How to Become Licensed

The Child Care Licensing Program licenses both Child Care Centers (CCCs) and Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs) in California. Child Care Centers are usually located in a commercial building and Family Child Care Homes are in a licensee’s home. Only non-medical care and supervision can be provided in child care facilities and care is limited to periods of less than 24 hours.

The Child Care Licensing Program ensures that child care facilities operate according to the California Health and Safety Code and Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations in a number of ways:

• In-person and online orientations
• Pre-licensing inspections
• Unannounced facility inspections
• Complaint investigations
• Consultations
• Education and technical support, and
• Follow-up inspections

Is this the right business for me?

• Do I Need a License?
• Register for an Orientation

CCIP Family Child Care Provider Stories

Do you love caring for children? The California Child Care Initiative Project (CCIP) will help you launch and grow your home-based child care business. Watch these videos to learn more about the program.

Fact Sheets:

• Family Child Care Home Provider Requirements – English Form Spanish Form
• Family Child Care Home Capacity Requirements – English Form Spanish Form
• Child Care Center Provider Requirements
• Child Care Center Capacity Requirements

Resources:

• Forms and Brochures
• Centralized Complaint and Information Bureau
• Mandated Reporter Training
• Child Care Related Websites
• Child Care Videos for Providers and Parents