Steps to getting licensed

In California, the Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division licenses and monitors Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers to ensure that children have safe and healthy child care environments. Review these basic steps, then contact us if you need assistance or have any questions.

Step 1 – Licensing orientation

Step 2 – Application

Complete an application. The orientation will provide you with information on how to become licensed, how to obtain an application packet and instructions regarding state regulations. You, and every person over age 18 living in the home, will need:

To be fingerprinted (LiveScan fingerprinting);
To complete a Child Abuse Index Check;
To complete a tuberculosis (TB) skin test;
Submit a criminal record statement (Lic. 508).

Our Resource and Referral Department can review completed applications prior to submission.

Step 3 – Home and business preparation

Step 4 – Inspection and licensing

Your home-based business must pass an inspection prior to becoming licensed. A scheduled site visit will be done by a licensing analyst from Community Care Licensing to ensure that your home is set-up and your environment is ready to welcome children. They will also verify that regulations and health and safety practices are being followed.

Contact us and we'd be glad to set up a pre-licensing visit with you.

Step 5 – Start your business, maintain your license, and work with us

Once your license is approved and in hand, you may begin to enroll children.

You must follow all existing laws and state regulations and pay an annual fee to maintain your license.
The Resource and Referral program can begin referring you through the free child care referral database, but you must contact us when you receive your license. NOTE: Our state contract requires us to provide community referrals and prohibits us from making recommendations.
To be successful and offer the highest quality care possible, we recommend that you attend regular professional development training and enlist the help of our coaching staff.

Call us for more information at 626-856-5900 or 562-945-2635.