Updates from the Collab Office - June 2026

Happy almost summer! This month, we have information to share about the California Head Start Collaboration Office (CHSCO) grant and implementation of Assistant Teacher Permit – Independent Care Emphasis.  

CHSCO Grant Update 

On April 23, 2026, the CHSCO was notified by the Office of Head Start’s (OHS), Director Lizbeth Casco White, of updates to the Head Start Collaboration Office’s (HSCO) grant application. Director White reiterated that the funding for Head Start Collaboration grants “... remains a critical priority in advancing the OHS mission to integrate Head Start within state early care and education systems. Despite upcoming changes, we remain fully committed to the HSCO mission. These grants are essential for strengthening coordination across early childhood, child welfare, and family support systems while ensuring Head Start is represented at the highest levels of state governance.” 

The new grant application is in development and will be open for public comment this summer as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act. As a result of the update to the application, the CHSCO’s current grant scope has been extended to February 28, 2027. Additional communication will go out once we receive more information.  

Assistant Teacher Permit – Independent Care Emphasis 

Assembly Bill 753 of 2025 (supported by Head Start California) became effective January 1, 2026. This bill created the new Independent Care Emphasis authorization for the existing Child Development Assistant Teacher Permit, which authorizes the holder of an Assistant Teacher Permit with an Independent Care Emphasis to temporarily supervise children in a child care and development program independently for no more than 120 minutes per day. This added authorization is non-renewable and will be valid for two years. For more information on the requirements and how to apply for the Independent Care Emphasis, please see  Information Alert 25-09. 

In addition to the Information Alert 25-09, the California Department of Social Services Child Care and Development Division issued Child Care Bulletin (CCB) 26-08, Implementation of Assembly Bill (AB) 753 (Chapter 165, Statutes 2025), which outlines implementation requirements for General Child Care and Development (CCTR) and Migrant Child Care and Development (CMIG) contractors.

At this time, the California Department of Education has not released a Management Bulletin (MB) to outline implementation requirements for California State Preschool (CSPP) contractors. This MB is forthcoming.  

Feel free to email me if you have any questions, concerns, recommendations, or if you would like to connect further. 

With my deepest appreciation and thanks,  

Ristyn Woolley