An integrated statewide verification hub (SVH) is an agency-wide information technology (IT) solution that will ultimately contribute to increased parent knowledge and choice, as families will have improved access to services across the birth to five continuum through streamlining and modernizing the required verification process while preserving privacy and security. The SVH is currently in planning phases. Forthcoming steps will include improving the consumer education database concept and other early childhood data efforts to provide families with user-friendly information, conducting stakeholder workgroups, and doing foundational work and assessment to facilitate unique ID concepts. To accomplish these activities, the California Department of Social Services will provide personnel services, contracted consulting services, and IT software/hardware solutions as necessary.
Expand and Articulate Consumer Education Database
PDG-Renewal / Activity 3d
Activity 3d: Expand and Articulate Consumer Education Database—June 2023 update
The transition of multiple child care and development programs to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) from the California Department of Education took effect July 1, 2021. In accordance with the Budget Act of Fiscal Year 2020-21, the planning for the Brilliant Beginnings data landscape is closely tied to this transition.
In its new role in the administration of child care and early learning, CDSS is working to develop the architecture and framework for Brilliant Beginnings. Preschool Development Grant–Renewal funding supports various activities tied to Brilliant Beginnings and its flagship projects:
- California Supporting Providers and Reaching Kids (CalSPARK)
- Child care consumer education
- Improvements in the statewide child care data landscape
The CDSS team envisions CalSPARK in particular as a technology tool that better facilitates state operations for child care programs.
Beginning with the launch of MyChildCarePlan.org on October 11, 2022, CDSS intends to significantly improve statewide consumer education supports available to families and providers. CDSS is also exploring opportunities to expand its capacity to govern and gain insight from child care data.
These opportunities include collaborations with state and local partners and integration with several other CDSS and California Health and Human Services agency efforts.
