Thinking of starting a home daycare in California?
Here are 4 simple steps to start a home daycare in California (with links to all the forms you need)!
#1. Attend an online or in person licensing orientation.
Online orientations are the easiest to attend and in person orientations are scheduled periodically throughout California.
Daycare online orientation fees are $27.43 ($25 for the orientation with a $2.43 processing fee), in person orientation fees are $25, and all licensing fees are non-refundable.
To register for an licensing orientation clickHERE:
#2. Familiarize yourself with all Family Child Care Home licensing laws.
The easiest way to do this is to visit the FAMILY CHILDCARE HOME LAWS & REGULATIONS PAGE, print the Family Childcare Laws & Regulations Handbook and highlight the most important parts.
#3. Fill out and submit the Family Childcare Application Packet with all forms and fees required.
To access the Family Childcare Application Packet click HERE:
Small family childcare application fees are $73, and large family childcare fees are $140.
Here are some important forms to be included in the Family Childcare Application packet:
- Background clearance (fingerprint check) for you and all adults over 18 living in the home.
- TB clearance (no more than 1 year old) for all adults living in the home.
- Complete or be enrolled in Preventive Health Practices training (15 hours of pediatric CPR, pediatric first aid, and preventive health practice).
To be approved, all classes must be offered by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or approved by the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA).
#4. Undergo a pre-licensing home inspection.
After receiving your completed application, a licensing analyst will contact you to schedule an inspection of your home.
For everything you need to start a successful home daycare click HERE to check out our START YOUR DAYCARE ESSENTIALS COLLECTION.
Our Start Your Daycare Essentials Collection will give you everything you need to start (and run) a successful daycare.
