News Update

California streamlines eligibility for early education and care

​​Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Friday that will streamline access to the state’s subsidized early childhood education system. 

Introduced by Sen. Monique Limón, D-Santa Barbara, Senate Bill 1047, formerly SB 50, makes it easier for low-income families to access the state-funded California State Preschool Program and subsidized child care system by automatically granting eligibility to families who are already enrolled in CalFresh, Medi-Cal, WIC or Head Start, cutting a layer of red tape.

“We’re thrilled that Governor Newsom has signed SB 1047 as it will help families and child care and preschool providers by creating easier enrollment procedures and ensuring that once children are enrolled in a program, they will benefit from the continuity of two years of care and education,” said Patricia Lozano, executive director of Early Edge, an advocacy group. “The signing of SB 1047 complements the strides made to improve access to the State Preschool Program and other efforts to lift up families and children, particularly in strained financial times.”

Also notable in the early childhood education space, the governor has signed Assembly Bill 2806, introduced by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio, which will prohibit suspension and expulsion, practices that experts say tend to target children of color.