Taking the first step toward opening a child care program begins with understanding state licensing requirements and capacity guidelines. To support you on this journey, we’ve gathered a collection of newly released resources from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to help you plan and move forward with confidence!
Pathway to Obtaining Child Care Licensure
This roadmap from the California Department of Social Services offers a clear overview of the licensing process. It highlights key milestones and helps you stay organized as you move through each step.
Application Process
Opening a Licensed Child Care Center (LCCC)
This guide walks you through the application process for opening a Licensed Child Care Center in California. It covers planning, application steps, inspections, and ongoing requirements so that you understand what to expect at each stage.
For more information on provider requirements and staffing qualifications for Licensed Child Care Centers, click here.
Opening a Family Child Care Home (FCCH)
For those interested in a home-based program, this application guide provides detailed steps for becoming a Licensed Family Child Care Provider. It includes information on preparing your home, completing the application process, and following state guidelines.
For more information on provider requirements and licensing qualifications for Family Child Care Homes, click here. (Español)
Capacity Regulations
Understanding how many children you can legally care for is a key part of operating a family child care home or center. The information below can help you plan your program while staying in compliance.
Key Resources
- Capacity options for Family Child Care Homes. [Español] This resource outlines important considerations such as age group distribution, staffing needs, and when landlord consent and parent notification are required.
- Capacity options for Licensed Child Care Centers. This resource explains provider-to-child ratio requirements for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, including supervision during nap time.
Additional Supports
YMCA Childcare Resource Service is here to support local child care providers wherever they are on their business journey. For additional guidance, business supports, and connections to resources to help you start and grow your child care program, contact our team.
For more detailed information, requirements, and updates from the California Department of Social Services, visit their “How to Become Licensed,” webpage.
About YMCA Childcare Resource Service
For over 40 years, YMCA Childcare Resource Service has been a trusted agency in San Diego County, connecting families to accessible, quality child care programs. As the only state-funded child care resource and referral agency and one of two child care subsidy distributing agencies in the county, we are deeply committed to ensuring that all families have access to child care that meets their unique needs.
Through our extensive network and comprehensive database, we match thousands of families with licensed child care providers and administer millions of dollars in child care subsidies each year. By facilitating these important connections between families and child care, we can ensure children are learning and parents can continue earning.
To learn more about YMCA Childcare Resource Service and how we can support your child care needs, please visit our website at ymcasd.org/crs.