Early Edge California Responds to Governor Newsom’s Executive Order to Provide
Expanded Access to Childcare for Essential Workers During COVID-19
Governor Newsom signed an executive order on April 4, 2020 describing the need for state-subsidized childcare among workers in essential industries, including workers who may previously not have required childcare or who now require more childcare due to their work responsibilities during COVID-19.
We applaud Governor Newsom’s leadership and continued support for families and their children during the COVID-19 crisis.
Early Edge California has compiled the following summary outlining key points from this executive order.
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Any laws or regulations that would impede a childcare program from offering services to the children of essential workers are suspended for a period of 60 days. Programs must meet the requirements described in informal bulletins or directives issued by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
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Eligibility requirements for non-CalWORKS early learning and care programs are suspended for the children of state-identified essential workers.
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The California Department of Education (CDE) and California Department of Social Services (CDSS) shall jointly develop guidelines prioritizing services for children of state-identified essential workers. Children at risk of abuse and neglect maintain first priority for state-subsidized programs. The guidance must address group size, physical distancing, food safety, and other guidance that reflects the best practices promulgated by federal, state, and local public health officials related to COVID-19.
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Family fees for childcare programs are suspended for 60 days.
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Any law or regulation restricting After School Education and Safety programs from operating while a school is closed due to COVID-19 or from serving school-age children of state-identified essential workers is suspended for 60 days.
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For 21st Century Community Learning Centers, all state laws and regulations that exceed the requirements of federal regulations are suspended for 60 days. Centers still must meet federal laws and regulations.
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Minimum attendance calculations required by state law for the After School Education and Safety Grant and the 21st Century High School After School and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs)** program are suspended for 2019. Calculations required by federal law and regulations still apply.
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CDE and CDSS may share data for the purposes of identifying students who are eligible for Pandemic SNAP benefits.
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The CDSS, in consultation with CDE, may, for the next 60 days, waive or suspend any licensing, contractual, payment, eligibility, or registration requirements for CalWORKS Stage One childcare, the Emergency Childcare Bridge program, and the Childcare Provider Registration program.
**The purpose of the 21st Century High School After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) Program is to support community learning centers for students in grades nine through twelve with academic enrichment opportunities and activities designed to complement students' regular academic program.
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