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 for child care centers were put on hold. Now, the California Office of the State Fire Marshal has reconvened its Child Care Center Work Group for September 11.
The group is expected to revisit previously tabled items and discuss when proposed changes might go before the California Building Standards Commission. A key issue is the distinction between Group E and Group I-4 occupancy classifications. Although technical, these classifications can affect building requirements, renovation costs, and the feasibility of opening or expanding a child care center.
The State Fire Marshal will also hold a September 30 webinar on child care occupancy requirements and the Group E and Group I-4 classifications. Group E generally covers centers serving children age three and older who can respond in an emergency, while Group I-4 covers centers where children need staff’s physical help to evacuate and therefore carries stricter safety requirements, ie infants to three-year-olds.
No new requirements have been adopted. EveryChild California participated in the September 11 discussion and became a lead of one of the child care workgroups to understand the proposals and ensure provider realities are represented. We encourage members who operate, renovate, expand, or develop child care centers to attend the September 30 webinar.
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, preventing an immediate interruption in federal child care funding while lawmakers negotiate 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 proposal, so the outcome could still change.
The continuing resolution provides more time for negotiations but sets a new December 11 deadline. EveryChild California will monitor the process and alert members when meaningful opportunities arise to weigh in.
We’ll Keep You Posted
Neither of these issues requires immediate action from members today, but both are worth watching. State occupancy standards could affect the cost and feasibility of opening or expanding child care centers, particularly infant and toddler care, while federal funding decisions could have broad consequences for early learning programs.
EveryChild California will continue to represent providers and share updates as these issues develop.