How To Get a Daycare License In California - post

Starting a daycare in California is a big step. A license (also called a child care facility license) lets families know your program meets state health and safety rules. It also helps protect you as a business owner. #CaliforniaChildCare

What is a daycare license in California?

A daycare license means the State of California has approved your child care program to operate. California child care licenses are handled by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) through the Child Care Licensing Program.

When you are licensed, you agree to follow state rules for:

• Health and safety

• Supervision

• Facility conditions (your home or building)

• Staff requirements and background checks

• Records and reporting

Why is a daycare license required?

California requires licensing so children are cared for in safe places. The child care licensing program’s mission is to protect children’s health and safety through rules and monitoring.

A license also helps families:

• Find regulated programs

• Feel confident about safety practices

• Know the program is inspected and monitored

Which type of daycare license do you need in California?

Most programs fit into one of these types:

• Family Child Care Home (FCCH): child care in the provider’s home

• Child Care Center (CCC): child care in a commercial building (or dedicated facility space)

CDSS explains that California licenses both child care centers and family child care homes.

A simple way to choose:

• Want to care for children in your home? Look at family child care.

• Want to run a larger program in a separate building? Look at a child care center.

What is Title 22, and why should you know it?

In California, “Title 22” is the set of rules that licensed child care programs must follow. These rules cover daily operations, safety, staffing, records, and more.

For an easy explanation, read this ChildCareEd article:
https://www.childcareed.com/a/what-is-title-22-in-california-childcare.html

Knowing Title 22 helps you:

• Understand what licensing staff will look for

• Set up your space correctly the first time

• Create policies that match California standards

What training or experience do you need before you apply?

Requirements can vary by program type and role, but California does require key safety training in child care settings.

Many licensed child care providers must complete health and safety training that includes pediatric CPR, pediatric First Aid, and preventive health and safety topics.

Here are common “must-have” items to plan for:

• Orientation (required before applying)

• Health & safety training (including CPR/First Aid and preventive health topics)

• Background checks and fingerprints for adults connected to the program

• Policies and record-keeping systems (so you can show compliance)

Tip: If you’re opening a center, you may also need to show staffing plans and other supporting documents in your application package. #ChildCareBusiness

How do you apply for a daycare license in California?

Here is a clear step-by-step path most people follow.

Step 1: Attend the required licensing orientation

California requires an orientation before you apply. CDSS offers online, live virtual, or in-person options.

Start here:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/how-to-become-licensed/register-for-an-orientation

Step 2: Choose your program type and get your space ready

Before you fill out forms, think through basics like:

• Your hours of operation

• Ages you plan to serve

• Indoor and outdoor space needs

• Safety setup (gates, outlets, storage, cleaning supplies)

For family child care homes, CDSS also encourages you to think about whether your household members can meet requirements like background checks and home safety rules.

Step 3: Complete the correct application forms

These are common starting forms (and official links):

Family Child Care Home (FCCH):

• License application instructions (LIC 279A):
  https://www.cdss.ca.gov/portals/9/fmuforms/i-l/lic279a.pdf

Child Care Center (CCC):

• Application for a Child Care Center License (LIC 200A):
  https://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC200A.pdf

• Center application booklet/instructions (LIC 281A):
  https://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/lic281a.pdf

Step 4: Complete background checks and fingerprinting

California uses a background check process for caregivers and staff connected to licensed care. CDSS provides steps and tools through the Care Provider Management Branch.

Start here:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care/caregiver-background-check

Step 5: Prepare for the pre-licensing inspection

For many programs, licensing will schedule a visit (inspection) to confirm your space and plans meet requirements. California licensing resources for family child care homes describe the process as including orientation and a pre-licensing inspection.

A helpful learning site with videos and explanations is:
https://ccld.childcarevideos.org/

Step 6: Open strong (and stay compliant)

After you’re licensed, your job is to keep meeting standards every day:

• Keep training records updated

• Keep staff files organized

• Maintain safe routines and supervision

• Follow Title 22 and any updates from CDSS

CDSS shares updates with providers through Provider Information Notices (PINs).

What should you gather before you start the application?

Having your documents ready makes the process smoother.

Common items to prepare include:

• Your program plan (hours, ages served, daily schedule)

• Emergency plans (fire, earthquake, lockdown, evacuation)

• A list of staff and roles (for centers)

• Basic policies for families (drop-off, pick-up, illness, behavior guidance)

• Training certificates (health/safety, CPR/First Aid, etc.)

• A simple record-keeping plan for staff training and continuing education

This ChildCareEd resource can help you plan continuing education tracking for staff and admin:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00259-continuing-education-for-staff-admin.html

Which ChildCareEd courses can help you prepare for licensing in California?

Training helps you build safe systems before your first inspection.

Here are ChildCareEd courses that match California’s strong focus on health, safety, supervision, and family communication:

• Preventative Health and Safety (Online):
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-preventative-health-and-safety.html

• Health and Safety Orientation Training (Online):
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-health-and-safety-orientation-training.html

• Administering Basic Health and Safety (Online):
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-administering-basic-health-and-safety.html

Tip: If you’re unsure which training is accepted for your exact role, ask your licensing analyst or local agency what they want documented. #DaycareOwner