Resource and Referral
Resource and Referral programs provide information to all parents and the community about the availability of child care in their area. The programs assist potential providers in the licensing process; provide direct services, including training; and they coordinate community resources for the benefit of parents and local child care providers. These services are available in all 58 California counties. (See WIC section 10219)
R&R Resources:
Resource and Referral Monitoring Tool:
The California Resource & Referral Program (CRRP) Monitoring Tool is designed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to ensure consistent, statewide oversight of CRRP contracts. It outlines the core program areas and expectations that guide CDSS monitoring visits, technical assistance, and continuous quality improvement efforts across all Resource & Referral (R&R) agencies.
The CRRP Monitoring Tool serves as a practical resource to:
- Understand the specific requirements and documentation that will be reviewed during a CDSS monitoring visit
- Assess current program implementation and identify areas for improvement
- Strengthen internal systems, procedures, and service delivery throughout the year
- Prepare staff and leadership for monitoring activities and follow-up actions
The CRRP Monitoring Tool can also be found on the CDSS Forms and Publications page under “Listed by Program” here: CCD 45 – CDSS Forms and Publications.
Program Self-Evaluation (PSE) Survey for Resource & Referral (R&R) Programs:
In accordance with 5 CCR section 18279, California Resource & Referral Program (CRRP) contractors must complete an annual self-evaluation plan. The Program Self-Evaluation (PSE) Survey serves as the official tool for documenting progress, supporting continuous quality improvement, and identifying areas for corrective action.
Access the current PSE survey for Resource & Referral (R&R) Programs here: Fiscal Year 2025–26 PSE for R&R Programs
Note: Each CRRP contractor shall maintain the following onsite documentation:
- Annual self-evaluations of the program by staff and board members as evidenced by written documentation. (5 CCR section 18279(b)(3))
- Documentation from the self-evaluation process used to develop a written list of tasks needed to modify the program in order to address all areas that need improvement. (5 CCR section 18279(b)(5))
For convenience, download a Portable Document Format (PDF) copy of the PSE Survey for your review before completing the online form.
Applicable Programs:
Submit one survey, per contractor, regardless of the number of contract types held. If your agency holds one or more of the contract types listed below you will only complete the survey once.
The survey contains a “save and continue” feature and does not have to be completed in one session. When the submission is complete, you will receive a confirmation email stating that the submission has been received. The confirmation email will contain a PDF of the completed survey for the contractor’s records and for planning purposes.
Deadline
Completed surveys must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on June 1 of each fiscal year. If June 1 falls on a non-business day, submissions are due the next business day by 5:00 p.m.
Contact Information
For questions about the CRRP PSE Survey, please email CRRP@dss.ca.gov.
For technical issues, please email RADDSurveyHelp@dss.ca.gov.
Health and Safety Training:
All 69 of California’s R&R programs facilitate provider reimbursement for demonstrated completion of Emergency Services Authority approved course work (including waivered health and safety coursework), for licensed center staff, licensed family child care providers, and license-exempt providers. R&Rs with certified staff may facilitate classes as well.
Preventive Health and Safety Practices Regional Trainers:
A network of 17 R&Rs provides preventive health and safety coursework (Trainer of Trainers) both online and in person. University of California San Francisco (UCSF) provides approved trainer coursework and technical assistance for the hub trainers. Certified Preventive Health and Safety Training Affiliates are available throughout California to provide the eight hours of low or no cost Preventive Health and Safety training as required by the California Department of Social Services and Community Care Licensing Division (CDSS/CCLD) as well as Disaster and Emergency Planning training as outlined in the California Child Care Disaster Plan. Visit UCSF California Child Care Health Program, Disaster Prepardness
MyChildCarePlan.org:
MyChildCarePlan.org is a search and support website that offers a customizable child care search tool and live support from local child care counselors to help families make the best child care choices for their children. With MyChildCarePlan.org, parents can access the information they need to find child care they can trust, and providers can easily promote their services to families who need them. Learn more here: www.mychildcareplan.org
Resource and Referral Program Service Data Report (RRAS) portal launching October 2, 2023
The newly housed California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Resource and Referral Program Data Report (RRAS) portal is now live! The first reporting period will be October 1st to October 31st.
The new RRAS portal address is: https://rras.ccdd.dss.ca.gov/, please utilize the RRAS job aids provided via email. If you have not received a job aids, please email us at RRAS@dss.ca.gov.
New features of the CDSS RRAS reporting portal:
- Multiple users with unique logins can be added per agency; agency email addresses are strongly recommended
- Password reset is now possible
- User-friendly reporting navigation
If you have further questions regarding the RRAS portal, or have any questions with the registration process, please email us at RRAS@dss.ca.gov.
Required Reporting:
Program Service Data Report
- Q1 (July-September), Due last day of October
- Q2 (October-December), Due last day of January
- Q3 (January-March), Due last day of April
- Q4 (April-June), Due last day of July
Resource and Referral Service Data Reports
Contact Us:
For more information about R&R’s, please contact the Child Care and Development Division, at 916-651-5382 or by email at CRRP@dss.ca.gov.