26-02-CCP provides a summary and implementation information for legislation chaptered in 2025 affecting child care facilities. Most of the statutes referenced in this document became operative on January 1, 2026, except as otherwise noted.

This PIN is an informational resource offered to assist licensed child care facilities and providers in ensuring the health and safety of children in care.

An electronic copy of PIN 26-02-CCP - 2025 Chaptered Legislation Affecting Child Care Facilities is available for viewing/downloading by clicking on the following link:

PIN 26-02-CCP - 2025 Chaptered Legislation Affecting Child Care Facilities

Previous PINs are available at the CCLD website.

RELEASED March 4, 2026: Child Care Bulletin (CCB) 26-03: ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT FOR MIGRANT CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Child Care and Development Division (CCDD) has recently published the following document: Child Care Bulletin (CCB) 26-03 ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT FOR MIGRANT CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

The purpose of this Child Care Bulletin (CCB) is to provide guidance to Migrant Child Care and Development (CMIG) and Migrant Alternative Payment (CMAP) contractors of the changes to eligibility requirements for migrant programs pursuant to Senate Bill (SB) 778 (Chapter 459, Statutes of 2025).

If you have any questions or need additional guidance regarding the information in this letter, please contact your assigned Program Quality Improvement Consultant.

Social Media Spotlight

Follow TFC on social media!

We would love for you to tag us in your posts and use the hashtag #TFC2025

On Our Reading List

Information & Updates

Happening This Week, March 23 - 27, 2026:

Monday, March 23rd:

• Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 On Health @ 2:30pm
  

Tuesday, March 24th:

• Assembly Joint Hearing Budget Subs 3 & 2 @ 9:00 a.m.
• TFC Weekly Member Connections Meeting @ 1:00 p.m. Email to register.
• Assembly Health Committee @ 1:30 p.m.
• Assembly Human Services Committee @1:30 p.m.
  

Wednesday, March 25th:

• Senate Education Committee @ 9:00 a.m. 
• Assembly Education Committee @ 1:00 p.m.
• Joint Hearing Budget Subcommittee No. 2 On Human Services And Budget Subcommittee No. 1 On Health @ 1:30 pm
  
  

Thriving Families CA Foundation is committed to supporting our field with a coordinated calendar. Click here to see our current calendar of events. If you have an event to add, email us and it will be added.

The Weekly Good

An uplifting way to start the week, for those of us who need a break from the chaos that is our lives.

During this time where we are all stressed, it would be great to celebrate the positive. Each week we will celebrate everyday heroes, inspiring movements and great things happening in our field.