How do I become licensed as a family child care home-based business?

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Getting licensed as a Family Child Care is a process administered by the CA state agency, Community Care Licensing (CCL). However, Children’s Council is here to help you through the process. The infographic below gives an overview of the steps one takes to get licensed, with links included to key resources. We are available to review your application before you submit it, and your home before it gets inspected to make sure you do not have to repeat these steps and to make the process as quick as possible. 

Still trying to decide whether or not to start the process of getting licensed? Are you not sure you can convert your home into a Family Child Care business? Schedule a consultation with us and we can help you assess whether this decision is right for you.  Email [e-mail]. 

Please note that the attached PDF version of this infographic includes live links for the underlined text. 

ATTEND THE COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING ORIENTATION (CCL) 

CCL is the CA State agency that licenses and regulates Family Child Care businesses. 

You can complete the orientation online or in person. The orientation costs $25. For the in-person orientation, mail a check in to the CCL office at 851 Traeger, Suite 360 San Bruno, CA 94066 two weeks before the date.  

SCHEDULE AND ATTEND THE REQUIRED CPR, HEALTH AND SAFETY, AND MANDATED REPORTER CLASSES 

You can enroll in these classes online. Classes fill up so be sure to register right away. 

Bay Health + Safety offers CPR classes (use code CCSF for a discount). Children's Council, Red Cross, and EMSA offer CPR and health and safety classes. Click here for online mandated reporter training. The certificates of completion will be a part of your application packet. 

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR LOCAL CLINIC 

You must be able to show records of immunization for measles, pertussis, influenza (optional) and take a Tuberculosis test. These records will be a part of your application packet. 

COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION 

The application is available to download and print here. 

Children's Council is available to review your application before you submit it. Contact us at [e-mail] about setting up an appointment. Mail your application packet to the CCL office (address listed above) along with a check or money order (to C.D.S.S) for $73. 

GET FINGERPRINTED 

Once CCL has reviewed your application, you will receive a letter with your assigned Facility Number in the mail. Use this facility number to schedule a fingerprinting appointment. You will need this form. 

Call Live Scan at 1-800-315-4507. All adults (over 18 years old) living in the household must be fingerprinted. 

GET YOUR HOME INSPECTED BY CCL 

When your fingerprints clear, CCL will call you to schedule an inspection of your home. 

During this inspection, they will check to make sure that your home is safe for children. Children's Council is available to view your home and help you pass your inspection. Contact us  at [e-mail] to schedule an appointment.  

Tip - outside spaces often require more work to get approved by CCL. If you need to get licensed right away, it might be best to get your indoor space ready first, then schedule a second inspection to include your outdoor space. 

PASS YOUR HOME INSPECTION AND YOU ARE NOW LICENSED TO OPEN! 

Remember that CCL is only making sure your home is safe for children. There is much more to you need to prepare to launch a successful business.  

We are here to support you in your path to becoming an entrepreneur. Check out our other resources for starting a strong family child care small business, such as marketing, financial planning, designing your unique program, amongst other topics.