How to Open A Home Daycare In California - post

Opening a home daycare can be a great way to work with children and build a small business from your own home. In California, a “home daycare” is usually called a Family Child Care Home (FCCH), and it is licensed by the California Department of Social Services.

✅ What license do you need, and how many kids can you care for?

California FCCH licenses come in two main sizes:

• Small Family Child Care Home

  • Up to 6 children, or up to 8 if certain rules are met

• Large Family Child Care Home

  • Up to 12 children, or up to 14 if certain rules are met

Important note: Capacity rules also depend on ages (like how many infants), and large homes require an assistant provider to use the larger capacity.

This is why many new providers start small, then grow later. #CaliforniaChildCare

🧭 What should you do before you apply?

Before you fill out forms, take time to plan. This helps you avoid surprises.

Quick pre-check list:

• Decide if you want a small or large license

• Talk with everyone who lives in your home (they may need background checks)

• Look at your space:

  • safe exits

  • safe play areas

  • locked cleaning supplies and medicines

• If you rent, check your lease and ask your landlord about running a business at home

Also, think about your “why.” CDSS reminds future providers that family child care is a business and you may need to make safety changes at home (for example, around pools).

🧑‍🏫 Do you need an orientation first?

Yes. CDSS says you must attend the Family Child Care Home Orientation before you can get a license. It can be online or in person, and it is also offered in Spanish.

CDSS also lists an orientation fee for family child care homes (and notes fees are non-refundable).

📝 What paperwork do you submit for a Family Child Care Home license?

Your application packet includes several forms. The LIC 279A instructions list common required items such as:

• Application for a Family Child Care Home License (LIC 279)

• Current Children in Your Home (LIC 279B)

• Criminal Record Statement (LIC 508)

• Emergency Care and Disaster Plan (LIC 610A)

• Statement about reporting suspected child abuse (LIC 9108)

• Facility sketch (floor plan + yard) (LIC 999A)

Tip: Make copies of everything you send. Create one folder for:

• application forms

• training certificates

• policies and parent forms

• inspection notes

🔍 What happens with background checks and the home inspection?

California licensing takes safety seriously.

Background checks
People who live in the home may need criminal background checks. CDSS also uses Live Scan as part of the background check process.

CDSS shares estimated timelines for results (examples include DOJ and FBI results in days, and the Child Abuse Central Index check taking longer).

Home inspection
You will also have a pre-licensing inspection. CDSS explains that the application process includes steps like orientation and a pre-licensing inspection.

To prepare, do a “walk-through” like an inspector:

• Are hazards locked up?

• Are outlets covered (when needed)?

• Is the yard safe and fenced (if needed)?

• Do you have an emergency plan posted and ready?

🧯 What health and safety training do you need?

California providers often need specific health and safety training.

EMSA training (common requirement for child care providers)
EMSA explains a child care training package totaling 16 hours, usually:

• 4 hours pediatric First Aid

• 4 hours pediatric CPR

• 8 hours preventive health and safety practices

Mandated reporter training
California also has required mandated reporter training for child care providers (often tied to AB 1207). A CDSS-partner training option is available, and the page notes it is available in Spanish.

To build strong everyday safety habits (beyond the minimum), many providers also take general child care safety training.

💰 How do you set up your business side (rates, rules, and paperwork)?

A home daycare is both caregiving and business. Plan these basics early:

1) Create clear policies

• hours of operation

• late pick-up fees

• sick child policy

• vacation/holiday schedule

• payment schedule (weekly, biweekly)

2) Set your rates
Check local prices in your city. Keep it simple:

• one weekly price per age group (infant, toddler, preschool)

• clear fees for late pick-up and late payments

3) Get business basics

• a business bank account (helps you track income/expenses)

• simple bookkeeping (even a notebook is okay)

• insurance questions (ask an insurance agent about child care coverage)

This is where #ECEBusiness planning really helps.

📣 How do you find families (and keep your spots filled)?

Marketing does not have to be fancy. Start with trust.

Easy ways to enroll families:

• Tell friends and neighbors you are opening

• Make a simple flyer for local community boards

• Create a basic social media page (photos of learning areas—no child faces)

• Ask happy families for referrals after the first month

Also, be ready to explain what makes your program special:

• small group care

• warm routines

• learning through play

• safe, calm space

📚 ChildCareEd trainings and resources that can help

Here are ChildCareEd trainings that match what new home daycare owners need most:

• Business setup help 💼
  Business Planning: Family Child Care (online)

• Daily planning + mixed ages 📅
  DAP for Family Child Care (online)

• Safety basics for providers 🧼
  Health and Safety Orientation (online)

Required ChildCareEd reading (great for your start-up checklist):

• How To Start a Home Daycare

Related ChildCareEd article (helpful California overview):

• Early Childhood Education in California

🤝 Want more tips? Follow ChildCareEd

For quick child care tips, training reminders, and helpful videos, follow ChildCareEd on TikTok:
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