Childcare: Early Childhood Policy Council.

Assembly Member Jackson's legislation expands the Early Childhood Policy Council's reporting and advisory responsibilities while establishing new mechanisms for stakeholder input on California's early learning and care policies. The council must now include detailed analyses of successes, challenges, and gaps in early childhood education systems within its annual reports to the Legislature, along with specific recommendations for advancing state objectives for children and families.

The bill creates two standing advisory committees to inform the council's work. A nine-member parent advisory committee includes representatives from diverse backgrounds, including subsidy recipients, tribal organizations, and parents of children with special needs. A parallel workforce advisory committee comprises childcare providers, teachers, and early education professionals. Both committees are tasked with providing ongoing recommendations on topics ranging from family engagement practices to workforce development needs.

Under the amended structure, the 27-member council must develop targeted policy proposals and budget requests addressing facility requirements, workforce needs, and family access to services. The California Health and Human Services Agency provides staffing support, with up to $300,000 allocated for administrative costs. The legislation also enables stipends and expense reimbursements for council members to facilitate participation, contingent on budget appropriations.