Governance, Charters and Family Support Services

Strengthening governance, supporting schools, and serving families.

The Governance, Charter and Family Support Services Division provides leadership, administrative support, and specialized programs that strengthen public education and expand access to essential services throughout Orange County.

Working in partnership with the Orange County Board of Education, local educational agencies, charter schools, governing boards, community organizations, and families, the division promotes effective governance, supports high-quality educational opportunities, and administers programs that help schools and families succeed.

Our division:

• Supports the Orange County Board of Education by providing administrative and governance services that facilitate the Board's work on behalf of Orange County's students, schools and communities.
• Supports the full lifecycle of charter schools through authorization, oversight, technical assistance, public resources and programs that recognize excellence in public charter schools.
• Administers the Alternative Payment child care reimbursement program, helping eligible families access quality child care and supporting children's early learning and development.
• Coordinates the School-Based Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (SMAA) program, providing participating local educational agencies with training, technical assistance and administrative support to maximize available Medi-Cal reimbursement.
• Supports the Orange County School Boards Association (OCSBA) by coordinating governance resources, professional learning opportunities, and collaboration for locally elected school board and community college trustees.

Together, these programs strengthen governance, support educational systems, expand access to essential services, and foster collaboration that benefits Orange County schools, families and communities.