ResourcesPosted on March 5, 2026
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is pleased to announce the release of the new California Framework for Infant-Toddler Learning and Development (IT Framework). The IT Framework, replaces the California Infant-Toddler Curriculum Framework, represents part of the CDSS comprehensive effort to strengthen young children’s …
Posted on March 5, 2026
The Quality Continuum Framework-Measurable Quality Elements (formerly called the Rating Matrix) includes elements that are research-based indicators of quality. It provides a recommended framework, or structure, for quality improvement.
Posted on March 5, 2026
This resource is designed to support the local QCC’s system implementation with fidelity to statewide agreements, policies, and statutory requirements. The Implementation Guide will continue to be updated as program expectations evolve.
Posted on March 5, 2026
These tools are aligned to the core elements of quality. Addressing topics like health, inclusion, family engagement and workforce development, these resources have been designed and selected to support educators in quality improvement efforts.
Posted on January 27, 2026
These virtual sessions are designed for professional development providers, facilitators, teachers, administrators, and coaches who support or assist with the DRDP assessment. DRDP (2025) for Teachers Implementation Trainings Registration Link DRDP (2025) for Administrators Implementation Webinars – These 1-hour sessions are for …
Posted on January 27, 2026
The ASPIRE program builds upon over a decade of investments in early care and education quality improvement, from state, federal and local sources, under Quality Counts California (QCC), California’s existing Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS). This work has included many years of investment to support CLASS observations in early care …
Posted on November 17, 2025
The Strong Start Index standardizes and summarizes the conditions into which children are born. Comprising twelve indicators that are universally measured, the California Strong Start Index can be used to better, more holistically characterize children across (and within) California communities, providing a tool that can help First 5s and …
Posted on October 27, 2025
This page on the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) website provides an index of child care and development quality initiatives, projects, programs and resources to support the early learning and care workforce and the early learning community.
Posted on October 27, 2025
This policy brief published in April 2025 uses data from the 2019–2023 California Health Interview Surveys to describe the child care experiences of households with young children ages 0–5.
Posted on December 27, 2019
QRIS assessors and anchors on the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) may access the training and support documents including: ● Guidance Inappropriate and Damaged Books 2019 ● ERS Assessor Toolkit 2019 ● Diapering-handwashing 2019 ● Observer Guidelines 2019 ● California ERS Anchor Certification Process ● How to Prepare For Certification ● Scoring …
Posted on October 22, 2019
Ages & Stages Questionnaires® (ASQ®) provide reliable, accurate developmental and social-emotional screening for children between birth and age 6. Screening young children is an effective, efficient way for professionals to check a child’s development, help parents celebrate their child’s milestones and know what to look for next, and …
Posted on May 23, 2019
All About Young Children: Information for Families on Children’s Early Development is a website that provides resources for families based on the California Infant/Toddler Learning & Development Foundations and the California Preschool Learning Foundations. This website includes video clips of children’s activities followed by …
Posted on January 31, 2019
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Public Playground Safety Handbook offers design and maintenance recommendations intended to reduce playground-related injuries. The recommendations include guidelines for choosing safe equipment and play surfaces.
Posted on January 31, 2019
The CLASS® instrument provides a framework for assessing teachers’ interactions with children as part of a data-driven continuous improvement process.
Posted on January 30, 2019
The Environment Rating Scales are a series of tools designed to assess process quality in a variety of care early childhood and school-age care environments
