Background
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is authorized under the Child Care Development Block Grant Act (CCDBG) and administered by the State of California. The CCDF program undertakes a planning process every 3 years to determine how federal funds will be used to provide financial support for child care access to families in need. We are currently in the planning process for the 2025-27 state plan.
Timeline
Fall 2023: the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) hosted a series of statewide public input sessions. The R&R Network also hosted a special input session for member R&R agencies to give CDSS feedback on the CCDF plan and priorities, on December 12.
February 1, 2024: Draft plan was released, marking the start of the 30-day public comment period beginning February 1, 2024, through March 1, 2024. Submit comments by email at statepln@dss.ca.gov.
March 1, 2024: Deadline to submit comments. READ THE R&R NETWORK'S COMMENTS (submitted 3/1) HERE.
March 6, 2024: Public Hearing at CDSS HQ. 10am-12pm.
July 1, 2024: Deadline for DSS to submit its plan to the Administration for Children and Families.
CCDF Update: The comment deadline has passed. The Network will continue to monitor for its release.
Waivers
NEW Waiver Guidance (effective 04/30/2024)
Waivers are temporary exemptions granted to State and Territory Lead Agencies administering the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program, allowing agencies to deviate from specific provisions outlined in the 2024 CCDF Final Rule for a limited period.
The purpose of these waivers is to provide flexibility to Lead Agencies as they implement changes brought about by the Final Rule, such as lowering child care costs, expanding child care options, and improving enrollment processes.
Comparison of final rule to previous regulations
2024 CCDF Final Rule Transitional Waiver Flexibilities Guidance
CCDF State Plan Webinar
Menaka (the Network's Public Policy Director) worked with the national organization Child Care Aware of America to present at their webinar: "CCDF Plans: An Opportunity to Shape the Future of Child Care." Menaka spoke about the ways we've engaged R&R members in CCDF state planning, highlighting collaboration efforts for input sessions, written comments, and talking points.