California childcare licensing is administered by the Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) under the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). All facilities providing care for children from more than one family must be licensed under California's Title 22 regulations.
California has some of the most detailed childcare licensing requirements in the country, covering staff qualifications, facility standards, health and safety protocols, and record-keeping. Licensing applies to child care centers, small family child care homes, and large family child care homes.
The licensing process requires attending an orientation session, submitting an application, completing background checks (Live Scan fingerprinting through DOJ and FBI), obtaining fire clearance, TB clearance for all staff, and passing a facility inspection.
Child Care Center
Licensed to care for any number of children in a non-residential setting. Includes preschools, infant centers, school-age programs, and employer-sponsored centers.
Small Family Child Care Home
Up to 8 childrenLicensed for up to 8 children (including the provider's own children under 10) in the provider's home. No more than 3 infants.
Large Family Child Care Home
7–14 childrenLicensed for 7 to 14 children (including the provider's own children under 10) in the provider's home. Requires at least one assistant.
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0–18 months) | 1:4 | — |
| Toddlers (18–30 months) | 1:6 | — |
| Preschool (2.5–5 years) | 1:12 | — |
| School-age (5+ years) | 1:14 | — |
Enrollment / Registration Form
Complete enrollment form with emergency contacts, authorized pickup list, allergy information, and medical conditions.
Immunization Records
Up-to-date immunization records per California Health and Safety Code. Must be verified before admission.
Physician's Report / Health Assessment
Medical assessment from a licensed physician documenting the child's ability to participate in center activities.
Emergency Contact Information
Names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons authorized to pick up the child and emergency contacts.
Identification and Emergency Information (LIC 700)
State form required for all children enrolled in licensed care.
Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment
Signed parental consent for emergency medical treatment.
Allergy and Special Dietary Needs
Documentation of any allergies, food sensitivities, or special dietary requirements.
Medication AuthorizationConditional
Written parental authorization for any medication to be administered, with medication in original container.
Infant Needs and Services PlanConditional
Individual plan for each infant covering feeding, sleeping, and developmental needs. Required for infant care only.
Admission Agreement
Written agreement between parent and facility covering hours, fees, policies, and services.
California requires all children attending licensed child care to be immunized per the California Health and Safety Code (Sections 120325–120375). Facilities must verify immunization records before admission and report immunization status annually to state and local health departments.
Exemption Policy
California eliminated personal belief exemptions in 2016 (SB 277). Only medical exemptions are accepted, and they must be issued through the CAIR-ME system by a licensed MD or DO. Temporary medical exemptions are valid for up to 12 months.
| Vaccine | Doses | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Polio (IPV) | 4 doses | Oral polio vaccine (OPV) no longer accepted alone |
| DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) | 5 doses | 4 doses acceptable if 4th dose given on or after 4th birthday |
| Hepatitis B | 3 doses | — |
| MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) | 2 doses | 1st dose on or after 1st birthday |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | 1 dose | On or after 1st birthday; or documented history of disease |
| Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B) | 1–4 doses depending on age | Required only for children younger than 5 years |
Director
Min. age 18At least 12 semester units of early childhood education (ECE) or child development (CD) coursework, plus 3 units of administration or staff relations, plus qualifying experience.
Teacher
Min. age 18At least 12 semester units of ECE or CD coursework, including core courses such as child/human growth and development.
Associate Teacher
Min. age 18At least 6 semester units of ECE or CD coursework.
Aide
Min. age 18No formal education requirement, but must work under direct supervision of a teacher.
Indoor Space
At least 35 square feet of usable indoor space per child (excludes bathrooms, hallways, kitchens, and storage areas).
Outdoor Space
At least 75 square feet of outdoor play space per child using the area at any one time. Outdoor areas must be fenced and free of hazards.
Inspection Frequency
At least one unannounced visit per year. Additional visits based on compliance history or complaints.
License Renewal
Licenses do not expire but are subject to ongoing monitoring and can be revoked for non-compliance.
Announced Visits
Yes
Unannounced Visits
Yes
Initial licensing requires a full facility inspection by a CCLD analyst covering indoor/outdoor space, safety, sanitation, and Title 22 compliance.
Staff-to-child ratio violations
High RiskFailing to maintain required ratios during all hours including transitions, outdoor play, and field trips.
Incomplete or missing immunization records
High RiskAdmitting children without verified, up-to-date immunization documentation or valid medical exemption.
Background check gaps
High RiskAllowing staff or volunteers to have contact with children before background check clearance.
Missing or incomplete child records
Medium RiskEnrollment forms, emergency contacts, or medical information not current or accessible.
Facility safety deficiencies
Medium RiskBroken or missing safety equipment, unsecured hazardous materials, or inadequate fencing.
Fire drill documentation gaps
Medium RiskNot conducting or documenting regular fire and earthquake drills as required.
Pre-Service
Directors: 12+ semester units ECE/CD plus 3 units administration. Teachers: 12 units ECE/CD. Associate Teachers: 6 units. All staff must complete CPR, First Aid, and Mandated Reporter training before working with children.
Annual Training
Ongoing professional development required per Title 22. CPR and First Aid certifications must be kept current.
Required Topics
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