Do I Have To Be Licensed To Provide Child Care In California?
In California, you don't need a license if you care for children who are related to you or if you care for children of only one other family. However, if you care for children from two or more other families, you must obtain a license to provide that child care. There are two main types of licensed child care in California Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers. A Family Child Care Home is child care provided in the provider's own home. A Family Child Care Home reflects a home-like environment where care and supervision is provided for periods of less than 24 hours. A Child Care Center (or Day Care Center) is usually located in a commercial building. Care and supervision is provided for infant to school-age children in a group setting for periods of less than 24 hours.
Other California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs
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Q:
How Do I Become A Licensed Child Care Provider In California?
A: In order to get a license to operate as either a Family Child Care Home or a Child Care Center, you must attend an orientation, pay a nonrefundable orientation fee, … More -
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How Do I Find Out When The Next Orientation Is In My Community To Become A Licensed Child Care Provider?
A: Orientations are scheduled on a regular basis all over California. You may sign up for an orientation by contacting the state licensing agency in your community. … More -
Q:
How Do I Become A Licensed Child Care Provider In California?
A: In order to get a license to operate as either a Family Child Care Home or a Child Care Center, you must attend an orientation, pay a nonrefundable orientation fee, … More -
Q:
How Do I Find Out When The Next Orientation Is In My Community To Become A Licensed Child Care Provider?
A: Orientations are scheduled on a regular basis all over California. You may sign up for an orientation by contacting the state licensing agency in your community. You … More -
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What Are Some Of The Minimum Qualifications Or Requirements For Becoming A Licensed Family Child Care Home Provider?
A: In addition to having personal qualifications such as a genuine interest in providing child care, the ability to work long hours, and the patience to deal with … More -
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Are There Different Types Of Family Child Care Home Providers?
A: Yes. Programs are classified as Small Family Child Care Homes if there are either up to 4 infants or up to 6 children plus 2 school aged children and Large Family … More -
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What Happens In A Family Child Care Home License Site Inspection?
A: A Licensing Program Analyst will conduct an inspection of your home. Some of the requirements include the following: Home must be neat and clean; All fireplaces, … More -
Q:
What If There Is A Pool At The Home Where I Want To Provide Child Care?
A: Pools, spas, ponds, fountains, streams, rivers, lakes and any other body of water must be made inaccessible. Children must never be left unattended in these areas. … More -
Q:
Can I Have Animals In The Home Where I Want To Provide Child Care?
A: Animals may be allowed depending on the type of animal. However, any allowed animals must be properly licensed and vaccinated. -
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Is A Background Check Required To Become A Licensed Family Child Care Home?
A: Yes. Both criminal background checks and child abuse background checks are required as part of the application process. The applicant and all adults residing in the … More
How To Become a Licensed Child Care Provider
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