Two September Updates for California’s Early Care and Education Community

Two September Updates for California’s Early Care and Education Community

September is bringing a couple of important developments for California’s early care and education community, one here at home related to child care center fire and building standards, and one in Washington, D.C. related to federal child care funding. Here’s what we know so far and what members should keep an eye on.

Child Care Fire and Building Standards Are Back on the Agenda

Earlier this year, proposed changes to fire and building standards affecting child care centers were put on hold. At the time, it looked like those conversations would likely wait until a future building code cycle. Now, somewhat unexpectedly, the California Office of the State Fire Marshal reconvened its Child Care Center Work Group on September 11. The group is expected to revisit previously tabled items and discuss the timeline for possible consideration by the California Building Standards Commission. One of the big issues under discussion is the difference between Group E and Group I-4 occupancy classifications for child care centers. While that may sound very technical, these classifications can have very practical consequences for providers. They can affect building requirements, renovation costs, and how easy (or difficult) it is to open or expand a child care site. The Office of the State Fire Marshal is also holding a September 30 webinar focused specifically on child care occupancy requirements and the distinction between Group E and Group I-4 classifications. For now, there is no new requirement to comply with. The regulations have not been adopted. EveryChild California plans to participate in the September 11 discussion so we can better understand what may be coming next and make sure provider realities are part of the conversation. We also encourage members who operate, renovate, expand, or develop child care centers to participate in the September 30 webinar. We’ll continue to share updates as we learn more.

Federal Child Care Funding Is Extended Through December 11

We also have an important update from Washington, D.C. Congress has temporarily extended current federal funding through December 11, which means there is no immediate interruption to federal child care funding while lawmakers continue negotiating Fiscal Year 2027 spending. The less settled part is that Congress still has not made final FY 2027 funding decisions for major early learning programs. The House FY 2027 Labor-HHS-Education proposal includes small increases for both the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and Head Start, but proposes eliminating the Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) program. The Senate has not yet released its Labor-HHS-Education proposal, so there is still a lot that could change before a final agreement is reached. The continuing resolution gives Congress more time, but it also creates a new deadline. Between now and December 11, lawmakers will be deciding final funding levels for programs that support child care providers, children, and families across California. EveryChild California will continue tracking those negotiations closely and will let members know when there are meaningful opportunities to weigh in.

We’ll Keep You Posted

Neither of these issues requires immediate action from members today, but both are worth watching. At the state level, discussions about child care occupancy standards could eventually affect the cost and feasibility of opening or expanding child care programs. At the federal level, final funding decisions could have significant implications for child care and early learning programs nationwide. We’ll continue showing up in these conversations, asking questions, and keeping members informed as things develop.