Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/662314
16 April, 2016 l Working World l WorkingWorld.com C alifornia recently passed a budget that increases access for child care and early education opportunities. Child care in California is highly regulated, though there is slightly less oversight for smaller home- based care providers. All providers are overseen by the same regulatory office, which makes licensing laws and regulations readily available, if not very readable. OVERVIEW Both center-based and home-based care are overseen by the California Child Care Licensing Program, which provides information for parents and providers. Most of the programs in the state require licensing, but there are special exceptions that are similar to other states' unlicensed care regulations. California has a fairly standard database that can be searched by county, address, and facility type. Results display very detailed inspection and compliance reports along with contact information and child capacity. California has one of the most progressive pre-K models in the country. In 2014, the state passed a budget that immediately offered 40,000 full-time pre-K spots to low-income 4-year- olds. State legislation is currently pushing for both universal pre-K and transitional kindergarten for children as young as age 2, and just passed a budget that provides funding for an additional 16,300 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to receive care. As of June 2015, parents can no longer claim "personal belief" on behalf of their children as reason for not receiving immunizations—meaning that unless there is a medical exemption, all children are required to be vaccinated before entering pre-K. CENTER-BASED CARE Center-based care is considered standard in California. There are more than 100 pages of regulations for center-based care, though the state also publishes a list of highlights. All licensed care centers are required to display their licenses, plans of operation, and emergency plans; they must also be cleared for fire safety. Directors must either have an education in child growth development or possess a childhood development permit granted by the state. In addition, teachers must meet specific education and training requirements. Centers that offer infant care are required to provide individualized feeding, diapering, and toileting plans for each child. Caregiver-to-child ratios vary depending on age, and California prescribes specific ratios for adult-to-children and teacher-to-children ratios. A single teacher may be responsible for up to 12 preschool-aged children, though if an aide is also present, the number increases to 15 children. For programs with children ages 18 to 30 months, the ratio is 1:6, with a maximum group size of 12 toddlers. Toddler programs must be separate from programs for school- aged children. The teacher-to-child ratio for school-aged children is 1:14; one teacher and one aide may supervise up to 28 children. In mixed-age groups, the number of staff must accommodate the age of the youngest child. Infant programs require a ratio of 1:4, with a maximum group size of 12 children. FEATURE ARTICLE California has one of the most progressive pre-K models in the country. In 2014, the state passed a budget that immediately offered 40,000 full-time pre-K spots to low-income 4-year-olds. Working Parents: How Preschool Works in California