Child Care and Development Programs in California: Key Context and Current Issues

jump to: Across California, the demand for publicly funded child care far exceeds the supply. In 2024, only 16% of children eligible for publicly funded child care were enrolled. While state spending for publicly funded child care still falls short of the need, access to child care has improved over time, largely due to the … Continued

key takeaway California families have diverse child care needs and preferences, making it critical to expand access to publicly funded child care across centers, family child care homes, and family, friend, and neighbor settings. Publicly funded child care promotes the healthy development of children and supports families in attending school, work, or other caregiving responsibilities. … Continued