How to become a licensed childcare provider in California.

Written By Taylor Gallagher

Starting your own childcare business in California can be a rewarding career path. Whether you want to open a home daycare or work in a licensed childcare center, there are important steps you’ll need to complete before getting started.

Understanding the process early can save you time and help you avoid delays.

Step 1: Decide What Type of Child Care You Want to Provide

The licensing process can vary depending on which path you choose, but many of the requirements overlap. In California, there are generally two main types of childcare licenses:

Family Child Care Home (FCC):
This allows you to care for children in your own home.

Child Care Center:
This applies to larger daycare centers, preschools, and commercial childcare facilities.

Step 2: Complete Required Training

California requires childcare providers to complete 16-hours of health and safety training before becoming licensed.

8-Hours of Preventive Health & Safety Training
Mandatory topics covered:

  • Preventive health and safety

  • Nutrition

  • Lead Poisoning Prevention

  • Injury prevention

  • Childcare quality standards

  • Cultural awareness

  • ADA requirements

This certificate is required one time and does not expire.

8-Hours of Pediatric CPR and First Aid Training
This certification must be renewed every 2 years.

Together, these two courses fulfill California’s required pre-licensing training hours.

At Acute Preventive Health, we provide the FASTEST path to completing the required EMSA-approved 8-hour Preventive Health & Safety course. We offer weekly live online classes via Zoom and NEXT-DAY digital certificate delivery is included.

Step 3: Attend the Community Care Licensing Orientation

California requires prospective childcare providers to complete an orientation through the California Department of Social Services.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

After training and orientation, you’ll submit your childcare license application to Community Care Licensing.

This usually includes:

  • Application forms

  • Fees

  • Proof of training

  • Background checks

  • Facility information

Step 5: Complete Background Checks

Anyone living in the home (for home daycare) or working in the childcare facility may need fingerprinting and a background check.

This is required for child safety and licensing approval.

Step 6: Prepare Your Facility

Before approval, your childcare space must meet health and safety standards. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Fire safety measures

  • Safe sleeping areas

  • Emergency plans

  • Childproofing

  • Proper storage of hazardous materials

Licensing will inspect your home or facility before issuing approval.

Step 7: Get Licensed and Start Enrolling

Once approved, you can officially begin operating as a licensed childcare provider in California. Congratulations!

Start with the Right Training

For many new childcare providers, the biggest first step is completing the required Preventive Health & Safety training. Acute Preventive Health makes that step FAST and simple.

We offer live weekly Zoom classes, fast registration, and NEXT-DAY certificate delivery to help you move through the licensing process as quickly as possible.

If you're ready to start your childcare journey, reserve your spot in an upcoming class today.

Taylor Gallagher