You need to start with the state regulations that cover a child care center. These regulations (“Manual of Policies and Procedures, Community Care Licensing Division, Child Care Center, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1”)

To begin the licensing process you must attend a center orientation. You can get information about center orientations at:

Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing
River City Regional Office
8745 Folsom Blvd. Suite 200, MS: 19-29
Sacramento, CA. 95826
(916) 229-4530 FAX (916) 387-1933

They will provide information that includes Title 22 regulations and an application packet to fill out to apply for your license. In addition, they will answer any questions that you may have. You will need to call in advance to add your name to the list.

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What number do I call if I want to become a licensed child care center provider?

You can call the Child Care Resource and Referral for licensing information in:

Amador County: (209) 223-1624
HRC Child Care Resources
201 Clinton Road, Suite 204
Jackson, CA 95642

Help with licensing information, current child care supply, local market rates, training opportunities, and signing up for referrals.

Calaveras County: (209) 754-1028
HRC Child Care Resources
P.O. Box 919
San Andreas, CA 95249

Help with licensing information, current child care supply, local market rates, training opportunities, and signing up for referrals.

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What are the education qualifications?

All centers shall have a director who is responsible for the operation of the center, including compliance with regulations, and communications with the Department.

Child care center directors shall have completed one of the following prior to employment:

High school graduation or GED and 15 semester units at an accredited college in specified early childhood education classes.
3 of the required units shall be in administration or staff relations and;
12 units shall include courses that cover the area of child growth and development; child, family and community; and program/ curriculum and:
four years of teaching experience in a licensed center or comparable group child care program or;
two years of experience are required if the director has an AA degree with a major in child development or;
a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit or Child Development Program Director permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

The Licensing Regulations also defined the requirements for other center personnel:

Teacher
Teacher Aide

and other personnel requirements.

Community Care Licensing: www.ccld.ca.gov

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Are there any grants? How can I get a loan?

If you have already determined the feasibility of opening a center in a given location, you will now need to think about how to finance your business. Many providers have the assumption they can apply for grants, which is partially correct. Many grant sources may require you to be a non-profit corporation and serve a specific population. You will need to do some grant research to find a grant suited for your center. (See our “Child Care Center Facility Financing & Development Resource Guide”; Section 6. Resources, this page, for grant resources: 2006 Matrix Financial Resources & Financial Resources for Child Care Facility Development)

Other than grants, you can seek a loan from a financial institution. All loans will require payback on a schedule. To make a decision about what kind of loan you will need will depend upon how much money your are requesting. Our “Child Care Center Facility Financing & Development Resource Guide” located on this page will give you the steps needed to obtain private financing.

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Do I need a business plan?

A lender will require you to develop a business plan in order to justify financing your center. Your business plan should be a clear view of your business. In other words, it is a detailed description on how you plan to build, expand or renovate your center. Finally, it needs to be concise, professional and clear.

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Who can help me with business planning?

The San Joaquin Delta College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) serves Amador and Calaveras counties. The SBDC will assist with any aspect of small business development--from starting a small business to expansion or helping with problems in an existing business. The SBDC offers a wide range of programs and resources:

Business Training
Training Calendar
Business Financing
Assistance for existing businesses
Assistance for starting a business
SBDC News (see the latest newsletter here)
Library

The SBDC developed a handbook to help prospective small business owners with the overwhelming process of starting a business-- everything from writing a business plan to finding government contracts. Owners of existing businesses will find additional information in a companion internet book entitled Operating Your Successful Small Business.

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Can I do a center in my home? I am already doing child care here.

A “Child Care Center” is defined in the California Health and Safety code as a facility other than a child care home. Thus, a Child Care Center is a non-residential land use and has more extensive and restrictive licensing requirements. Normally, Child Care Centers can be located in a number of different zoning districts, such as “Commercial and High Density Residential districts. Though not required to do so, Child Care Centers typically accommodate more children than Large and Small Family Child Care Homes.

Jurisdictions normally require a use permit process for Child Care Centers, although the Health and Safety Code do not require permits. LIIF has a guide for city and county planners called “ Responding to Child Care Facilities: A Practical Guide for City & County Planners” that demonstrates to planners on how to help you successfully process your permit applications relating to the site use, parking, traffic, noise, neighbor concerns or other land use issues. You can request a copy of this guide from your local Constructing Connections staff.

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What do you mean by proper zoning?

Zoning regulations pertain to the physical location of the facility, and the type of business that is being proposed. Each building or piece of land has been zoned by the city or county for a specific use. Depending upon your building location, you may have to apply for a use permit (Conditional Use Permit), which are issued from a city or county planning municipality. In order to find out what zone the proposed child care center is in, you will need to call or stop in at the planning department. Our Resource Catalog provides listings of the planning department you will need to contact in your area. The planning department will inform you if there are any specific requirements to place a child care center in that location and/or if you will need to apply for a permit.

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