Public postsecondary education: students with dependent children: childcare services, resources, and programs.

Senator Reyes proposes expanding childcare support services across California's public higher education system through modifications to basic needs programs and financial aid resources. The legislation requires California State University and California Community College campuses, while requesting University of California participation, to incorporate childcare assistance into their existing basic needs frameworks.

The bill broadens the definition of basic needs services to explicitly include childcare support, encompassing information about affordable options, connections to subsidy programs, and potential direct financial assistance. Campus Basic Needs Centers must provide students with dependent children access to childcare resources, including details about on-campus facilities, referrals to local providers, and guidance for accessing state and federal childcare programs.

Financial aid offices at public higher education institutions must inform students with dependent children about available childcare services, provide referrals to Basic Needs Centers, and share information regarding supplemental awards for student parents. Additionally, campus child development centers and preschools must direct student parents to both Basic Needs Centers and financial aid offices to ensure awareness of available support services.

The legislation maintains existing reporting requirements for Basic Needs Centers while adding specific tracking of childcare-related services and resources. Campuses must submit annual data on service utilization, student demographics, and program outcomes to their respective system offices, which then compile reports for the Governor and Legislature through 2030.