Family Child Care in California — A Checklist for Hopefuls

Californians who dream of a career in childcare may want to consider starting a family child care home (FCC). There are many advantages to working out of one’s house, but many responsibilities are also involved, especially when one is first getting started. 

Home daycare licensing can be a challenge, no matter what part of the country it’s in. Thankfully, there are plenty of online resources to provide what potential applicants need to know before starting their business.

What Is a Home Daycare?

A home daycare or family child care facility is just what it sounds like. It’s a home that is adequately staffed and equipped to ensure the proper care of children. While it may seem simple enough, there are many different steps that people need to complete to start their own home daycare. 

General Requirements

Those interested in licensing as a home daycare must be able to meet the qualifications set forth by California’s Department of Social Services. They are similar to the requirements needed for most US jobs. The requirements include: 

• Must be 18 or older and 
• Have the ability to pass a background check. 
• Reside in the home
• Undergo a tuberculosis test
• Pass a training program for Pediatric Health & Safety 

Applicants must also be prepared to pay associated fees of $73 and up and attend an orientation to ensure they have the knowledge needed to care for children safely.

California also requires child care providers to take mandated reporter training. This step is crucially important to ensure the overall safety of the children and that any potential abuse is adequately reported.

Housing Requirements

Understanding the state requirements for childcare facilities is crucial. California has a long list of housing standards to adhere to. These include things like:

• Fire safety 
• Restricted storage of poisons 
• Pool safety
• Many others

Any home to be used as a child care facility must pass through a thorough inspection by a fire marshal and the licensing agency. California’s Department of Social Services has a checklist available to review before scheduling a pre-licensing home inspection.

Capacity Requirements

There are many additional requirements for those who plan to obtain a large family child care license. Potential applicants have to prove that they have at least one year of prior childcare experience before taking on the responsibility of additional children at their home daycare.

In order to care for at least six children at one time, and up to fourteen children maximum, there must be at least one assistant in the home that is 14 or older. This assistant must be able to pass the same health and background checks as the primary caretaker.

In addition, the home itself must have at least two exits and three sides that are not attached to other housing units. These and other building requirements ensure that there is an adequate level of safety.

Never take on more children than you can handle in your daycare. You should have an adequately sized team to handle the kids present each day. 

How to Get Started

Those considering a home daycare business must make sure that they’re prepared to take the first steps. Run a background check on yourself to see what appears on your public records and ensure that nothing there will affect your application.

Ensuring that the home is adequately secured and equipped with safe food and toys is critical before submitting an application. Once the application is submitted, one must register for an orientation to learn about the required topics. 

While home daycare licensing can seem daunting, the resources listed here can simplify the process. Using these resources and following the proper steps will lead to a rewarding career in childcare for anyone willing to put in the work.