In California, child care providers are licensed through the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Providers caring for children from more than one family are required to be licensed.
4Cs supports potential providers through application assistance, pre-licensing visits, business development workshops, and training. For questions or assistance please contact our ECE Specialist at (650) 517-1440.
For more information on how to become licensed please see Steps to Becoming Licensed.
Below are links to additional resources:
Family Child Care Licensing Application
Family Child Care Licensing Application Instructions
Child Care Center Licensing Application
Child Care Licensing Application Instructions
Licensing Orientation
In-person (Family Child Care and Centers)
Online Family Child Care Orientation
Online Child Care Center Orientation
Operations and Record Keeping Orientation
Additional Licensing Resources
Licensing Requirements for Family Child Care English Español
Family Child Care Home Capacity Requirements English Español
Licensing Requirements for Child Care Centers
Child Care Center Capacity Requirements
If you would like assistance with your application or are ready for a pre-licensing visit, please contact our ECE Specialist at (650) 517-1440.
LOOKING FOR CHILD CARE?
For Assistance finding a child care provider please call (650) 517-1460.
To complete your own online provider search please visit our provider database.
