I. Overview
Most CAPSDAC 2.0 domains (reports) have either an Effective Start Date or a Start Date. This date tells the California Department of Education (CDE) when that information became true.
Each domain has its own date, because each one tracks something different, such as a classroom, a child, a family, or a enrollment. In this article, "start date" means whichever date that domain uses.
Domain |
Which date it uses |
Classroom |
Effective Start Date |
Child |
Effective Start Date |
Family |
Effective Start Date |
Enrollment |
Start Date |
Classroom Enrollment |
Start Date |
Attendance |
No start date. It counts days expected and days attended. |
This article explains how CareConnect picks the start date for each domain and why it works that way. Each section includes a table with the steps and an example.
The examples in this article use the 2026-27 fiscal year (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027).
1. Know the July 1 Rule
How:
A start date can never be earlier than July 1 of the fiscal year you are reporting. If a date is earlier, CareConnect moves it up to July 1.
What you entered |
What the report shows |
05/10/2026 |
07/01/2026 (moved up) |
08/15/2026 |
08/15/2026 (stays the same) |
Each CAPSDAC report covers one fiscal year. Dates from last year do not belong in this year's report. This rule applies to almost every domain.
2. Learn the Key Words
How:
Use this table when a word in this article is unclear.
Word |
What it means |
Domain |
One of the CAPSDAC reports (Classroom, Child, Family, Enrollment, Classroom Enrollment, Attendance). |
Effective Start Date (ESD) |
The date a record's information became true. |
Fiscal year |
The program year. It starts July 1 and ends June 30. |
Report Month |
The month the report is for. |
Report Generated Date |
The day you clicked Generate to create the report. |
CAPSDAC uses a lot of similar-sounding dates. Knowing these words makes the rest of the article easier to follow.
3. Submit the Reports in Order
How:
Submit the domains to the CDE CAPSDAC portal in this order:
Order |
Domain |
Why it goes here |
1 |
Classroom |
Classrooms must exist first, so children can be placed in them. |
2 |
Child |
The child must exist before family or enrollment info is linked to them. |
3 |
Family |
Family info is linked to a child who already exists. |
4 |
Enrollment |
Shows when the child started CSPP services. |
5 |
Classroom Enrollment |
Places the enrolled child in a classroom. |
6 |
Attendance |
Attendance needs a child who is enrolled in a classroom. |
Why:
CAPSDAC checks each report against the ones sent before it. For example, a child cannot be placed in a classroom that CAPSDAC does not know about yet.
II. Classroom Domain
The Classroom domain reports each classroom and the date it started providing CSPP services within the fiscal year.
1. Enter the Classroom Start Date
Where to go:
Classroom Detail > CAPSDAC Effective Start Date, or Provider Detail > CAPSDAC Effective Start Date
How:
Enter the date the classroom began providing CSPP services in the CAPSDAC Effective Start Date field.
Why:
This date tells CAPSDAC when the classroom started. Other domains (Child and Classroom Enrollment) also use this date, so a child is never reported in a classroom before it opened.
2. Understand How the Date Is Set
How:
When you generate the report, CareConnect follows these steps:
Step |
What CareConnect does |
Why |
Example |
|
Reads the CAPSDAC Effective Start Date you entered. |
This is when the classroom began CSPP services. |
You entered 08/15/2026. |
|
Checks the date against the first day of the fiscal year. |
Reports only cover this fiscal year. |
Is 08/15/2026 before 07/01/2026? No. |
|
If the date is before July 1, the report uses 07/01/2026. |
The July 1 Rule. |
03/01/2025 becomes 07/01/2026. |
|
If the date is on or after July 1, the report uses it as-is. |
The date is already in this fiscal year. |
08/15/2026 stays 08/15/2026. |
Why:
The Classroom date does not depend on earlier reports. It only depends on the date you entered and the July 1 Rule. This keeps the classroom date simple and easy to predict.
III. Child Domain
The Child domain reports the child's personal information, such as name and race. The start date shows when this version of the child's information became true.
1. Enter the Child's Start Date
Where to go:
Child Profile > Eligibility > Basic > PLIS/CAPSDAC Start Date
How:
Enter the PLIS/CAPSDAC Start Date for the child. If you leave it blank, CareConnect uses the classroom's CAPSDAC Effective Start Date instead.
Why:
The first time a child is reported, CAPSDAC needs a starting point. The classroom date is a safe backup when this field is empty.
2. Understand How the Date Is Set
How:
When you generate the report, CareConnect follows these rules:
Rule |
What CareConnect does |
Why |
Example |
|
Uses the PLIS/CAPSDAC Start Date. If blank, uses the classroom's CAPSDAC Effective Start Date. |
A new child needs a starting date. |
Field is blank. Classroom date is 07/15/2026. Start date is 07/15/2026. |
|
If the date is earlier than the classroom's date, uses the classroom date. |
A child can't be in a classroom before it opens. |
Child 07/05/2026, classroom 07/20/2026. Start date is 07/20/2026. |
|
If the date is before July 1, uses 07/01/2026. |
The July 1 Rule. |
06/10/2026 becomes 07/01/2026. |
|
If certain information changed since the last report (like name or race), the date becomes the day you ran the report (the Report Generated Date). See Section XI for the full list. |
A change makes a new version of the child's record. |
Last name fixed. Report made 08/30/2026. Start date is 08/30/2026. |
|
Keeps the same start date as the last report. |
The information is the same, so the date is too. |
Still 07/15/2026. |
Why:
CAPSDAC keeps a history of the child's information. A new date tells CAPSDAC that something about the child changed and when the new version was reported.
3. Site Transfer vs. Information Update
How:
These two look alike, but CareConnect handles them differently:
Situation |
Child report start date |
Classroom Enrollment start date |
Do they match? |
Site transfer (Site A to Site B) |
New record for Site B. The date equals the Classroom Enrollment start date for Site B. |
The date the child started at Site B. |
Yes, they must match. |
Information update (like a name change), same site |
The Report Generated Date. |
Stays the original Care Start Date. |
No, and that's okay. It is not an error. |
Example: Care started 07/05/2026. The child's name was updated 08/01/2026. The report was generated 08/30/2026.
Report |
Field |
Value |
Child Report |
Effective Start Date |
08/30/2026 (new, because the name changed) |
Classroom Enrollment Report |
Enrollment Start Date |
07/05/2026 (unchanged) |
Why:
When only the child's information changes, the child is still in the same classroom. Keeping the old Classroom Enrollment date tells CAPSDAC: "This is only an information update, not a move or a new enrollment."
IV. Family Domain
The Family domain reports the family information connected to each child. The start date shows when this version of the family record became true.
1. Enter the Enroll Date
Where to go:
Child Profile > Enroll Date
How:
Make sure the child's Enroll Date is filled in before you generate the report. If it is blank, the Family start date will also be blank and the report will show a verification error.
Why:
CareConnect does not guess this date. If it used July 1 and the site's classroom started later, CAPSDAC would reject the record. A blank date flags the problem so you can fix it before you submit.
2. Understand How the Date Is Set
How:
When you generate the report, CareConnect follows these rules:
Rule |
What CareConnect does |
Why |
Example |
|
Uses the Child Profile Enroll Date. |
The family record starts when the child enrolled. |
Enroll Date 08/04/2026. Start date is 08/04/2026. |
|
Leaves the start date blank and shows a verification error. |
So you can enter the correct date. |
Enter the Enroll Date and generate again. |
|
If the date is before July 1, uses 07/01/2026. |
The July 1 Rule. |
04/12/2026 becomes 07/01/2026. |
|
If certain family information changed since the last report, the date becomes the day you ran the report (the Report Generated Date). See Section XI for the full list. |
A change makes a new version of the family record. |
Family info updated. Report made 09/30/2026. Start date is 09/30/2026. |
The Family start date must be on or before the child's Enrollment Start Date. Starting from the Enroll Date keeps the two dates in line.
3. More Than One Child in a Family
How:
Each child has their own family record. A change for one child does not change the date for a brother or sister.
Event |
Child A |
Child B (sibling) |
Both start at Preschool 1 |
Family start date 07/01/2026 |
Family start date 07/01/2026 |
Child A moves to Preschool 2 on 09/15/2026 |
New family record for Preschool 2. Start date 09/15/2026. |
Still at Preschool 1. Keeps 07/01/2026. |
Why:
The State says changes should follow the individual child. Child B did not move, so there is no reason to change Child B's date just to match a sibling.
V. Enrollment Domain
The Enrollment domain reports when the child was scheduled to begin receiving CSPP services.
1. Enter the Enroll Date
Where to go:
Students > Site Enrollments > Personal Info Tab > Enroll Date
How:
Enter the date the child was scheduled to begin CSPP services in the Enroll Date field.
Why:
This is the child's CSPP enrollment start date. It usually stays the same unless the child leaves and re-enrolls, or switches sites and gets a new Preschool Code.
2. Understand How the Date Is Set
How:
When you generate the report, CareConnect follows these rules:
Rule |
What CareConnect does |
Why |
Example |
|
Uses the Enroll Date from Personal Info. |
This is when the child was set to start services. |
Enroll Date is 08/04/2026. |
|
If the Enroll Date is before July 1, uses 07/01/2026. |
The July 1 Rule. |
05/20/2026 becomes 07/01/2026. |
|
Does not compare to the last report. Each time you generate again, the date stays the same, even if other info changed. |
An enrollment start does not change just because other details changed. |
September shows 08/04/2026. October still shows 08/04/2026. |
Why:
Keeping the date steady tells CAPSDAC that the child is still in the same enrollment, even when other details are updated.
3. Family Recertification
How:
No extra steps are needed. The next report shows the new Eligibility Status, and the Enrollment Start Date stays the same.
Why:
Eligibility Status does not have its own date, so a recertification does not need a new Enrollment Start Date.
4. Site or Schedule Change
How:
A new site or schedule can change the child's Preschool Code or Program Type. Use one of these two options:
Option A: Update it in CAPSDAC. Make the change directly in the CDE CAPSDAC portal.
Option B: Generate the report twice in CareConnect.
Step |
What you do |
Why |
1 |
Add an End Date and End Reason to the current site and schedule. |
This closes the old enrollment. |
2 |
Generate the report (first run). |
CAPSDAC learns the old enrollment ended. |
3 |
Add the new site and schedule. |
This gives the child the new Preschool Code and/or Program Type. |
4 |
Remove the End Date and End Reason, and add the new Start Date. |
This opens the new enrollment. |
5 |
Generate the report again (second run). |
CAPSDAC learns when the new enrollment started. |
Why:
CAPSDAC needs two records: one that shows when the old enrollment ended, and one that shows when the new enrollment started.
VI. Classroom Enrollment Domain
The Classroom Enrollment domain reports which classroom the child is in and when they started in that classroom.
1. Enter the Child Care Start Date
Where to go:
The child's Child Care record (schedule) > Child Care Start Date
How:
Enter the date the child started in the classroom in the Child Care Start Date field.
Why:
This date shows when the child joined that specific classroom. It only changes when a new schedule is added with a different Preschool Code or Classroom ID.
2. Understand How the Date Is Set
How:
When you generate the report, CareConnect follows these rules for each care period:
Rule |
What CareConnect does |
Why |
Example |
|
If the Child Care Start Date is blank, starts with 07/01/2026. |
CareConnect needs a starting point. |
Blank becomes 07/01/2026. |
|
If the date is before 07/01/2026, uses 07/01/2026. |
The July 1 Rule. |
05/10/2026 becomes 07/01/2026. |
|
If the date is before the Classroom Effective Start Date, uses the classroom date. |
A child can't start in a classroom before it opens. |
07/01/2026 with classroom 07/15/2026 becomes 07/15/2026. |
|
The final date is the latest of: the Child Care Start Date, July 1, and the classroom date. |
The date has to pass every rule above. |
08/03/2026 with classroom 07/15/2026 stays 08/03/2026. |
Child Care Start Date |
Classroom Effective Start Date |
Date on the report |
Why |
05/10/2026 |
06/01/2026 |
07/01/2026 |
Before July 1, so it moves up. |
05/10/2026 |
07/15/2026 |
07/15/2026 |
Classroom opened later, so it uses the classroom date. |
Blank |
06/01/2026 |
07/01/2026 |
Blank, so it starts at July 1. |
Blank |
07/15/2026 |
07/15/2026 |
Blank, so July 1, then moved up to the classroom date. |
08/03/2026 |
07/15/2026 |
08/03/2026 |
Already later than both, so it stays. |
Why:
The classroom start date must be on or after the Classroom Effective Start Date. These rules make sure the date always makes sense to CAPSDAC.
3. More Than One Schedule in a Month
How:
If a child has more than one schedule in the same classroom in one month, the report uses the first start date. If the schedules are in different classrooms, each classroom gets its own record.
Why:
The Classroom Enrollment date shows the first day the child was in that classroom.
VII. Attendance Domain
The Attendance domain reports how many days the child was expected to attend and how many days they actually attended.
1. Record Attendance
Where to go:
The child's certified schedule and Attendance (Sign In / Sign Out) records
How:
Make sure the child's certified schedule is correct and every day the child attends has a Sign In and Sign Out with more than 0 hours.
Why:
Days Expected comes from the certified schedule. Days Attended comes from the Sign In / Sign Out records.
2. Understand How the Days Are Counted
How:
When you generate the report, CareConnect follows these steps:
Step |
What CareConnect does |
Why |
Example |
|
Counts days based on the child's certified schedule. |
This is how many days the child was supposed to come. |
18 days in October. |
|
Counts every day with a Sign In / Sign Out and more than 0 hours, even days outside the schedule. |
Every day the child actually came counts. |
18 scheduled days + 2 extra days = 20. |
|
Checks if Days Attended is more than Days Expected. |
Days Attended can never be more than Days Expected. |
20 attended vs. 18 expected. |
|
If Days Attended is higher, raises Days Expected to match. |
Keeps the numbers valid for CAPSDAC. |
Days Expected becomes 20. |
Scheduled days |
Days the child came |
Days Expected reported |
Days Attended reported |
18 |
16 |
18 |
16 |
18 |
18 |
18 |
18 |
18 |
20 (2 extra days) |
20 |
20 |
CAPSDAC will not accept a record where Days Attended is higher than Days Expected. Days Expected is only raised when needed, and it is never lowered.
VIII. How the Dates Fit Together
1. Know What Each Date Means
How:
Use this table to see what each domain's date means and where it comes from:
Date |
What it means |
Where it comes from |
Classroom Effective Start Date |
When the classroom started providing CSPP services. |
Classroom or Provider Detail > CAPSDAC Effective Start Date |
Child Effective Start Date |
When this version of the child's information became true. |
PLIS/CAPSDAC Start Date, or the Report Generated Date after a change |
Family Effective Start Date |
When this version of the family record became true. |
Child Profile > Enroll Date, or the Report Generated Date after a change |
Enrollment Start Date |
When the child was scheduled to start CSPP services. |
Personal Info > Enroll Date |
Classroom Enrollment Start Date |
When the child started in that specific classroom. |
Child Care Start Date |
The dates do not all have to be the same. Each one tells a different part of the story, but they must make sense together.
2. See How the Dates Work Together
How:
Example: Classroom B opened on 07/20/2026. A child moved into Classroom B on 10/10/2026.
Record |
Date |
Why |
Classroom B |
07/20/2026 |
That's when the classroom opened. It doesn't change. |
Enrollment |
Stays the same |
The child is still in CSPP. Only the classroom changed. |
Classroom Enrollment (new) |
10/10/2026 |
That's the day the child joined Classroom B. |
CAPSDAC checks the dates across domains. If they don't line up, the records can be rejected.
IX. Common Questions
Question |
Answer |
Why does my report show 07/01/2026 when I entered an earlier date? |
Because of the July 1 Rule. Dates before the fiscal year are moved up to July 1. |
Why did the Child start date change when I only fixed a name? |
A change to certain information (like name or race) creates a new version of the record, dated the day the report was generated. |
Why don't my Child and Classroom Enrollment dates match? |
That's expected after an information update. They only need to match after a site transfer. |
Why is the Family start date blank? |
The Enroll Date in the Child Profile is empty. Add it and generate the report again. |
Why didn't the Enrollment start date change after recertification? |
Eligibility Status has no date of its own, so the Enrollment start date stays the same. |
My child goes to two sites. Why did only one site's date change? |
Each site has its own record. Changes like name or race update both sites. Changes that only apply to one site update only that site. |
Why is Days Expected higher than the schedule? |
The child came on extra days. Days Expected is raised so it's never less than Days Attended. |
X. Summary
Most CAPSDAC 2.0 domains have either an Effective Start Date or a Start Date. Most of these dates follow the July 1 Rule and can't start before the classroom opened. The Child and Family dates change when their information changes. The Enrollment date stays the same unless the child re-enrolls or changes sites. The Classroom Enrollment date shows when the child joined a classroom.
Before you generate reports, make sure the Classroom Effective Start Date, PLIS/CAPSDAC Start Date, Enroll Date, Child Care Start Date, and attendance records are complete. Then submit the domains in order: Classroom, Child, Family, Enrollment, Classroom Enrollment, Attendance.
XI. Reference Links
Use the pages below to review the fields that affect each report and where to enter that information in CareConnect.
Domain |
What the page covers |
Reference link |
Classroom |
Fields that affect the Classroom report and where to enter them |
|
Child |
Fields that affect the Child report and where to enter them |
|
Family |
Fields that affect the Family report and where to enter them |
|
Enrollment |
Fields that affect the Enrollment report and where to enter them |
|
Classroom Enrollment |
Fields that affect the Classroom Enrollment report and where to enter them |
|
Attendance |
Fields that affect the Attendance report and where to enter them |
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