California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on April 1 new guidance and model policies for licensed child care facilities and preschool programs in California regarding their responsibilities under Assembly Bill 495, also known as the Family Preparedness Act of 2025. The law, authored by Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez, took effect January 1, 2026.
The guidance aims to help early childhood education and child care providers develop plans to protect the rights of immigrants and their families by limiting support for immigration enforcement activities at these facilities. This is seen as important in ensuring that children can safely access educational environments without fear.
“Child care and preschool facilities should be safe and secure spaces so children can grow, learn, and simply be children. As the Trump Administration’s inhumane immigration enforcement agenda continues, it is essential that early childhood education and child care providers are prepared, informed, and equipped to safeguard the rights of children and their families,” said Attorney General Bonta. “My office is committed to ensuring educators and child care providers have the tools and knowledge they need to respond appropriately if immigration agents come to their facility, and that immigrant students and families understand their rights and protections under the law. We will continue to stand with our immigrant communities and uphold every child’s right to learn and thrive in environments that are inclusive and secure.”
Under AB 495, licensed child care facilities cannot collect information or documents related to citizenship or immigration status unless required by law or necessary for certain programs. Facilities must also report any requests from law enforcement seeking access or information for immigration enforcement purposes. Information about children or family members cannot be shared with agencies conducting immigration enforcement unless a valid judicial warrant or court order is presented or parental consent is given. The policy further restricts entry of immigration agents into nonpublic areas without proper legal documentation.
All participating California State Preschool Program facilities must adopt these model policies by July 1, 2026; other licensed facilities are encouraged but not required to do so.
Rob Bonta leads the California Attorney General’s office according to the official website. The office serves as California’s chief law enforcement authority with responsibilities including enforcing state laws, protecting public safety rights, advancing civil rights initiatives such as consumer protection economic security efforts according to its official website, transparency tools like OpenJustice portal according to its official website, operating statewide across all regions according to its official website, forming an integral part of California’s executive branch as outlined on its official site.
