Become a Child Care Provider

Become a Child Care Provider

Becoming a licensed provider (family child care home or center) can mean greater business development, access to more referrals, the ability to participate in more professional trainings, eligibility for reimbursements like the Child Care Food Program, and potentially the ability to increase your income. We’re here to guide you through the licensing process.

How to Become a Licensed Child Care Provider in California

1. Complete the Required Licensing Orientation

There are three options to complete the licensing orientation.

Option 1: Complete the online orientation.

• The orientation fee is $25, plus a processing fee of $2.43.
• This course is self-paced and you have 30 days to complete the orientation since the day of registration. 

Option 2: Attend the live virtual orientation through the Zoom application.

• The orientation fee is $25. This fee is non-refundable and non-tranferable. 
• Payments may be made by personal checks, cashier's check, or money order payable to CDSS-CASHIER.
• Payments should be mailed or delivered to your local Regional Office. It must be received by your local regional office at least 1 week prior to the date of the orientation. 
  • For Lake & Mendocino, the local regional office is the Santa Rosa Child Care Unit.
• For a schedule of upcoming Live Orientations, visit the Live Virtual Orientation Schedule. 

Option 3: Attend the in-person orientation at you local Regional Office. 

• The orientation fee is $25. This fee is non-refundable and non-tranferable.
• Payments may be made by personal checks, cashier's check, or money order payable to CDSS-CASHIER.
• Payments should be mailed or delivered to your local Regional Office. It must be received by your local regional office at least 1 week prior to the date of the orientation. 
• For all regional offices, schedules, and contact information, click here.
  • For Santa Rosa In-person orientation information, click here. 

*Download and have a copy of the licensing application (LIC 279) and instructions (LIC 279A), and related forms (linked in document), prior to attending an orientation. 

• Contact us or your local R&R office for a copy of a licensing application and all relevant documents. 

2. Complete the certifications required for your licensing application

• Tuberculosis (TB) test results for all adults (over 18) living in the household
• Proof of completion of 16 hours of Preventative Health Practices training, including EMSA-approved Pediatric CPR/First Aid Course (8 hours) and Preventative Health & Safety and Nutrition (8 hours)
• Certificate of completed online Mandated Child Abuse Reporting training. This free training can be found here: Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training
• Proof of immunizations (measles, pertussis, influenza)

3. Mail in Completed Application Forms

The application packet must include:

• All forms listed/linked in the application instructions including certifications, immunizations, and supporting documents
• Check or money order for the licensing fee of $73 for small family child care home (1596.803)

4. Receive your Facility Number

• Once your application has been accepted, you will be provided with a facility number
• At that point, all adults over the age of 18 living in the household must be fingerprinted
• Click here to find a Livescan location. Provide a Livescan form with your facility number at the Livescan location
  • New Request For Live Scan Service
    • Processing fees will apply depending on the Livescan location 
  • Transfer Request of Previous Criminal Background Clearance
    • Mail to Regional Licensing Office

5. Schedule a Home Inspection

• When all fingerprinting and criminal background checks have cleared, Community Care Licensing will call you to schedule an inspection of your home.
  • Pre-home inspections are available by your local R&R office.
• Once Community Care Licensing confirms successful inspection of your home, you may open your family child care business.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtain Your Child Care License

Addidional Resources

NCO RCCC Guide/Information to obtain your child care license.

• Family Child Care Licensing Information - English
• Family Child Care Licensing Information - Spanish

Fact Sheets:

Family Child Care Home Provider Requirements - English Form/Spanish Form

Family Child Care Home Capacity Requirements - English Form/Spanish Form

Video Resources

Is Family Child Care the right business for me?

Click on the button below to see more great video resources for providers including How to Apply for a Family Child Care License.

Family Child Care Home Provider Videos