How to Become a Licensed Child Care Provider in California

Thinking about opening your own child care business or working in a child care center in California? That’s a wonderful way to make a positive impact on children’s lives and support working families! California has specific licensing requirements to ensure the health and safety of children in care. This guide will give you an overview of what you need to know to become a licensed child care provider.

Types of Licensed Child Care in California

First, it’s helpful to understand the main types of licensed child care facilities in California, as requirements can differ:

• Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs): These are programs operated out of the provider’s own residence. They are typically smaller in scale.
  
  • Small Family Child Care Home: Usually cares for up to 8 children.
    
  • Large Family Child Care Home: Usually cares for up to 14 children (requires an assistant for larger numbers).
    
• Child Care Centers (CCCs): These are programs typically operated in commercial buildings and can serve a larger number of children. This category includes infant centers, preschools, and school-age child care programs.

Key Requirements to Become a Licensed Child Care Provider

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD), is the state agency responsible for licensing and overseeing child care programs. Here are the general requirements:

1. Orientation and Training

• Mandatory Orientation: Prospective licensees for both Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers must attend an orientation session provided by the CDSS or a designated agency. This orientation covers licensing rules, health and safety standards, and the application process.
  
• Health and Safety Training: Providers and staff are typically required to complete a certain number of hours of training in preventive health practices, which may include pediatric First Aid and CPR, infectious disease control, and child nutrition. For example, operators of licensed child care facilities often need to complete a minimum of 16 hours of preventive health care training.
  
• Child Development Coursework (for Centers): Staff in Child Care Centers, particularly teachers and directors, usually need to meet specific educational requirements, which often include college coursework in early childhood education or child development.
  
• California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Child Care Licensing and Child Care Center Licensing Information.
  
• CCRC (Child Care Resource Center) regarding licensing. (How to Become a Licensed Child Care Provider in CA)
  
• CCLD Child Care Videos (Health and Safety Training). (Family Child Care Providers – Health & Safety Training)

2. Background Checks (Live Scan)

All individuals who will have contact with children in a licensed child care facility, including the licensee, staff, volunteers, and often adult residents in a Family Child Care Home, must undergo a criminal background check through the Live Scan fingerprinting process. This is a critical safety measure. Information on Live Scan locations can often be found on the California Attorney General’s website.

• Source: California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Child Care Licensing requirements.

3. Health Screenings

• Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance: Providers and staff typically need to provide proof of a negative TB test or a chest X-ray if the skin test is positive.
  
• Immunizations: Proof of immunization against diseases like influenza, pertussis, and measles may be required for staff and sometimes for children enrolled, depending on current public health guidelines and facility policies.
  
• Source: California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Child Care Licensing health and safety standards.

4. Facility Requirements

Both Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers must meet specific health and safety standards for the physical environment. This includes:

• Safe Indoor and Outdoor Space: Adequate square footage per child, safe play equipment, and ensuring the environment is free from hazards.
  
• Sanitation and Hygiene: Proper handwashing facilities, diapering procedures (if applicable), and food safety practices.
  
• Emergency Preparedness: Having emergency plans, disaster drills, and first aid supplies.
  
• California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 (Child Care Facility Licensing Standards). (Accessible via CDSS website)

5. Application and Licensing Fees

You will need to complete a detailed application packet and submit it to the CDSS Community Care Licensing Division, along with any applicable licensing fees.

• California Department of Social Services (CDSS), How to Become Licensed.

The Licensing Process – Step-by-Step (Simplified)

1. Attend a Licensing Orientation: This is usually the first step. (Information on orientations can be found on the CDSS Child Care Licensing Website).
   
2. Familiarize Yourself with Regulations: Thoroughly review the Title 22 licensing regulations relevant to the type of child care you plan to operate.
   
3. Prepare Your Facility: Ensure your home or center meets all health and safety standards.
   
4. Complete Required Training: Obtain certifications in pediatric First Aid/CPR and any other mandated health and safety training. Ensure educational requirements are met for center staff.
   
5. Complete the Application Packet: Fill out all forms accurately and gather all supporting documentation (e.g., proof of training, background check information, facility sketches for centers).
   
6. Submit Background Checks: Ensure all required individuals complete the Live Scan process.
   
7. Submit Your Application and Fees: Send the complete package to the CCLD.
   
8. Licensing Visit: A licensing program analyst (LPA) from CDSS will conduct an inspection of your facility to ensure it meets all requirements.
   
9. Receive Your License: If all requirements are met, you will be issued a child care license.

Maintaining Your Child Care License

Once licensed, you must continue to comply with all licensing regulations. This includes:

• Annual Fees: Paying any required annual licensing fees.
  
• Ongoing Training: Ensuring staff meet ongoing professional development requirements.
  
• Maintaining Ratios: Adhering to adult-to-child ratios.
  
• Record Keeping: Maintaining required records for children and staff.
  
• Unannounced Inspections: Being prepared for unannounced visits from licensing analysts.

Where to Find More Information

The primary resource for child care licensing in California is the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD).

• CDSS Child Care Licensing Website: (https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing) This site provides access to regulations, forms, orientation schedules, regional office contacts, and other valuable resources.
  
• Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs): Local R&R agencies can provide support, training, and guidance throughout the licensing process. You can find your local R&R through the California Child Care Resource & Referral Network.
  
• CCLD Child Care Videos: (https://ccld.childcarevideos.org/) This site offers helpful videos explaining various licensing topics.
  

Becoming a licensed child care provider is a significant undertaking, but it’s essential for providing safe, healthy, and enriching environments for California’s children. With careful planning and attention to the state’s requirements, you can achieve your goal.