How do I become a licensed family child care provider in California?

• Are you passionate about working with young children and interested in becoming your own boss?
• Do you want to take care of your own children at home and want to make extra income?

So, if you answer YES to one of questions above, you are most likely researching steps to become a licensed family child care provider in California. To help you get started, here is a look at 5 steps you can take to become a child care provider. (For some general information about licensing department, you can learn more about how the Department of Social Services licenses and monitors child care facilities in California. )

1. Complete Required Orientation

You now have three options to complete the licensing orientation.

Option 1: Complete the online orientation here

• Cost: the orientation fee is $25, plus a processing fee of $2.43 (fees subject to change)

Option 2: Attend the live virtual orientation through the Zoom platform here

• The orientation fee is $25. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Payment may be made by cashier’s check, money order, or personal check payable to CDSS-CASHIER.
• Submit payment by mail or deliver to your local Regional Office. It must be received by our office at least 1 week prior to the date of the orientation.
• For availability and contact information, please see Live Virtual Orientation Schedule.

Option 3: Attend the in-person orientation at the local Regional Office. For the schedule and registration forms here

• To register, contact the desired local Regional Office and pay the orientation fee.
• The orientation fee is $25. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Payment may be made by cashier’s check, money order, or personal check payable to CDSS-CASHIER.
• Submit payment by mail or deliver to your local Regional Office. It must be received by our office at least 7 days prior to the date of the orientation.
• For locations, schedules and contact information, please click here

Download the licensing application (LIC 279) and instructions (LIC 279A), and related forms (linked in document)

2. Complete certifications for your license application

• Tuberculosis (TB) test results for all adults (over 18) living in the household
• Proof of completion or enrollment Preventative Health Practices training – Pediatric CPR/First Aid course (8 hours) health & safety and nutrition (8 hours)
• Certificate of completed online Mandated Child Abuse Reporting training (if applicable). This training can be found here
• Proof of immunization (measles, influenza, measles)

3. Mail in Completed Application Forms

The application packet must include:

• All form listed/linked in the application instructions
• Check or money order for licensing fee

4. Receive your Facility Number

All adults over 18 living in the household must be fingerprinted

Visit here to find a Livescan location. Provide your facility number when making the appointment.

5. Schedule a Home Inspection

When all fingerprinting and criminal background checks are clear, CCL will call you to schedule an inspection of your home.

Once CCL confirms successful inspection of your home, you may open your family child care business.

Need free support?

Contact your local child care resource and referral agency (R&R) and ask about their Child Care Initiative Project (CCIP). CCIP is a free service that assists with the licensing process by walking you through requirements, helping you pass your home inspection, and providing information, training and incentives that can help you run your business. Many R&Rs provide services in multiple languages.