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Step-by-Step
Licensing Guide

What is it?

If you are ready to start the licensing process, the Step-by-Step Licensing Guide is right for you. It’s an online tool that guides you through each part of the California Child Care Licensing process. The Guide helps you navigate each step of the process-giving directions, keeping track of your progress and pointing you to the next step. (NOTE: The Step-by-Step Licensing Guide is currently available in English only. Spanish and Chinese versions will be available soon.)

Start by Registering

It takes less than 5 minutes to register and get access to your personalized Step-by-Step Guide dashboard.

Already Registered?

Just click the button to log in and use your Step-by-Step Guide dashboard.

Learn About
Getting a Family
Child Care License

Start
Here

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To Be Eligible to Apply for a Family Child Care License

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Be at least 18 years old.

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Live in the home where child care will be provided (can rent or own).

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All adults in the home (age 18 or older) have a photo ID – valid driver’s license or Department of Motor Vehicles-issued ID

Even if you don’t meet these requirements now, please feel free to explore this guide to find out about the licensing process.

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Want to start a family child care business but don’t know how to get a license?

This guide helps you learn about licensing by organizing the process into 4 steps, providing what you need to know in “bite size” chunks. Completing the licensing process takes 2 to 6 months or more.

Tips for using this guide

Start
Here

Click/tap “Start Here” to find out about basic eligibility requirements.

Review the 4 steps

Click/tap the check boxes you see in each step to find out what is involved. Checkmarks will show in the check boxes after you review any component.

Click/tap the thermometer icon at the top of the page to see your overall learning progress.

Any time you see the question mark icon, click/tap for tips and explanations.

Step-by-Step Licensing Guide

If you are ready to begin the licensing process, click/tap the “Step-by-Step button to get personalized guidance through the licensing process.

Want to start a family child care business but don’t know how to get a license?

Tips for using this guide

Click/tap “Start Here” to find out about basic eligibility requirements.

Review the 4 steps

Click/tap the check boxes you see in each step to find out what is involved. Checkmarks will show in the check boxes after you review any component.

Click/tap the thermometer icon at the top of the page to see your overall learning progress.

Any time you see the question mark icon, click/tap for tips and explanations.

If you are ready to begin the licensing process, click/tap the “Step-by-Step button to get personalized guidance through the licensing process.

Step-by-Step Licensing Guide

1	Take classes & Get medical clearances
2	Gather your documents & Submit your application
3	Prepare your home
4	Get fingerprinted & Schedule home inspection

Take classes & Get medical clearances

Classes

	Community Care Licensing (CCL) Orientation
	Health & Safety
	Pediatric CPR & First Aid
	Mandated Reporter

Medical Clearances

	TB Test for all adults in the home
	Immunizations-Measles, Pertussis, Influenza

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Take classes & Get medical clearances

This step is listed first because

•It takes time to attend the required classes and schedule the necessary medical appointments.
•Classes provide helpful info related to other licensing requirements.

Why?

•Certificates of completion for 4 required classes must be attached to the licensing application.
•Classes teach you about other aspects of the licensing process.
•To safeguard health and safety, certain medical clearances must be attached to the licensing application.

Time/Effort Involved & Timing

•Classes: Average time to complete all classes is 2 to 4 months, include lead times/waiting periods before a class is available.
•Medical Clearances: Lead time to schedule and keep medical appointments for all adults in your household can range from weeks to months.
•Timing: Class completion dates and certain medical clearances must be less than a year old and immunizations must be up to date when you submit your license application.

You can do these activities in the same time frame as you are working on Steps 2 and 3!

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Community Care Licensing (CCL) Orientation

Overview of the California requirements for a family child care business, including how to get licensed and ongoing requirements after licensing. You will be given a quiz on the information shared. We recommend you take this class first.

Why Take This Class?

•Get valuable information about California’s family child care requirements.
•A copy of your certificate of class completion must accompany your license application.
•Certificate expires in one year.

Class Schedule & Registration

•Offered by the State of California in multiple languages, online, in person or Live Virtual.
•Register online or via phone. Click/tap here to view the schedule and to register.

Time & Cost

•May take 4 to 5 hours. May be a wait time for a class to be available so plan ahead.
•$25 non-refundable class registration fee.

Class completion date must be within 1 year of applying for your license.

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Preventative Health &
Safety Training

Topics covered include infection control, immunization laws, injury and lead poisoning prevention, working with children with disabilities, quality childcare in early childhood, nutrition, and cultural sensitivity in child care.

Why Take This Class?

•Learn about creating a safe and healthy child care environment, including preventing illness and injuries.
•A copy of your certificate of class completion must accompany your license application.

Class Schedule & Registration

•Offered by Children’s Council, Red Cross, or Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA).
•Click/tap here for information about Children’s Council in person or Live Virtual English and Spanish class offerings and how to register. Registration is required.

Time & Cost

•8 hours of training. May be a wait time for a class to be available so plan ahead.
•$100 class registration fee for training offered by Children’s Council.

Class completion date must be within 1 year of applying for your license.

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Pediatric CPR & First
Aid Training

Accidents and emergencies can happen no matter how safety conscious you are or how child-proof you make your home. Pediatric CPR & First Aid training provides the skills you need to be prepared.

Why Take This Class?

•Learn how to respond appropriately to accidents and emergency situations.
•A copy of your certificate of class completion must accompany your license application.

Class Schedule & Registration

•Offered by Children’s Council, Red Cross, American Heart Association, or Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA).
•Click/tap here for information about Children’s Council English, Spanish and Chinese class offerings and how to register. Registration is required.

Time & Cost

•8 hours of CPR & First Aid training. May be a wait time for a class to be available so plan ahead.
•$120 class registration fee for training offered by Children’s Council.

Class completion date must be within 1 year of applying for your license. Training must be renewed every 2 years.

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Mandated Reporter Training

Training includes what the law requires of you, how to spot indicators of child abuse or neglect, how to talk to children about suspected abuse, how to make a report and what happens after a report is filed.

Why Take This Class?

•Learn about indicators of child abuse or neglect and what to do if you spot them
•A copy of your certificate of class completion must accompany your license application.

Class Schedule & Registration

•Online training sponsored by the State of California through the MandatedReporterCA website (MandatedReporterCA.com)
•Available in English & Spanish
•Click/tap here for more information or to register

Time & Cost

•8 hours of self-paced online training, comprised of 2 modules plus an exam.
•Free/$0

Class completion date must be within 1 year of applying for your license. Training must be renewed every 2 years.

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TB Test for all adults in the home

A TB (tuberculosis) test checks to see if you have the bacteria (germs) that cause TB in your body. You and other adults in your home can get a TB test at your medical provider’s office or health clinic. Testing positive does not necessarily prevent you from getting a license.

Why?

•TB is a contagious disease. TB clearances for all adults in your home protect the health of the children in your care.
•TB clearances from a medical provider/health clinic must accompany your license application.

Time & Cost

•Time to schedule and complete the test for all adults in your home. One type of TB test requires 2 visits.
•Cost depends on your health insurance; usual range without insurance is $25 to $75 per person.

TB clearances for all the adults in your home must be within a year of applying for your license.

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Immunizations-Measles, Pertussis, Influenza (needed for providers only)

Immunizations prevent or substantially reduce your risk for getting measles, pertussis, or influenza. These vaccines are available through a medical provider or health clinic.

Why?

•Measles, pertussis, and influenza are contagious diseases. Being up to date on your vaccines protects the health of the children in your care.
•Immunization records from a medical provider/health clinic must accompany your license application.

Time & Cost

•Time to schedule and complete needed immunizations.
•Vaccine costs are covered by most health insurance; user range without insurance is $25 to $150 for each of the vaccines.

Immunizations for child care providers must be up to date. Influenza vaccine must be within 1 year of license application.

Gather your documents & Submit your application

Prepare residence info forms

	Property Owner/Landlord Notification OR Property Owner/Landlord Consent (if renting)
	Rental Agreement (if renting)
	Deed or Record of Property Taxes (if you own your home)

Prepare other required forms

	Application for a Family Child Care Home License
	Current Children in Your Home
	Emergency Disaster Plan for Family Child Care Homes
	Facility Sketch
	Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse
	Pre-Licensing Readiness Guide

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Gather your documents & Submit your application

The forms you complete and attach to your licensing application tell the Community Care (CCL) Division that you meet key requirements for a Child Care License.

Why?

•The completed forms must be attached to the licensing application.
•The forms tell CCL that you know how to safeguard the health and safety of children in your care.
•The forms ensure that those who own the property are aware that you will be conducting a child care business in your home. Click/tap here to learn your rights to operate a child care business in a rental property in California.

Time/Effort Involved & Timing

•Home Info Forms: Average time to complete is less than a month.
•Other Required Forms: Some forms take only a few minutes to complete while others may take up longer.
•Timing: Dates on completed forms must be less than a year old when you submit your license application.

You can complete these forms in the same time frame as you are working on Steps 1 and 3!

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Property Owner/Landlord Notification (LIC 9151)
OR Property Owner/Landlord Consent (LIC 9149) (if renting)

Complete only one of these forms based on the number of children you plan to care for. If applying for a capacity of 6 children, use the Notification form (LIC 9151). If applying for a capacity of 8 children, use the Consent form (LIC 9149).

Why?

•Fulfills the legal requirement of notifying your property owner/landlord.
•Completed form must accompany your license application.

How to Get a Copy

•If you plan to care for 6 or fewer children, click/tap here for a copy of the Property Owner/Landlord Notification (LIC 9151).
•If you plan to care for 7 or 8 children, click/tap here for a copy of the Property Owner/Landlord Consent (LIC 9149). This form requires a signature from your landlord.
•Forms are available in English, Spanish and Chinese.

Time & Cost

•A few minutes to complete the form plus time to obtain the property owner/landlord’s signature.
•No separate cost to submit this form (form review is included in the license application fee).

Form must be within 1 year of applying for your license.

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Rental Agreement

Your rental agreement or lease shows the address of our home and the time period that you and the property owner/landlord have committed to your living there. A rental or lease agreement is only required if you rent or lease your home.

Why?

•Tells the Community Care Licensing Division the location of your child care business and that you are legally entitled to reside there.
•A copy must accompany your license application.

How to Get a Copy

•If you do not have your rental agreement handy, contact your property owner/landlord for a copy.
•Always retain a copy for your records.

Time & Cost

•A few minutes to gather your rental/lease agreement copy.
•Costs associated with obtaining or making a copy.

Rental agreement dates must be current when you submit your license application.

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Deed or Record of Property Taxes (if you own your home)

Either the deed or record of property tax payment documents the address of your home and confirms you have a right to live there. Deed or record of property taxes is only required if you own the property.

Why?

•Tells the Community Care Licensing Division the location of your child care business and that you are legally entitled to reside there.
•A copy must accompany your license application.

How to Get a Copy

•If you do not have your deed or property tax record, contact your county’s property tax office for a copy.
•Always retain a copy for your records.

Time & Cost

•Time needed to obtain or locate a copy to gather your rental/lease agreement copy.
•Costs associated with obtaining or making a copy.

Property tax payment record must be current when you submit your license application.

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Application for a Family Child Care Home License (LIC 279)

Includes important information needed to grant you a license, such as who will be providing care and location of your home. It also provides information needed to review the other documents attached to your application.

Why?

•Lists all adults 18 and older in the home; needed for required fingerprinting (Step 3).
•Confirms residence information & your responsibilities as a licensed provider.
•Required form to obtain a home child care license.

How to Get a Copy

•Click/tap here for a copy.
•Forms are available in English,Spanish and Chinese.

Time & Cost

•10 to 15 minutes to gather your rental/lease agreement copy.
•$73 non-refundable application fee for child care homes with 1-8 children.

License must be renewed annually; the renewal cost is the same as for the initial application.

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Current Children in Your Home (LIC 279B)

Asks you to list the children under age 18 living in your home at the time you apply for your license-their names, dates of birth, sex and relationship to you. If no children under the age of 18 live in your home, please write N/A on the form.

Why?

•Your license indicates how many children you can care for; your own current children may be included in that number.
•Required form to obtain a home child care license.

How to Get a Copy

•Click/tap here for a copy.
•Forms are available in English, Spanish and Chinese.

Time & Cost

•No more than 15 minutes to complete the form depending on the number of children.
•No separate cost to submit this form (form review is included in license application fee).

License must be renewed annually; the renewal cost is the same as for the initial application.

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Emergency Disaster Plan for Family Child Care Homes (LIC 610A)

Identifies appropriate resources, contacts, and two temporary relocation sites in case of emergencies or disasters, such as fires, earthquakes, medical emergencies etc. Temporary relocation sites can be public locations such as a library, church or community center.

Why?

•Tells the Community Care Licensing Division that you have information needed to help safeguard the children in your care if emergencies arise.
•Required form to obtain a home child care license.

How to Get a Copy

•Click/tap here for a copy.
•Forms are available in English, Spanish and Chinese.

Time & Cost

•1 to 2 hours to gather the information; about 15 minutes to complete the form.
•No separate cost to submit this form (form review is included in license application fee).

A copy of this form must be posted in an easy-to-spot place in your home.

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Facility Sketch (LIC 999A)

A form with a grid to provide a rough sketch of your indoor space and outdoor space (if you plan to use it). You will complete a form for each floor of your home and the outside (if applicable). On the form you will specify the use of the space. Place the words "off limits" with a "X" on the areas not used for child care.

Why?

•Provides the Community Care Licensing Division with an idea of the facilities you will be using for your child care business; helpful for your home inspection (Step 4).
•Required form to obtain a home child care license.

How to Get a Copy

•Click/tap here for a copy.
•Forms are available in English, Spanish and Chinese.
•Click/tap here for examples.

Time & Cost

•1 to 3 hours to measure and complete the sketch, including all required labeling.
•Cost of a tape measure and ruler if if you don’t have access to these items.
•No separate cost to submit this form (form review is included in license application fee).

The facility sketch may be helpful to YOU when preparing your home.

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Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse (LIC 9108)

Reviews when and how to report known or suspected child abuse; this form requires your signature.

Why?

•Reaffirms your legal obligation as a licensed child care provider to report suspected child abuse.
•Required form to obtain a home child care license.

How to Get a Copy

•Click/tap here for a copy.
•Forms are available in English, Spanish and Chinese.

Time & Cost

•10 to 15 minutes to read the form and sign it.
•No separate cost to submit this form (form review is included in license application fee).

You will learn to spot indicators of child abuse during Mandated Reporter Training (Step 1).

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Pre-Licensing Readiness Guide (LIC 9217)

A checklist of the health and safety requirements for a licensed child care home. The information you provide will be verified through the home inspection or other aspects of the licensing review process. This form does not need to be submitted with your application like the other forms if your home is not ready, but must be submitted for your home inspection to be scheduled.

Why?

•Confirms that your home meets the required licensing health and safety standards.
•Required to complete your licensing application and schedule the home inspection.

How to Get a Copy

•Click/tap here for a copy.
•Forms are available in English, Spanish and Chinese.

Time & Cost

•Less than 15 minutes to complete the form once you have completed all the necessary steps to prepare your home (See Step 3).
•No separate cost to submit this form (form review is included in license application fee).

Submit with application to expedite scheduling your home inspection. Keep a copy of this form for your home inspection.

Prepare your home

Get required supplies

Furnish / arrange home

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Prepare your home

•Typically takes the most time and resources of all the steps. So, start early-preferably as soon as you complete your Community Child Care Orientation class (described in Step 1) where you learn more about what’s involved.
•Contact Children’s Council for support/guidance for preparing your home.

Why?

•Your home must meet licensing requirements to pass home inspection (Step 4).
•The Pre-Licensing Readiness Guide (needed to complete your licensing application) reflects what you have done to prepare your home.

Time/Effort Involved & Timing

•Time/Effort: From 1 to 6 months or more to get safety supplies, play/learning materials, and furnishings/equipment; can depend on available budget.
•Timing: Your home must be prepared before scheduling your licensing inspection (Step 4) and before submitting your Pre-Licensing Readiness Guide (described in Step 2).

You can start preparing your home in the same time frame you are working on Steps 1 and 2!

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Get Required Supplies

Includes supplies needed for safety (examples: fire extinguisher, first aid kit, baby gates); play and learning materials (examples: books, art supplies, blocks, balls); and furnishings and equipment (examples: sleep mats/port-a-cribs, diapering mats, tables/chairs for meals and activities).

Why?

•Appropriate supplies/materials create a safe, healthy, child-oriented environment where children are comfortable and can learn.
•Meet the standards needed to complete your Pre-Licensing Readiness Guide (a required form-see Step 2) and to pass your home inspection.

How to Find Out What I Need

•Click/tap here for a list to help you get started, including unsafe equipment to avoid.
•Children’s Council is available to help you determine the supplies you need and get ready for your home inspection.

Time & Cost

•Time needed to learn about the supplies you need and purchase them. May depend on budget available if you need to spread purchases over several months.
•Costs depend on what you already have and the physical features of your home.

No need to buy expensive play materials-often you can use household items you have on hand.

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Furnish / Arrange Home

Create an inviting and successful child care environment and still retain elements of your home and personal life, including displaying required documents and recommended elements (such as daily schedule) in ways that are homey.

Why?

•Arranging your home for the safety of children creates an inviting environment for children to feel welcomed and secure. It also helps parents to feel confident about your program.
•Meet the standards needed to complete your Pre-Licensing Readiness Guide (a required form-see Step 2) and to pass your home inspection.

How to Find Out What I Need

•Click/tap here for some ideas to help you get started, including tips for integrating your home life with your child care business.
•Children’s Council is available to help you create an inviting environment and get ready for your home inspection.

Time & Cost

•Time needed to learn about and experiment with ideas. May also depend on time to purchase any additional items you find you need.
•Costs depend on what you may already have and any purchases you make in addition to the required supplies.

You can create an inviting environment even if the space in your home is small.

Get fingerprinted & Schedule home inspection

Get
fingerprinted

Schedule home inspection

What Happens Next?

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Get fingerprinted &
Schedule home inspection

•AFTER your licensing application successfully passes the Community Care Licensing (CCL) Division review, CCL will assign a facility number you will use when getting fingerprinted. CCL will provide you with instructions for fingerprinting.
•AFTER fingerprints are cleared, CCL will schedule your home inspection.

Why?

•Fingerprinting of all adults in your household and the home inspection are important ways to ensure the health and safety of children in your care.
•Your license reassures parents/your customers that you have cleared these safety measures and that your home is a safe, nurturing environment.

Time & Cost

•Fingerprinting of all adults in your household and the home inspection are important ways to ensure the health and safety of children in your care.
•Home Inspection: Home inspections can take up to 8 hours.
•Timing: Notification from CCL occurs 1 to 2 weeks after you submit your complete license application. Home inspections are scheduled approximately 1 to 4 weeks after all fingerprints clear.

This step occurs after Steps 1, 2 and 3 are completed.

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Get Fingerprinted

Once the Community Care Licensing Division (CCL) has reviewed your license application, you will receive a letter in the mail with your assigned Facility Number. You will schedule your fingerprinting appointment and use your Facility Number on all fingerprinting forms for all the adults in your home.

Why?

•Fingerprinting of all adults in your home is a licensing requirement; it enables a background check/criminal record check to ensure the safety of the children in your care.

How to Get Fingerprinted

•Schedule appointments for all adults in your home at a Live Scan location near you. Click/tap here here to find a location.
•Complete a Live Scan Request form for each adult and bring them to the Live Scan fingerprinting appointment.
•CCL will notify you about the fingerprint scan results.

Time & Cost

•Time needed to complete the Live Scan Request forms and for all adults to schedule and attend the appointment.
•$60 to $100 per adult. Cost varies depending on location, payment is made at the Live Scan location of your choice.

Wait for CCL to send your Facility Number before scheduling appointments.
All adults must pass fingerprinting before the home inspection can be scheduled.

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Schedule Home Inspection

A Community Care Licensing Division (CCL) Program Analyst will contact you to schedule your home inspection after all fingerprints have cleared. You will receive your license after you pass your home inspection.

Why?

•To make sure your home meets the licensing requirements which focus on providing a safe, healthy environment for children in your care.
•You must pass inspection before you are approved for a license.

What happens during the inspection

•Your Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) from CCL will visit and inspect your child care space in your home to make sure it meets licensing requirements.
•Your LPA will need access to all areas, even those you won’t use for your child care business to verify you live there.
•Your LPA may ask you questions, provide feedback, and give guidance for next steps.

Time & Cost

•Home inspections take up to 8 hours.
•No additional cost (included in license application fee).

Children’s Council is available to help you prepare for your Home Inspection.

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What Happens Next?

Getting licensed is a necessary step in starting a family child care business-you must be licensed before you start taking care of children. Starting a child care business also involves other fundamental elements-such as business finances and marketing.

Consider these possible next steps to help your start your child care business.

Start the licensing process

If you are ready to begin the licensing process, click/tap the button below to get personalized guidance through the licensing process.

Learn about the other fundamentals of a successful child care business

•Offered in the Spring and Fall in Live Virtual Format.
•8 weekly sessions; each session lasts 2 ½ hours.
•Offered in English, Spanish and Chinese.
•Free! (registration required)

Click/tap here for more about the workshops and how to register.

You can start the licensing process at the same time you learn about the fundamentals.

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⛝ LEARN MORE

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Congratulations!

100%

0%

learning complete

Step-by-Step Licensing Guide

What is it?

To Be Eligible to Apply for a Family Child Care License

Want to start a family child care business but don’t know how to get a license?

Tips for using this guide

Want to start a family child care business but don’t know how to get a license?

Tips for using this guide

Take classes & Get medical clearances

Why?

Time/Effort Involved & Timing

Community Care Licensing (CCL) Orientation

Why Take This Class?

Class Schedule & Registration

Time & Cost

Preventative Health & Safety Training

Why Take This Class?

Class Schedule & Registration

Time & Cost

Pediatric CPR & First Aid Training

Why Take This Class?

Class Schedule & Registration

Time & Cost

Mandated Reporter Training

Why Take This Class?

Class Schedule & Registration

Time & Cost

TB Test for all adults in the home

Why?

Time & Cost

Immunizations-Measles, Pertussis, Influenza (needed for providers only)

Why?

Time & Cost

Gather your documents & Submit your application

Why?

Time/Effort Involved & Timing

Property Owner/Landlord Notification (LIC 9151) OR Property Owner/Landlord Consent (LIC 9149) (if renting)

Why?

How to Get a Copy

Time & Cost

Rental Agreement

Why?

How to Get a Copy

Time & Cost

Deed or Record of Property Taxes (if you own your home)

Why?

How to Get a Copy

Time & Cost

Application for a Family Child Care Home License (LIC 279)

Why?

How to Get a Copy

Time & Cost

Current Children in Your Home (LIC 279B)

Why?

How to Get a Copy

Time & Cost

Emergency Disaster Plan for Family Child Care Homes (LIC 610A)

Why?

How to Get a Copy

Time & Cost

Facility Sketch (LIC 999A)

Why?

How to Get a Copy

Time & Cost

Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse (LIC 9108)

Why?

How to Get a Copy

Time & Cost

Pre-Licensing Readiness Guide (LIC 9217)

Why?

How to Get a Copy

Time & Cost

Prepare your home

Why?

Time/Effort Involved & Timing

Get Required Supplies

Why?

Step-by-Step
Licensing Guide

Preventative Health &
Safety Training

Pediatric CPR & First
Aid Training

Property Owner/Landlord Notification (LIC 9151)
OR Property Owner/Landlord Consent (LIC 9149) (if renting)

Get fingerprinted &
Schedule home inspection