CA SB959

Expands the definition of "pupil" in existing education code to include children enrolled in childcare and development programs, transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and grades 1-12 administered by local educational agencies.

Requires the Attorney General to develop model policies by March 31, 2021 limiting immigration enforcement assistance at childcare and development programs while ensuring they remain safe and accessible regardless of immigration status.

Requires the State Department of Education to issue a management bulletin by June 30, 2021 providing information to childcare and development programs about children's rights to safe enrollment and model policies for responding to immigration enforcement.

Requires childcare and development programs with direct state contracts to adopt the Attorney General's model policies (or equivalents), inform contracted providers of their policies, and submit copies to the department starting July 1, 2021 when renewing or expanding contracts.

Excludes licensed or license-exempt family childcare providers from the new childcare and development program requirements.