Who needs a child care center license in California?

Issued by California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing, at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

1 of the 20 kinds of business in California

Attend the licensing orientation first; the application is not accepted without it. Background clearances, a qualified director, the fire clearance and a facility inspection come before the license.

Draft. This row was drafted from the agency’s own page and has not yet been confirmed against it. Confirm it with the agency before you pay anything.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing.

Sources and dates

CDSS licensing fees page and child care center licensing information. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.