CA SB976

Renames the Early Education Act as the Universal Preschool Act and establishes a universal, free, inclusive preschool program available to all 3- and 4-year-olds.

Requires the State Department of Education and Department of Social Services to jointly administer the program and establish a statewide coordination council to develop standards, guidelines, and best practices for implementation.

Changes reimbursement requirements to ensure standard rates provide at least a living wage for preschool site supervisors, teachers, and staff; eliminates income eligibility requirements and family fee schedules.

Eliminates fees for child development permits and requires state financial support for preschool staff to obtain required credentials and degrees.

Expands childcare resource and referral services to include navigation, referral, and enrollment assistance for universal preschool programs; provisions become operative only upon legislative appropriation of funds.