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CalKIDS

Empowering California’s Future Through Education

Hopscotch-00087-SCH529-calkids-college-savings-program

CalKIDS

Overview

The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) provides newborns and eligible public school children in California with college savings accounts to expand access to higher education. As part of this state-led initiative, CalKIDS needed a robust digital platform to manage its growing user base and improve access to critical resources.

Dreamers of Day rebuilt the CalKIDS website with a scalable WordPress platform, real-time eligibility checking, and a modular design for future expansion. The result was a high-performance, user-friendly site that seamlessly supports the program’s mission and compliance needs.

VISIT SITE
WHAT WE DID
  • PRODUCT STRATEGY
  • SOLUTION ARCHITECTURE
  • CUSTOM RESPONSIVE WEB DEVELOPMENT
  • API INTEGRATION
  • CONTENT AND CMS MIGRATION
  • QUALITY ASSURANCE
  • ACCESSIBILITY OPTIMIZATION
  • CMS TRAINING & WORKSHOPS
  • ONGOING SUPPORT & MAINTENANCE
CalKIDS Desktop
CalKIDS Mobile

CalKIDS

Challenge

Creating a High-Performance Site to Handle Traffic Surges

CalKIDS needed a website capable of managing significant traffic spikes during enrollment periods and major announcements. Optimizing the site for fast load times and uninterrupted service during peak usage required advanced infrastructure planning and technical precision.

Enabling Real-Time Eligibility Checks

A vital feature of the site was allowing users to check their eligibility for the program by submitting a unique reference number. This involved developing a secure and efficient integration with the state database, ensuring instant, accurate feedback while meeting stringent data privacy regulations.

Ensuring Accessibility and Privacy Compliance

As a government initiative, the CalKIDS platform needed to adhere to strict WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards and privacy regulations. This required a careful balance of user-centered design and backend security protocols to create an inclusive and safe experience for all visitors.

Building a Scalable, Modular Framework for Future Growth

The site needed a flexible architecture to support future updates, content additions, and program enhancements without requiring a complete overhaul. Ensuring the platform’s long-term scalability while maintaining stability was critical to its success.

CalKIDS

Testimonial

“Dreamers of Day has been an important partner in the success of our program. They have the design skills and creativity to bring our ideas to life. Moreover, they’re responsive and easy to work with. I highly recommend you consider Dreamers of Day for your next project.”

Noah Lightman
Manager at ScholarShare Investment Board

CalKIDS

Solution

Scalable WordPress Infrastructure

We designed and implemented a robust WordPress site optimized for high traffic volumes. By using advanced caching, load balancing, and scalable server architecture, the platform ensures fast load times and uninterrupted performance during traffic surges.

Real-Time Eligibility API Integration

To streamline the user experience, we developed an API connection to the state’s database. This integration enables real-time eligibility checking, ensuring users receive immediate feedback. We also designed an easy-to-use form that guides users through the eligibility process, making it intuitive and hassle-free.

Compliance-First Development

To meet accessibility and privacy requirements, we implemented features like keyboard navigability, alt text for images, and high-contrast design. Data privacy was ensured through secure handling practices and encryption, aligning the site with government regulations.

Modular Design for Future Expansion

To future-proof the CalKIDS WordPress website, we implemented a modular block system native to WordPress. This flexible framework allows the CalKIDS team to easily expand and add new features as needed over the coming years. The modular design ensures that updates and additions can be made without disrupting the site’s existing functionality.

CalKIDS

Outcome

The revamped CalKIDS platform empowers families across California by providing a seamless and efficient online experience. Designed to meet both current and future needs, the platform has significantly improved operational efficiency and accessibility for its users.

  • Operational Efficiency: Streamlined eligibility processes and modular tools have enabled the CalKIDS team to manage content and updates with ease.
  • Statewide Recognition: The improved platform has been praised by Governor Newsom and state administrators as a vital resource for families across California.
  • Real-Time Eligibility Verification: The API integration allows users to check their eligibility instantly, saving time and improving user satisfaction.
  • Scalable Infrastructure: Advanced architecture ensures the site remains stable and responsive during traffic surges.
  • Enhanced Accessibility Compliance: Achieved WCAG 2.1 AA standards, making the site inclusive for all users, regardless of ability.