CA SB50

Extends eligibility for state preschool and childcare programs to families with a household member certified to receive benefits from Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SNAP, WIC, Head Start, Early Head Start, or other designated means-tested government programs.

Allows children ages 18 months to 3 years to enroll in California state preschool programs, with reimbursement rates equivalent to general childcare programs; this provision expires January 1, 2028.

Extends the period families are considered to meet eligibility and need requirements from 12 months to 24 months before recertification is required, with implementation through department guidance by October 1, 2022.

Limits services for homeless families and those seeking employment or permanent housing to full-time care only, and requires agencies to use simplified assumptions to authorize maximum certified hours for families with variable work schedules.

Requires families qualifying through means-tested program benefits to submit self-certification of income for enrollment prioritization and fee calculations.