Applying for a license
To become a licensed family child care home provider, you will be required to complete the following:
- Attend a licensing orientation. There is a $25.00 fee for everyone attending the orientation.
- Complete a licensing application (application will be given at orientation).
- Pay a $73.00 application fee.
- Submit fingerprints for everyone associated with your family child care.
- Submit a negative Tuberculosis (TB) skin test for everyone associated with your family child care.
- Submit immunizations for individuals employed or volunteering at a family child care. Individuals must be immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles (effective 9/1/2016).
- Complete a criminal record statement for everyone associated with your family child care.
- 8 hours of health and safety training
- 8 hours of Pediatric CPR and Pediatric First Aid
- 1 hour of childhood nutrition training, which may include: Instruction in sanitary food handling, emergency preparedness and evacuation, and caring for children with special needs.
Getting Started
Step One – Orientation
To attend a Family Child Care Home Orientation, you must complete a Family Child Care Orientation Payment Form and attend an online orientation. To access the online orientation, please follow the link here https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/how-to-become-licensed/register-for-an-orientation. Each person attending the orientation must pay the $25.00 per person charge. Cash will not be accepted.
A check or money order must be made payable to: Department of Social Services or DSS and mailed to one of the following address:
Community Care Licensing
FRESNO REGIONAL OFFICE
Regional Manager, Rebecca Varela
1310 East Shaw Avenue, MS 29-01
Fresno, CA 93710
(559) 202-3318 FAX (559) 202-3809
PALMDALE REGIONAL OFFICE
Regional Manager, Scott Herring
39115 Trade Center Drive, Suite 201, MS 29-29
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 789-6944 FAX (661) 789-6950
The Department of Social Services will mail you a receipt when they receive your form and fee. When you receive your receipt, please contact CCCC to register for an orientation at (661) 861-5200 or toll-free at (877) 861-5200. You will be required to provide your receipt number in order to schedule the orientation appointment.
Step Two – Application Process
You will receive information and an application packet on how to become licensed. You will be required to pay a $73.00 application fee. Your application and fee must be mailed to the following address:
FRESNO REGIONAL OFFICE
Regional Manager, Rebecca Varela
1310 East Shaw Avenue, MS 29-01
Fresno, CA 93710
(559) 243-4588 FAX (559) 243-8070
PALMDALE REGIONAL OFFICE
Regional Manager, Scott Herring
39115 Trade Center Drive, Suite 201, MS 29-29
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 789-6944 FAX (661) 789-6950
CCCC Resource and Referral staff are able to provide technical assistance and review completed applications before mailing.
Step Three – Community Care Licensing Acceptance
The Department of Social Services will send you a letter with a facility number stating your application is in process. You must obtain a fingerprint clearance and a Child Abuse Index Check for yourself, anyone over age 18 in your home, assistants, and/or volunteers. There is a $54.00 charge for LiveScan fingerprinting that will be submitted to Community Care Licensing. For fingerprinting services, you will be required to call (800)315-4507 to schedule an appointment. You may have your fingerprints rolled at:
Community Connection for Child Care
2000 K Street, Suite 110
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Step Four – Pre-Licensing Inspection
A scheduled site visit will be done by an evaluator from the Department of Social Services Community Care
Licensing Division to check health and safety practices in the home.