CA AB1897

Requires the State Department of Social Services to adopt regulations by January 1, 2018, creating a new optional unified license for day care centers serving children from birth through entering first grade.

Unified license regulations must include age-appropriate transition periods allowing children to move between age groups up to three months before or after their birthday, based on developmental readiness and group needs.

Licensees using the new option must list age groups served for inspection, data collection, and needs assessments, and all existing day care center regulations continue to apply.

New license option is in addition to existing infant, preschool, and toddler component licenses rather than replacing them, allowing providers flexibility in choosing the license type best suited to their program.

Aims to improve efficiency by eliminating duplicate inspections, paperwork, and toddler component waivers, allowing the department to conduct single inspections while maintaining quality standards and health and safety practices.