http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/index.html LawInfo - Legal Resource Center offers free legal forms and free legal documents that is designed to help consumers and businesses resolve their legal issues http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/do-i-have-to-be-licensed-to-provide-child-car.html 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. Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:24 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/do-i-have-to-be-licensed-to-provide-child-car.html 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. Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:30 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/are-there-different-types-of-family-child-car.html 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 Child Care Homes when there are up to 12 children plus 2 school aged children. Large Family Child Care Homes are required to have must a qualified assistant who is at least 14 years of age in the home. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:30 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/can-an-employee-with-a-criminal-history-work-.html If an individual has been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation, the individual can not work or be present in any child care facility unless they receive a criminal record exemption from the Community Care Licensing Division. All convictions other than minor traffic violations, including misdemeanors, felonies and convictions that occurred a long time ago require an exemption. However, individuals convicted of serious crimes such as robbery, sexual battery, child abuse, elder or dependant adult abuse, rape, arson or kidnapping are not eligible for an exemption. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:31 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/can-an-employee-with-a-criminal-history-work-.html If an individual has been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation, the individual can not work or be present in any child care facility unless they receive a criminal record exemption from the Community Care Licensing Division. All convictions other than minor traffic violations, including misdemeanors, felonies and convictions that occurred a long time ago require an exemption. However, individuals convicted of serious crimes such as robbery, sexual battery, child abuse, elder or dependant adult abuse, rape, arson or kidnapping are not eligible for an exemption. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:31 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/can-anyone-make-a-complaint-against-my-family.html Yes. Anyone can file a complaint against a family child care provider, including a parent of a current child in care, a parent of a child who formerly attended child care in the home, a neighbor, a landlord or anyone else. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:31 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/can-i-have-animals-in-the-home-where-i-want-t.html Animals may be allowed depending on the type of animal. However, any allowed animals must be properly licensed and vaccinated. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:30 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/do-i-have-to-get-special-permit-from-the-city.html You will likely have to obtain a special permit and zoning clearance from your municipal government to operate a Child Care Center depending on the type and location of the building or facility. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:31 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/how-do-i-become-a-licensed-child-care-provide.html 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, submit an application, meet all of the minimum qualifications for the particular type of license, and pass a home inspection. Please note the orientation fees are nonrefundable. Therefore, the California Child Care Licensing agency recommends that those interested in attending an orientation meeting should familiarize themselves with the minimum qualifications for a license before attending an orientation meeting. The California agency publishes a manual for Family Child Care Homes and a manual for Child Care Centers which sets forth the minimum qualification for a license. You can find these publications in LawInfo's Free Legal Forms Center. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:25 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/how-do-i-become-a-licensed-child-care-provide.html 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, submit an application, meet all of the minimum qualifications for the particular type of license, and pass a home inspection. Please note the orientation fees are nonrefundable. Therefore, the California Child Care Licensing agency recommends that those interested in attending an orientation meeting should familiarize themselves with the minimum qualifications for a license before attending an orientation meeting. The California agency publishes a manual for Family Child Care Homes and a manual for Child Care Centers which sets forth the minimum qualification for a license. You can find these publications in LawInfo's Free Legal Forms Center. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:30 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/how-do-i-find-out-when-the-next-orientation-i.html 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 are required to bring certain materials to the orientation including a printed hard copy of the Regulation Highlights and all of the forms contained in the Application Instructions for a Family Child Care Home License (LIC 279A) or Child Care Center License. You can find these forms in LawInfo's Free Legal Forms Center. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:30 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/how-do-i-find-out-when-the-next-orientation-i.html 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 are required to bring certain materials to the orientation including a printed hard copy of the Regulation Highlights and all of the forms contained in the Application Instructions for a Family Child Care Home License (LIC 279A) or Child Care Center License. You can find these forms in LawInfo's Free Legal Forms Center. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:25 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/is-a-background-check-required-to-become-a-li.html 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 home must submit fingerprints for an FBI criminal record clearance, unless an exemption applies. Certain part-time volunteers, students, medical professionals or others may be exempt from submitting fingerprint cards. For detailed information about the criminal background and child abuse checks and exemptions, please refer to the Manual of Policies and Procedures for Child Care Centers sections on Criminal Record and Child Abuse sections. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:31 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/is-a-background-check-required-to-become-a-li.html 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 home must submit fingerprints for an FBI criminal record clearance, unless an exemption applies. Certain part-time volunteers, students, medical professionals or others may be exempt from submitting fingerprint cards. For detailed information about the criminal background and child abuse checks and exemptions, please refer to the Manual of Policies and Procedures for Family Child Care Homes, Article 3 on Application Procedures, Criminal Record and Child Abuse sections. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:31 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/what-are-some-of-the-minimum-qualifications-o.html 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 children and parents who can sometimes be difficult, there are certain minimum legal requirements to become a licensed child care provider. To become a licensed Child Care Center provider, you must pass a criminal background check, obtain a TB clearance and pass a health check, make sure your staff has the appropriate education and training requirements (including preventative health and safety training), and pass a site inspection. For detailed information about the qualifications and requirements for becoming a licensed Child Care Center provider, please refer to the Manual of Policies and Procedures for Child Care Centers, Article 2 on Licensing. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:31 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/what-are-some-of-the-minimum-qualifications-o.html 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 children and parents who can sometimes be difficult, there are certain minimum legal requirements to become a licensed child care provider. To become a licensed Family Child Care Home provider, you must live in the home where you want to provide the child care and you may have to make some modifications to your home, particularly if you have a pool, hot tub, or other potentially dangerous condition at your home. In addition, you and any adult living or working in your home must pass a criminal background check and certain medical tests (TB check, etc.). Finally, you will have to satisfy certain education and training requirements including preventative health and safety training. For detailed information about the qualifications and requirements for becoming a licensed Family Child Care Home provider, please refer to the Manual of Policies and Procedures for Family Child Care Homes, Article 2 on Licensing. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:30 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/what-are-the-application-fees-for-a-family-ch.html The application fee for a Small Family Child Care Homes is $60. The application fee for a Large Family Child Care Home is $115. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:31 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/what-are-the-application-fees-to-become-a-lic.html The application fees are determined according to the number of children you intend to care for at your facility. For 1-30 children the fee is $400; For 31-60 children the fee is $800; For 61-75 children the fee is $1,000; For 76-90 children the fee is $1,200; For 91-120 children the fee is $1,600; For 121+ children the fee is $2,000. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:31 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/what-are-the-capacity-requirements-for-a-chil.html The maximum number of children that can be cared for in a Child Care Center is limited by items such as square footage, bathroom facilities, and safety requirements. For instance, there must be: 35 square feet per child of usable indoor space; 75 square feet per child of usable outdoor space; 1 toilet for every 15 children; 1 sink for every 15 children; a separate staff bathroom; an approved fire clearance; and various age-appropriate materials depending on the ages of the children in your program. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:31 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/what-happens-in-a-child-care-center-licensing.html A Licensing Program Analyst will conduct an inspection of your facility to make sure your facility meets the minimum requirements for the space. For instance, you must have the following: 35 square feet of indoor activity area per child; 75 square feet of outdoor activity area per child; Fence at least four feet high surrounding the outside play area; One toilet and one hand-washing sink for every 15 children; Individual storage space for each child?s belongings; Napping equipment and storage space; Drinking water available both indoors and outdoors; Safe and age-appropriate equipment which is in good repair; Cleaners, medicines, machinery and bodies of water are inaccessible; Food preparation area ? sink, hot and cold water, refrigerator, and food storage; Separate adult/staff restroom; Isolation area for a child who becomes ill or contagious (the Center office may be used); Comfortable temperature between 68 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:31 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/what-happens-in-a-family-child-care-home-lice.html 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, woodstoves, and/or heaters are screened to prevent access by children; Home must have a fully charged fire extinguisher which is at least a 2A:10BC, a working smoke alarm, and a working telephone; All poisons must be locked and hazardous materials kept out of reach of children; All firearms and any other weapons must be unloaded and locked up with ammunition stored and locked away separately from firearms; The outdoor play area must be free from defects or dangerous conditions and play equipment must be securely anchored according to manufacturer directions. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:30 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/what-happens-when-someone-makes-a-complaint-a.html In most instances, the licensing staff will conduct a preliminary review and investigation of the complaint. The only time an investigation is not conducted is when the licensing staff determines that there is no reasonable basis for the complaint and the complaining party has only made the complaint to harass the provider. The investigation may or may not be confidential depending on the nature of the claim and the outcome. The investigation may include a scheduled or an unannounced site visit to your facility. California Child Care Information for Providers FAQs Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:31 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Child-Care-Information-for-Providers/California/what-if-there-is-a-pool-at-the-home-where-i-w.html 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. Pools and other bodies of water must be surrounded by a 5-foot safety fence that cannot be climbed. Any openings can not be more than 4 inches wide. Any self-latching gate must swing away from the body of water. 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