Applying for a License
To become a licensed in-home family child care 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 18 years and older 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
- 8 hours of Preventive Health and Safety training
- 8 hours of Pediatric CPR and Pediatric First Aid
Getting Started
Step One – Orientation
To attend a Family Child Care Home Orientation, you must register and submit your payment online or via the US Mail.
To access the online orientation, please click on the following link: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/how-to-become-licensed/register-for-an-orientation. Everyone attending the orientation must pay the $25.00 per person fee to receive the required certificate of completion.
For in-person orientations, a check or money order must be made payable to the Department of Social Services (DSS) and mailed to your local regional office. Please include the following information: First and Last Name, Mailing Address, and Telephone Number.
Community Care Licensing
FRESNO REGIONAL OFFICE
1310 East Shaw Avenue, MS 29-01
Fresno, CA 93710
(559) 243-4588 FAX (559) 243-8070
Community Care Licensing
PALMDALE REGIONAL OFFICE
39115 Trade Center Drive, Suite 201, MS 29-29
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 202-3318 FAX (661) 202-3809
The Department of Social Services will mail you a receipt when they receive your contact information and the $25 fee. When you receive your receipt, please contact your local Community Care Licensing office to register for an in-person orientation. You will be required to provide your receipt number to schedule the in-person orientation appointment and upon check-in.
Step Two – Application Process
After you attend the licensing orientation, you will receive licensing information and an application packet. You will be required to pay a $73.00 application fee. Your completed application, a $73 check or money order, and all required certifications must be mailed to your local Community Care Licensing:
Community Care Licensing
FRESNO REGIONAL OFFICE
1310 East Shaw Avenue, MS 29-01
Fresno, CA 93710
(559) 243-4588 FAX (559) 243-8070
Community Care Licensing
PALMDALE REGIONAL OFFICE
39115 Trade Center Drive, Suite 201, MS 29-29
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 202-3318 FAX (661) 202-3809
Community Connection for Child Care Resource and Referral staff are able to provide technical assistance and review completed applications before mailing. Please call (661) 861-5200 to schedule an Application Review Appointment (appointments average 1 hour).
Step Three – Community Care Licensing Acceptance
The Department of Social Services will send you a letter with your 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. For local fingerprinting services, visit https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations.
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. If your home meets all the licensing requirements, you will be issued a license to provide child care at your address. Once licensed, please contact Community Connection for Child Care at (661) 861-5200 to be added to our free referral database.