Is Family Child Care the right business for me?

Why provide Family Child Care (FCC)?

Benefits
  • Work from your home
  • Be your own boss
  • Set your own hours of care
  • Provide care to your children and the community
  • Might be able to receive state funding and support for low income families

Licensing & Requirements

Do I need a license?
  • If you are providing care for your children (or those of a relative), and children from only one other family then you may not need a child care license. 
  • If you are providing care and supervision to non-relative children from more than one family then you will likely need a license. Learn more >>
  • What’s the difference between licensed and license-exempt care? Learn more >>
To receive a child care license you must:
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Live in the home where you are providing child care
  • Complete a Community Care Licensing orientation, either online or in-person
  • Obtain background checks and fingerprints for all adults living and working in the home
  • Obtain tuberculosis tests for everyone 18 years and older in the home
  • Complete courses in CPR & first aid (8 hours), health & safety and lead prevention and nutrition (8 hours) 
  • Obtain proof of immunizations (influenza, pertussis, measles for the licensee holder only)
  • Complete online General Mandated Child Abuse Reporting training (4 hours)
  • Complete the online provider Mandated Child Abuse Reporting Training (3 hours)
  • Pass the licensing home inspection visit by Community Care Licensing
  • Submit all required licensing forms and fees

Small vs. Large Family Child Care Providers

Small = Up to 8 Children
  • No fire department clearance required
  • Can have 2 infants and 6 preschoolers or 2 infant & 6 school age
Large = Up to 14 Children
  • Must have operated a small home or have experience
  • Must have a fire department clearance

Financial & Overall Support

MAOF

There is money available to help with some of the requirements. Call MAOF’s Resource and Referral Department at 831-757-0775 for more information.

Steps for Becoming a Family Child Care Provider

Step 1: Register for an Orientation
  • If you are interested in obtaining a California license to operate a family child care home or a child care center you have the option to attend either an online, live virtual, or an in-person orientation. Learn more >>
  • Watch videos that explain licensing topics relevant to families and licensed child care providers.
Step 2: Health & Safety Checks
  • CPR-First Aid
  • Health and Safety
  • Mandated Reporter Courses: must complete both general and child care provider trainings, both are free and online
  • Proof of Immunizations (measles, pertussis, influenza) for owner and staff
  • TB test for owner and all living in the household
Step 3: Apply for License
  • Complete the application for a family child care home. Once complete, you will receive a facility number. 
  • Need help completing the application form? The Child Care Resource and Referral can help –  just let us know!
Step 4: Fingerprinting
  • Fingerprinting of all staff and household members who are 18+
Step 5: Check your home for readiness
  • Get a pre-inspection of your home from MAOF Resource and Referral (optional)
  • Community Care Licensing will inspect your home
  • Pre-licensing check list
  • Forms from Community Care Licensing needed (Form Lic 279A 311D)
Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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. Learn more >>

How do I transform my home into a child care business?

Knowing how to transform your home into a space that supports your new child care business can be one of the toughest challenges in deciding whether or not to get licensed and start a home-based child care business. Learn more >>

Can I start a child care business in my home, even if the landlord does not approve?

Better understand your rights to start a child care business in your rental property. Learn more >> 

Are you ready to open a Child Care Business?

Before you begin the process of opening a child care business, it is important to understand the types of regulated child care and to learn about the local resources that can support you through the start-up process. Learn more >>

More Resources

Child Care Law Center

The more you know about your rights as a provider, the more you can grow your business and offer enriching child care. Learn more >>

California Workforce Registry

You’re not alone! There are other Family Child Care providers in the area just like you who meet and learn through in person and web based activities. Sign up for the California Workforce Registry to get more information.

Quality Matters Monterey County

Monterey County is home to an early learning community that believes all children should have access to a high quality early education. In order to help achieve this goal, Quality Matters Monterey County developed an early learning program that works to provide children and families access to high quality care and early learning experiences.

Fact Sheets: