Kick off 2026 with a fresh pour of clarity and confidence. In this episode of Hold My Cafecito, Emily, Manuel, and Nestor welcome listeners back after the New Year and break down key State and Federal updates to start the year strong. From January CARS and CALPADS deadlines and SARC governing board approvals to assessment system downtime, upcoming professional learning opportunities, and a tour of the new State & Federal Programs website, this episode helps districts set clear priorities and smart resolutions for the months ahead. Perfect for administrators and district teams ready to start the year organized, informed, and caffeinated.

TOP 5 Document

State & Federal Programs website

In this episode of Hold My Cafecito, we’re joined by Richard Winters—Coordinator of Library Services, Literature & Language Literacy, and Language & Library—to talk literacy leadership across the Central Valley. Richard shares how connecting schools, libraries, and classrooms strengthens regional literacy systems and why access to engaging, representative texts matters now more than ever. We also spotlight the 20th Annual Region VII Central Valley Literacy Conference, highlighting who should attend and why this event is a meaningful investment in readers, writers, and educators across our region.

Register for the Conference Here

In this episode of Hold My Cafecito, One Last Pour — Wrapping Up the Year’s Updates Before Winter Break, we’re serving five essential reminders to help you close out the year confidently and compliantly. We highlight the statewide recruitment for new districts to join the RAISE Network, share key deadlines for the now-open 2025–26 CARS Winter Release, and stress the importance of accurate data ahead of the CALPADS Fall 1 certification deadline on December 12, which impacts Indicators 9 and 10 and overdue annual reviews. We also remind ELPAC Coordinators that AST training must be completed by today, and we wrap with a final nudge to order Summative ELPAC Writing materials for grades K–2 by December 19 to ensure smooth January administration. Grab your mug and settle in—here’s everything you need before heading into winter break.

RAISE Network

Top 5 Document

In this episode of Hold My Cafecito, we’re pouring out five essential November updates to keep your programs warm and your compliance strong before the holidays. From the CDE’s statewide search for high-quality TK multilingual learner screening tools and reminders about CARS Winter Release user access, to required ELPAC AST training and upcoming CAASPP deadlines, we’ve got your to-do list covered. We also unpack the CDE’s ongoing responses to federal actions and communications, reaffirming stability and student protections, and highlight the newly released 2025 California School Dashboard, with growth data coming soon for English Language Arts and Math.

So grab your mug, take a moment of gratitude, and stay tuned for the updates that keep California schools informed, compliant, and ready for what’s next.

Professional Development Folders⁠

⁠Top 5 Document

In this episode of Hold My Cafecito, we’re serving up five essential November updates to keep your compliance and collaboration running smoothly. From the California School Dashboard preview and public release dates, to emergency food resources for families affected by the recent shutdown, we’ve got timely reminders for every district. We’re also spotlighting the launch of the Region 7 English Learner Newsletter, reviewing legal obligations for full academic access for ELs, and highlighting upcoming professional learning opportunities—including the Math Framework Dinner Series and Mastering the ELPAC training.

Newsletter Sign-Up

Emergency Food Site Referral List

Professional Development Folders

Top 5 Document

In this episode of Hold My Cafecito, we’re joined by Jessica Gomez—award-winning educational leader, mentor, and advocate for equity—to explore what it means to lead with a people-first mindset. Jessica shares how her experiences have shaped her leadership philosophy, and how those lessons guide her approach to innovation, accountability, and system-wide change. From practical advice for new principals to reframing equity as instructional work, this conversation offers inspiration and actionable takeaways for leaders at every level.

In this episode of  “Spooky Stats & Bewitching Deadlines: No Tricks, Just Policy Treats” — we’re serving up five key October updates every district needs to know. From the latest Title III allocationsand final call to claim 2023–24 funds, to reminders on TOMS accessibilities, the new Accessibility Resources Matrix, and the LCAP upload deadline on myCDEconnect by October 31, we’ve got all the treats to keep your compliance game strong and your deadlines ghost-free. 

Top 5 Document

October Trainings

In this episode of Morning Grind, Policy Find, we’re kicking off October with five big updates every district needs to know. We start with AB 49, the California Safe Haven Schools Act, reinforcing protections for immigrant students and requiring policy updates by March 2026. Next, we cover the 2025–26 LCAP upload window opening October 13 through 31 on myCDEconnect, followed by CAASPP and ELPAC coordinator reminders on certification, test window setup, and audit readiness. We then break down key CALPADS Fall 1 Census Day deadlines that drive funding and Dashboard data. Finally, we highlight MCOE’s October lineup—from the Mid-Year LCAP Lunch & Learn to Library Workshops, Math Dinner Series, and the Student Resiliency Center’s wellness events.

TOP 5 Link

October Events Folder

In this episode of Strong Coffee, Strong Compliance — Preparing for Fall Audits & Reporting Requirements, we break down five key updates. We start with the September 30 deadlines for EEF, ELO-P, and UPK expenditure reports, plus the required Proposition 28 Annual Report for arts and music funding. We also share details from the upcoming Mid-Year LCAP Lunch & Learn with Parsec Education, highlight CDE’s statewide survey to update district-level school library contacts, and close with federal reminders on time, effort, and fiscal compliance. A full recap of deadlines, guidance, and compliance tips—brewed strong to keep you focused while you prepare for fall.

Top 5 Document

In this episode of Hold My Cafecito, we’re joined by Holly Crivelli, MCOE's Credentialing Programs Senior Coordinator, to unpack the latest updates impacting teacher certification in California. We dive into key changes to the RICA exam, updates to Teacher Performance Assessments (TPAs), and what administrators need to know to support candidates through these transitions. Whether you're in HR, induction, or site leadership, this episode offers practical insights for staying compliant and preparing your future educators.