On June 30, Gavin Newsom signed California’s 2022-23 budget. Unfortunately, teacher wage increases for Head Start and other state-subsidized programs were not included. The budget provides additional supports for dual language learners and children with disabilities in CSPP, increased slots for alternative payment and General Child Care (CCTR) programs and an extension of the waiver of family fees for state-subsidized programs for an additional year.

Head Start California is concerned that the proposed emergency TK credential, available to any individual with a bachelor’s degree and valid child development permit will exacerbate an already significant teaching shortage. In addition, the budget made major expansions and changes to CSPP, specifically allowing for 24-month eligibility and eligibility up to 100% of the state median income, that were not extended to CCTR. This will pose challenges to grantees that operate blended programs and create new administrative burdens.

Head Start California will continue to advocate for Head Start interests at state meetings and in meetings with Legislators on these and other issues.

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2022-23 California State Early Learning and Care Budget Summary

State-Subsidized Child Care

• An additional $100.5M in funding for minor renovations and repairs of child care facilities. The Department of Social Services will release an RFA in the upcoming months.
• $1.3 billion to expand alternative payment and General Child Care slots
• Extend Hold Harmless provisions and Family Fee Waivers for an additional year
• Provides a 6.5% COLA to reimbursement rates
• $25M to help programs re-open or new programs to open following COVID
• $5M to support the development of a child care and development data system.

California State Preschool Program

• Children with special needs are now categorically eligible for part-day and full-day CSPP
• CSPP programs must enroll ten percent children with disabilities.
  • 5% beginning July 1, 2022
  • 7.5% beginning July 1, 2023
  • 10% beginning July 1, 2024
• Additional funding to increase supports to children with disabilities and DLLS, increasing program alignment with Head Start
• Allows three year olds in CSPP to receive the toddler adjustment factor
• Creates 24-month eligibility for CSPP and expands eligibility for CSPP to 100% of the state median income (note that this expansion does not apply to other subsidized programs)

Transitional Kindergarten

• Funds the expansion of Transitional Kindergarten to children who turn five on or before February 2
• Funds an additional classified or certificated staff member in each TK classroom to reach a 12:1 child to teacher ratio
• Allows the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to issue a one-year emergency specialist teaching permit in early childhood education that authorizes the permit holder to teach transitional kindergarten provided that they hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, a valid child development permit, and meet certain subject matter requirements.
• $300M for UPK Planning and Implementation grants for districts that have kindergarten enrollment (and therefore are expected to be expanding TK)
• $55M over three years ($18.3M per year) for California Universal Preschool Planning Grant Program to support preschool planning in the mixed delivery system. Funds available to Local Planning Councils or Resource and Referral Agencies (if Local Planning Council is not interested).