Friends, Family and Neighbors

License-exempt child care: Some child care providers in California are classified as license-exempt caregivers and are therefore not subject to the same health and safety standards as licensed care-givers. These caregivers can provide care in a variety of settings and include the following:

• Relative Caregivers: Your child’s relatives (parents, adult siblings, aunts, uncles, first cousins, step-relatives, and grandparents) are license-exempt, regardless of where they provide child care for your children.  
• Nanny: A nanny typically has a regular and involved relationship with the family. He or she may watch the child or children for multiple hours every day or on a consistent weekly schedule. In addition to experience, some nannies will have a formal education in child development or related fields. They may engage in developmental activities and supervision, as well as possibly cook or clean for the family. 
• Babysitters: A babysitter is any individual you hire by the hour to care for your child. A babysitter may work during the day or night and may watch the child at your home or at theirs. A babysitter’s responsibilities can include preparing food, putting kids down for naps or bedtime, assisting with homework, or providing transportation to or and from activities. Babysitting rates depend on where you live in the State, the age of the babysitter, as well as the ages and number of children being watched. This type of caregiver can provide license-exempt care only if they provide care for a child or children from only one family in addition to their own child or children. 
• Before School/After School Programs: Many schools have before-school and after-school programs either on the school premises or close by, which, if operated by the school and run by qualified teachers employed by the school, may be license-exempt. ACES programs are examples of school age care at school sites, which are free services provided during the school year. 
• Parent Co-Op: Childcare and preschool cooperatives offer quality care for children while their parents work or for education and socialization. Cooperatives offer similar enrichment activities for children; many offer the option of extended childcare hours for parents who are employed. The program may be licensed and staffed by one or more experts in early childhood education. Parent involvement contributes to the quality of the program and also reduces operational costs.  Co-op programs may be licensed or license-exempt. 
• Before School/After School Programs: Many schools have publicly funded before-school and after-school programs either on the school premises or close by, which, if operated by the school and run by qualified Expanded Learning educators employed by the school or subcontracted partner are generally license-exempt. ASES programs are examples of school-age homework & enrichment programs at school sites, which are free services provided during the school year. Click here to see the 2019-20 Expanded Learning Partnerships in Monterey County.