Quick answer: How do I start a daycare in California?
To start a daycare in California, you need a license from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) if you care for children from more than one family besides your own. Choose a family child care home or a child care center, attend an orientation, submit your application and pass a pre-licensing inspection. Application fees run from $73 for a small home to $2,420 for the largest centers.
In this guide
California daycare licensing at a glance
| Requirement | Small family child care home | Large family child care home | Child care center |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Up to 8 children (4 infants only, or 6 children with no more than 3 infants, or 7 to 8 if criteria are met) | Up to 14 children (12 with an assistant provider and no more than 4 infants, or 13 to 14 if criteria are met) | Set by your license, based on space, staffing and fire clearance |
| Minimum age | 18 | 18, with 1 year of experience | Director qualifications by education and experience |
| Health and safety training | 16 hours including preventive health practices, pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid (licensee for homes; at least one director or teacher for centers) | ||
| Fire clearance | Not required | Required | Required |
| Application fee | $73 | $140 | $484 to $2,420 by capacity |
| Annual fee | $73 | $140 | $242 to $1,210 by capacity |
| License term | No expiration date; stays in effect until forfeited, surrendered, suspended or revoked | ||
| Orientation | Required before you apply ($25 for homes, $50 for other categories) | ||
Sources: CDSS How to Become Licensed, Health and Safety Code s. 1596.78, s. 1596.803, s. 1597.44 and s. 1597.465.
Do I need a childcare license in California?
Yes, in most cases. You need a childcare license in California if you care for non-relative children from more than one family in a home or non-residential facility for less than 24 hours a day. You are license-exempt only if you care for your own children, relatives' children and children from just one other family. Source: CDSS, Do I Need a License? and Health and Safety Code s. 1596.792.
Operating a child day care facility without a license is prohibited by law and providing unlicensed care is a misdemeanor with a $200 per day fine. Source: CDSS, Do I Need a License?.
California licenses two types of programs, and both are overseen by the CDSS Community Care Licensing Division. Source: CDSS How to Become Licensed.
- Family child care home (FCCH). Care provided in the licensee's own home, in a home-like setting. It is either a small family child care home (8 or fewer children) or a large family child care home (7 to 14 children), including your own children under age 10 who live in the home. Source: CDSS FCCH licensing information and s. 1596.78. Learn more about starting a childcare program in your primary residence in brightwheel's guide.
- Child care center (CCC). Usually located in a commercial building, providing non-medical care for infant to school-age children in a group setting. This includes infant centers, toddler programs, school-age centers and centers for mildly ill children. Source: CDSS child care center licensing information.
Programs that do not need a license
California law exempts several kinds of programs, including care for relatives' children, cooperative arrangements between parents with no payment, public recreation programs, extended day programs run by public or private schools, programs that operate one day a week for four hours or less, and programs that provide instructional activities in a classroom-like setting. Source: Health and Safety Code s. 1596.792.
Childcare Licensing and Compliance Checklist
Download this free checklist to simplify the childcare licensing process.
What are the childcare licensing requirements in California?
In addition to having a childcare business plan, you must meet California's licensing requirements. Source: Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 3 (family child care homes).
Requirements for family child care homes
- Age and residence. You must be at least 18 years old and live in the home where care is provided. Source: CDSS FCCH provider requirements fact sheet and Title 22, section 102368.
- Training. You must complete 16 hours of pediatric health and safety training from a vendor approved by the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) or an accredited college. It includes preventive health practices, pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid. Pediatric first aid and CPR must be renewed every two years, and the training cannot be a home study course. Source: CDSS FCCH provider requirements fact sheet and Health and Safety Code s. 1596.866.
- Background checks. You and any adult living in the home or caring for children must fingerprint for a criminal record clearance. Individuals who care for or live in a home with children must also receive a child abuse clearance. Fingerprinting is free for family child care home applicants. Source: Title 22, section 102369 and CDSS FCCH application steps (PDF).
- Tuberculosis test. Any adult in the home while children are in care must have a current tuberculosis clearance, dated not more than one year before or seven days after their first presence in the home. Source: Title 22, section 102369.
- Fire safety. The application must show a fire extinguisher and smoke detector that meet State Fire Marshal standards. Small homes do not need a fire clearance, but large homes must have one from the local fire authority. Source: Title 22, sections 102369 and 102371.
Small family child care home capacity
A small family child care home may care for one of these groups at any time, including your own children under age 10 who live in the home. Source: Title 22, section 102416.5.
- Four infants (children under two years old); or
- Six children, with no more than three infants; or
- Seven to eight children without an additional adult, only if at least one child is enrolled in kindergarten or elementary school and a second child is at least six years old, no more than two infants are in care, you notify each parent, and you have written consent from the property owner if you rent. Source: Health and Safety Code s. 1597.44.
Large family child care home requirements and capacity
- Experience. You must show at least one year of experience as a regulated small family child care home operator, or as an administrator, director or teacher at a licensed child care center. Source: Title 22, section 102369 and CDSS FCCH provider requirements fact sheet.
- Assistant provider. An assistant provider is at least 14 years old and is primarily involved in caring for children while the home is open. Source: Title 22, section 102352.
- Capacity with an assistant: up to 12 children, no more than four of them infants; or 13 to 14 children only if at least one child is in kindergarten or elementary school and a second child is at least six, no more than three infants are in care, you notify parents, and you have written landlord consent if you rent. Without an assistant, you must follow small-home capacity limits. Source: Title 22, section 102416.5 and Health and Safety Code s. 1597.465.
Requirements for child care centers
- Director qualifications. A center director needs one of the following before employment: 15 semester units (12 in early childhood education or child development and 3 in administration or staff relations) plus four years of teaching experience in a licensed child care center; an associate degree in early childhood education or child development, 3 administration units and two years of experience; a bachelor's degree in the same fields, 3 administration units and one year of experience; or a Child Development Site Supervisor or Program Director Permit. Source: Title 22, section 101215.1.
- Fully qualified teacher. A fully qualified teacher has 12 semester units in early childhood education or child development plus six months of experience, a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with the right age endorsement plus six months of experience, or a Child Development Associate Teacher, Teacher or Master Teacher Permit. A teacher can be hired with 6 units and must complete at least 2 units each semester until qualified. Source: Title 22, section 101216.1.
- Teacher aides. Aides must be at least 18, or younger if they are high school graduates or in an accredited occupational program, and work under a teacher's supervision. An aide who helps a fully qualified teacher supervise up to 18 preschoolers needs 6 units in early childhood education, or must complete 2 units each semester until they reach 6. Source: Title 22, section 101216.2.
- Health and safety training. At least one director or teacher must complete 16 hours of health and safety training, including pediatric first aid, pediatric CPR and preventive health practices, and at least one staff member with current pediatric first aid and CPR cards must be on site whenever children are present. Source: Title 22, sections 101215.1 and 101182 and Health and Safety Code s. 1596.866.
- Space. You need at least 35 square feet of indoor activity space and 75 square feet of outdoor activity space per child, based on total licensed capacity. Bathrooms, halls, offices, isolation areas, food preparation areas and storage do not count as indoor space, and pools and hazards do not count as outdoor space. Source: Title 22, sections 101238.2 and 101238.3.
- Fire clearance. Every child care center must obtain and maintain a fire clearance from the city or county fire department, fire protection district or State Fire Marshal. Source: Title 22, section 101171.
- Health screening and background checks. Staff need a health screening that includes a tuberculosis test, and CDSS runs a criminal record review of the people listed in Health and Safety Code s. 1596.871. Source: Title 22, sections 101170 and 101216.
- Licensed capacity. CDSS sets your capacity based on your fire clearance, your ability to comply with regulations, your space and the number of staff available. It can license you for fewer children than you request. Source: Title 22, section 101179.
California child care center staff-to-child ratios
California sets teacher-to-child ratios by program type. Source: Title 22, sections 101216.3, 101416.5 and 101516.5 and CDSS center staffing ratios fact sheet.
| Program | One teacher | Teacher plus aide(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Infants | 4 infants | 12 infants with one fully qualified teacher and two aides, with each aide responsible for no more than 4 infants |
| Toddlers (toddler component) | 6 toddlers | 12 toddlers with one fully qualified teacher and one aide |
| Preschool | 12 children | 15 children with one teacher and one aide; 18 children with one fully qualified teacher and one aide who has 6 early childhood education units |
| School-age | 14 children | 28 children with one teacher and one aide |
When children are away from the center, no teacher may be in charge of more than 12 children. During activities away from the center, infant centers need at least one adult for every two infants. See also brightwheel's guide to childcare ratios. Source: Title 22, sections 101216.3 and 101416.5.
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How do I apply for a childcare license in California?
The application steps differ slightly for homes and centers. The processing time varies with how quickly you submit all documents, get your criminal record clearances and fire clearance, finish any home alterations and prepare for inspection. Source: CDSS FCCH application steps (PDF).
- Attend an orientation. You must attend an orientation before you file an application. Orientations are online, live virtual or in person. Source: CDSS orientation registration and Title 22, section 102369. Center applicants attend two sessions: an Application Orientation and an Operations and Record Keeping Orientation, which site supervisors and directors also need. Online, the application orientation costs a $50 orientation fee plus a $4.85 processing fee, and the operations orientation has no orientation fee plus the $4.85 processing fee. Orientation fees are nonrefundable ($25 for family child care homes). Source: CDSS child care center application steps (PDF) and CDSS licensing fees.
- Gather your application package. Homes submit the LIC 279 application and the LIC 279A booklet forms. Centers submit the LIC 281A application booklet forms, including a written plan of operation with a floor plan sketch, a disaster and mass casualty plan and, if leasing, a copy of the lease. Source: CDSS FCCH application steps (PDF) and CDSS child care center application steps (PDF); Title 22, sections 101169, 101173 and 101174.
- Submit your application and pay the nonrefundable application fee. Pay by check or money order and mail or drop off the package at your local Child Care Regional Office. Fees are based on requested capacity (see the fee table below). CDSS then assigns a Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) who sends an introductory letter with your pending facility number and fee receipt. Source: CDSS child care center application steps (PDF) and CDSS FCCH licensing information.
- Complete background checks. Submit fingerprints through Live Scan. CDSS recommends creating your background check application in its Guardian system before you submit fingerprints. Source: CDSS FCCH application steps (PDF).
- Get your fire clearance. Centers and large family child care homes need one. For centers, your LPA submits the request to the local fire inspection authority when your application is received. During review, your LPA also checks compliance history and sends a Notification of Incomplete Application if documents are missing. Source: CDSS child care center application steps (PDF), Title 22, section 101171 and CDSS FCCH application steps (PDF).
- Pass the pre-licensing inspection. A Licensing Program Analyst contacts you to schedule an inspection of your home or center. The inspection happens within 30 days after CDSS receives all appropriate application materials, and your LPA tells you about any corrections and their due date. Source: CDSS child care center application steps (PDF) and CDSS FCCH application steps (PDF).
- Receive your license. For centers, CDSS makes a final decision within 30 days after it receives all appropriate application materials and required clearances, once the pre-licensing inspection is complete and the facility complies. If approved, a signed license is mailed to you. Source: CDSS child care center application steps (PDF) and Health and Safety Code s. 1597.13.
Compare other states in brightwheel's childcare licensing requirements by state, or read our guides for California, childcare centers, small family child care homes and large family child care homes.
How much does a daycare license cost in California?
| Facility type | Licensed capacity | Application fee | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family child care home (small) | 1 to 8 | $73 | $73 |
| Family child care home (large) | 9 to 14 | $140 | $140 |
| Child care center | 1 to 30 | $484 | $242 |
| Child care center | 31 to 60 | $968 | $484 |
| Child care center | 61 to 75 | $1,210 | $605 |
| Child care center | 76 to 90 | $1,452 | $726 |
| Child care center | 91 to 120 | $1,936 | $968 |
| Child care center | 121 or more | $2,420 | $1,210 |
Application fees are nonrefundable. CDSS also charges $25 to change your licensed capacity, 50 percent of the application fee to move to a new address, and a late fee of 50 percent of the annual fee if you do not pay by your facility's anniversary date. Fees cannot be waived or paid in installments. Source: Health and Safety Code s. 1596.803 and CDSS licensing fees.
How do I stay compliant with my California daycare license?
- Your license does not expire. A license remains in effect until it is forfeited, surrendered, suspended or revoked, so you do not renew it on a schedule. You pay an annual fee on your facility's anniversary date. Source: Title 22, sections 101182 and 102383.
- Pay your annual fee on time. Pay online through the CDSS payment portal using the facility number and PIN on your bill, or by check or money order. A late payment adds a 50 percent late fee. Source: CDSS licensing fees.
- Keep first aid and CPR current. Pediatric first aid and CPR must be current at all times and renewed every two years, and at least one staff member with current cards must be on site whenever children are present. Source: Health and Safety Code s. 1596.866 and Title 22, section 101182.
- Stay within capacity and ratios. Never exceed licensed capacity or the ratios above. Source: Title 22, sections 101216.3 and 101179.
- Be ready for inspections. CDSS conducts unannounced facility inspections, complaint investigations and follow-up inspections. Source: CDSS How to Become Licensed. Use our checklist for starting a daycare business to stay organized.
- Report changes. Request a capacity change before you increase or decrease the number of children, and tell CDSS before you move. Source: CDSS licensing fees.
Upcoming change: New health and safety training requirements
A 2026 law amends the health and safety training section of the Health and Safety Code. Beginning October 1, 2027, family child care home licensees and at least one director or teacher at each center must complete at least 12 hours of continuing education each year, with courses covering topics such as emergency and disaster preparedness, building and premises safety, safe sleep, shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma prevention, and administration of medication.
Starting January 1, 2028, pediatric first aid and CPR courses must include instruction in preventing and treating anaphylaxis, including emergency use of epinephrine auto-injectors. Source: Health and Safety Code s. 1596.866, as amended by Stats. 2026, ch. 257. Check CDSS for implementation details before these dates.
Are there grants for childcare providers in California?
Yes. Grants are financial awards from government agencies or private foundations that do not need to be repaid. You can use them for facility improvements, new equipment or staff professional development. Funding changes often, so review the current grants for childcare providers in California to find options that fit your program.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a childcare license in California?
CDSS does not publish a fixed processing time, because it depends on how quickly you submit documents, get background clearances and a fire clearance, and prepare for inspection. For centers, state law directs CDSS to do an initial site visit within 30 days after it has all appropriate application materials and to decide within 30 days after a site visit confirms compliance.
Do I have to renew my California childcare license?
No. A California child care license has no expiration date and stays in effect until it is forfeited, surrendered, suspended or revoked. You do pay an annual fee on your facility's anniversary date, and a late payment adds a 50 percent late fee.
Do I need a degree to run a home daycare in California?
No. A family child care home licensee must be at least 18, live in the home, pass a criminal record clearance, have a tuberculosis clearance and complete 16 hours of pediatric health and safety training. A large home also needs one year of experience as a licensed home operator or as a center teacher, director or administrator.
What is the difference between a small and large family child care home?
A small family child care home can care for up to eight children and a large home can care for up to 14 children. A large home must have a qualified assistant provider who is at least 14 years old to care for more than eight children, and it needs a fire clearance from the local fire authority. Without an assistant, a large home must follow small-home capacity limits.
Can I run a home daycare in a rental property?
Yes, but California requires written consent from the property owner when a rented home cares for the extra children allowed above six in a small home or above 12 in a large home. You must also notify parents when you care for additional school-age children.
Can I care for other people's children without a license?
Only in limited cases. You are license-exempt if you care for your own children, relatives' children and the children of just one other family. If you care for non-relative children from more than one family, you need a license, and operating without one is a misdemeanor with a $200 per day fine.
Final thoughts
Securing a childcare license is a critical first step in launching a program in California. Designed with new childcare programs in mind, brightwheel's software streamlines operations, improves communication and supports your program's growth from day one, and you can begin setting it up before you open.
