CA AB300

Authorizes Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties to develop individualized child care subsidy plans as pilot projects until January 1, 2023, to address unmet child care needs identified in county assessments.

Requires county plans to include assessment of local child care needs, development of local policies eliminating state regulatory barriers, and measurable outcomes for success, while prioritizing lowest-income families.

Allows local policies to supersede state law regarding eligibility criteria, fees, reimbursement rates, and methods for maximizing subsidy fund efficiency.

Requires counties to submit plans to local planning councils and boards of supervisors for approval, then to the State Department of Education for review and approval within 30 days.

Mandates annual reporting to the Legislature, State Department of Social Services, and State Department of Education demonstrating that child enrollment increased and no reduction in served children occurred compared to pre-plan levels.