State government: office buildings: daycare centers

The law opens some state-owned office space to licensed childcare providers, aiming to expand childcare near state workers and surrounding communities.

What the law does ​

• Allows priority for licensed childcare providers seeking daycare space when the state acquires or builds an office building, or makes qualifying first-floor renovations affecting at least 25% of an existing building.
• Authorizes the Director of General Services to set lease terms and rent, including below-cost rent when needed to keep a daycare center viable.
• Allows the Director of General Services, if funding is available, to lease separate nearby space or retrofit existing state office buildings for daycare centers under specified conditions.
• Requires daycare space to meet applicable local and state safety building codes and Title 22 indoor and outdoor activity-space requirements.
• Gives enrollment priority to employees working in the building, then other state employees, then community residents living within five miles.

Who it affects ​

• Licensed childcare providers and prospective providers seeking space for daycare centers.
• State employees, especially those working in office buildings with a daycare center.
• Families living within five miles of participating state office buildings.
• The Department of General Services.

Context ​

The law excludes state hospitals, correctional facilities, other state buildings providing 24-hour care, and facilities owned, operated, or occupied by the California Highway Patrol.