The information provided on this page is a basic outline of California Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of California. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.

CALIFORNIA Child Care Licensing Requirements

 Child Care license obtained from:

California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division Child Care Licensing Program 

744 P Street, Mail Stop 19-48, Sacramento, CA 95814

https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/letters-regulations/legislation-and-regulations/community-care-licensing-regulations/child-carehttp://www.cdss.ca.gov

 (916) 229-4500

 License renewal is required every year.

 Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per Child

 Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per Child

• As a condition of license, the areas around and under high climbing equipment, swings, slides, and other similar equipment must be cushioned with material that absorbs falls.
• The playground must be enclosed by a fence to protect children and to keep them in the outdoor activity areas. The fence must be at least four feet high.
• Equipment and activity areas must be arranged so that there is no hazard from conflicting activities.
• Swimming pools, canals, cliffs, buildings, creeks, lakes, and more should not be included in the calculation of the outdoor space.

Building Code Requirements

CHILD FIXTURES	ADULT FIXTURES	DRINKING FOUNTAINS	MOP SINK	BATH TUB/ SHOWER
1: 15	1:50	1:100	1	1
2016 International Building Code

Fire Code Requirements

Did you know . . .

	Sandboxes must be inspected daily and kept free of hazardous foreign materials.		A separate license must be issued for each component of a combination center.		Full-day programs must offer a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack.

To access California Child Care requirements along with other states please see our interactive Child Care Requirements US map here.

Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC.  Updated 2025

California Childcare Licensing Process

You’re on a mission to become a trusted provider of child care services in the Golden State, so let’s get you started on this exciting journey! This guide to attaining your Childcare Provider License in California is here to aid you every step of the way. From meeting state-specific educational requirements to understanding the necessary clearances, this guide covers a wide array of vital information specifically tailored to suit your needs. Trust us to help you navigate through the necessary channels and procedures seamlessly, making the process less daunting and more achievable.

Understanding the Need for a Childcare Provider License

Entering the world of child care is a huge responsibility. As a child care provider, you hold a major role in nurturing and teaching young children. To prepare and authorize you to proceed with utmost confidence, a childcare provider license becomes an essential requisite.

What is a Childcare Provider License?

A childcare provider license is an official permit that allows you to legally operate a childcare service such as a daycare center, preschool, or even a home-based childcare setup. It serves as a testament that you, as a care provider, uphold industry standards when it comes to safety, nutrition, development, and learning of the children under your watch.

Why it is necessary to obtain a license?

Obtaining a license is vital because it not only testifies your eligibility to provide quality child care but also assures parents of their children’s safety and well-being. It confirms that you have met certain standards and guidelines in terms of skills, knowledge, and environment. Basically, a license makes you trustworthy and reliable in the parents’ eyes.

Role of a licensed childcare provider

As a licensed childcare provider, your role extends beyond just minding the children. You are responsible for administering an environment that fosters a child’s intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Your job includes supervising play, planning educational activities, ensuring a safe environment, and also taking care of basic needs like food, rest, and hygiene.

Identifying Types of Childcare Licenses

The state of California provides different types of childcare licenses based on the provider’s facilities.

Types of Childcare Licenses in California

Primarily, there are two categories of licenses in California – one for Daycare centers and the other for Family Childcare homes. Daycare Center licenses are for establishments located outside the provider’s home. Family Childcare Home licenses pertain to care given within the provider’s residence.

Deciding the appropriate license for your facility

Selecting the right license depends on your setup. If you plan on operating from a dedicated facility, a daycare license would be apt. On the other hand, if you intend to run a more intimate, less formal setup from your home, you would need a home-based license.

Differences between daycare and home-based licenses

While both licenses serve the same purpose, the primary difference lies in their location and capacity. Daycare licenses cater to a larger number of children and require more staff and resources, whereas home-based licenses operate in a more homely environment with smaller child-to-provider ratios.

Starting the Application Process

You’ve decided you want to venture into childcare and know which license to apply for. Wonderful! Now, let’s start understanding the application process.

Overview of the application process

The process can appear daunting, but with the correct guidance, it becomes manageable. It may include forms to fill, trainings to attend, checklists to adhere to, and inspections to pass.

Submitting online vs. Offline

While some may prefer the old school way of submitting applications by mail, online submission, available through the California Child Care Licensing Program portal, speeds up the process, making it more efficient.

Collecting necessary documentation

This process involves substantial paperwork. From your identification to educational certificates, health test results to facility blueprints, you will need to collect and submit a variety of documents that would vouch for your credibility and the legitimacy of your establishment.

Meeting the prerequisites before applying

Before applying, make sure you meet the minimum prerequisites set by the state. These could include age limitations, experience prerequisites, health checks, and more. Not meeting these can cause your application to be denied outright.

Meeting the Minimum Qualification Criteria

These criteria ensure that you possess the needed skills and expertise to manage a childcare facility effectively.

Basic educational requirements

To apply for a child care license, you must fulfill certain educational criteria. While high school completion is generally considered a benchmark, higher education in child development or early education can be an added advantage.

Experience or training prerequisites

Apart from education, you must also have some childcare experience or training. This can vary from hands-on child-rearing experience, like babysitting or parenting, to formal child development or early education training programs.

Age, health, and background check requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a childcare license in California, you have to undergo a physical examination to determine good health, and you also need to pass a background check to ensure the safety of the children.

Fulfilling the Mandatory Training Requirements

Before receiving a license, you will be required to complete certain training programs.

Importance of mandatory training

These mandatory programs equip you with necessary knowledge related to child development, safety, daycare management etc. This knowledge would prove essential in managing your day-to-day tasks and emergencies alike.

Training programs recognized by the state

The state has approved certain programs that cover topics critical to child care providers, including child development, safety risks, health regulations, emergency protocols etc. It’s best to enroll in these state-recognized programs.

Completing First Aid and CPR training

The state of California requires all license applicants to successfully complete first aid and CPR training. This ensures that in case of an unexpected emergency, you’d be capable of providing immediate and effective care.

Details about Health and Safety Regulations

One crucial aspect of running a childcare facility is complying with health and safety regulations.

Understanding health and safety regulations

Health and safety regulations aim to guarantee the welfare of the children in your care. It encompasses everything from cleanliness standards, safe storage of harmful substances, food and drink safety, to fire safety measures, and more.

How to comply with state regulations

Following state regulations is a compulsory aspect of maintaining your license. This could involve regular checks and records of child immunizations, maintaining clean and sanitized facilities, adhering to safe food handling, following prescribed adult-child ratios, etc.

Sanitation and safety requirements for facilities

Your facility should meet the required hygiene standards including bathroom availability and cleanliness, food prep area sanitation, and regular deep-cleaning of play areas. Apart from this, safety measures such as well-maintained outdoor play spaces, availability of first-aid supplies, smoke detectors, and secured exits should be present.

Finding Laws and Regulations for Community Care Licensing

To ensure your childcare facility operates within the legal framework, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations governing community care licensing. These regulations can typically be reviewed through your state’s official government websites, as well as trusted third-party resources like Child Care Aware or the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Reviewing these guidelines helps you stay compliant with state standards regarding health, safety, staff qualifications, and facility operations. It’s a good idea to periodically check for updates, as requirements and legal obligations can change over time. Keeping a copy of the relevant statutes and regulations handy also simplifies preparing for inspections and audits.

Where to Find Resources on Health, Safety, and Heat Prevention

Staying informed is half the battle when it comes to maintaining a safe childcare environment. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources available to help you navigate health guidelines, safety practices, and the ever-important issue of preventing heat-related incidents.

• Health and Safety Guidelines: Start by browsing reputable organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These sites offer up-to-date recommendations on everything from immunization schedules to proper sanitation methods tailored for group childcare settings.

• Heat Prevention Resources: During the hotter months, following advice from the National Weather Service or HealthyChildren.org can help you implement best practices for keeping children cool and hydrated. They offer checklists, warning signs for heat illness, and tips for planning safe outdoor activities.

• Emergency Response and Disease Control: For preparedness tips regarding disasters, disease outbreaks, and first aid, check guidance from the Red Cross and the CDC. They offer printable guides and training options to ensure your facility is always ready for unexpected situations.

• Additional Support: Local public health departments often provide free training events, newsletters, and printable materials for child care providers. Connecting with regional support networks can also give you access to workshops and peer advice tailored to your community’s unique needs.

By regularly reviewing credible resources, you’ll help ensure that your facility continues to meet—and exceed—state requirements for health, safety, and heat prevention.

The Role of Inspections in Licensing

Before you get granted your license, the licensing agency performs an inspection of your facility.

The objective of facility inspections

Inspections assure that your facility adheres to the guidelines set by the state in terms of safety, sanitation, capacity, and overall quality of care.

Preparing for your childcare facility inspection

Before your inspection, make sure you diligently review and follow the regulations. Any violation, even if unintentional, could lead to a delay in procuring your license.

Addressing issues and violations post-inspection

If your inspector finds any non-compliance, they will provide detailed feedback. Attending to these issues promptly and with utmost adherence will help expedite your licensing process.

Understanding Fees & Costs Involved

Yes, the dream of being a licensed childcare provider comes with a cost. However, it’s a small price to pay for the security and credibility a license can offer.

Expected costs in the overall licensing process

The licensing process will involve various costs which include application fees, processing charges, inspection and consultation fees, training costs, background checks, and more. However, view these as investments in your new career.

Application fee structure

The Department has a structured fee layout that varies based on your intended capacity. Larger the capacity, higher the fee. But this shouldn’t discourage you – higher capacity also means higher earnings.

How to Pay Your Licensing Fees

Once you’re ready to submit your application, you’ll need to handle the associated licensing fees. The payment process is designed to be straightforward—simply follow the fee schedule provided by the Department based on your facility’s capacity.

You can typically pay these fees through several convenient options, such as:

• Online payment portals: Most states offer a secure online system for direct payment using your bank account or credit card.
• Mail-in payments: Prefer the old-school route? You can send a check or money order along with your application paperwork.
• In-person payments: Some may choose to pay in person at a local licensing office, though it’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm accepted methods.

Be sure to keep copies of all payment receipts for your records. Timely payment is crucial—delays in this step can stall your licensing process and stretch out your timeline to open the doors to your new childcare business.

Annual license renewal fees

Once you’ve earned your license, it will need to be renewed annually. Remember, keeping up with renewals avoids hefty penalties or even suspension of your license.

Maintaining Your Childcare Provider License

Securing a license is only half the battle won. The real task lies in maintaining it year after year.

Obligations after obtaining a license

Once licensed, you are required to adhere to all government regulations, comply with renewal policies, attend periodic training sessions, maintain all safety and health protocols, and abide by all state and local regulations.

Updating license information

In case of any changes like amendments in your operation, capacity, or even your contact info, you must promptly update this information with the licensing department.

Tips for successful license maintenance

Staying organized, keeping up-to-date records, adhering to regulations, investing in staff training, and encouraging open communication with parents are a few tips to successfully maintain your licence.

Consequences of non-compliance with regulations

Ignoring or disrespecting state regulations could lead to several consequences, like fees, penalties, additional inspections, revocation of license or even criminal prosecution.

Navigating Challenges & Securing Support

In spite of careful planning and preparation, you might face challenges while getting your license. Remember – where there’s a will, there’s a way!

Common challenges in getting a license

Delays with paperwork, difficulties in meeting facility requirements, or even apprehensions about inspections are common hurdles. However, with careful planning, professional advice, and patience, these hurdles can be navigated.

Seeking help from child care licensing consultants

Consultants offer experienced and valuable insights into the licensing process. Their expertise can guide you through the paperwork, requirements, regulations, and inspections.

State resources available for applicants

California has plenty of resources for license applicants. From online guides and checklist resources to local child care resource centers and regional licensing offices, there is all the help you need to navigate this complicated process. Don’t hesitate to reach out!

In closing, pursuing a childcare provider license may feel overwhelming, but equip yourself with the right knowledge, support, and mindset, you will be ever ready to shape and nurture young minds. Embrace the journey towards realizing your dream!