Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to aid childcare providers affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. The order directs the Department of Social Services, in collaboration with the California Employment Development Department (EDD), to reach out to childcare programs or providers whose facilities remain closed due to the fires. The aim is to inform them about their potential eligibility for Disaster Unemployment Assistance and help them complete applications for these benefits.

Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of supporting childcare providers as California begins its recovery from the wildfires. "As California begins to recover from the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, we are working to make sure that childcare providers are aware of the federal and state supports available to them if they still are unable to work due to the fires. We will make sure that those who help our families have the resources they need and deserve."

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom also highlighted the critical role of caregiving in society and its economic significance. "Caregiving isn’t just a service—it’s the infrastructure we all need to go to work—making it a vital piece of the workforce equation. Ensuring that childcare providers—an industry that is majority women—are able to provide for their own families during this time is crucial to their ability to recover and rebuild, just as it’s critical to supporting the larger economy."

Californians affected by disasters can seek assistance through EDD, which offers unemployment, disability, or Paid Family Leave benefits. More information is available on EDD's Disaster Unemployment Assistance website.

For those impacted by firestorms in Los Angeles, additional resources can be accessed at CA.gov/LAfires—a hub providing information from state, local, and federal government sources.

Individuals and business owners who suffered losses due to wildfires in Los Angeles County may apply for disaster assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or via FEMA's smartphone application. Assistance is offered in over 40 languages.