To run a legal daycare in California (Long Beach, for example), you must be licensed by the California Department of Social Services (.gov) (CDSS). This requires completing an orientation, passing comprehensive background and health checks, submitting a detailed business plan, and meeting strict facility and staff-to-child ratio standards.The exhaustive list of rules, regulations, and requirements is divided into two primary license types: Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) (in your residence) and Child Care Centers (CCC) (commercial spaces).1. Mandatory Prerequisites & EducationRequirements depend on whether you operate in your home or a commercial facility:General Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old and clear a criminal background check via fingerprinting (LiveScan) and a Child Abuse Index check.Pediatric Health & Safety Training: You must complete 16 hours of training in preventive health, pediatric CPR, and pediatric First Aid through an approved EMSA
provider.Family Child Care Experience (Large FCCH only): If you are applying for a Large FCCH license (up to 12 or 14 children), you must show proof of at least 1 year of experience as a small family daycare licensee, or as a teacher/director in a licensed child care
center.Center Staffing & Education: Directors and teachers in Child Care Centers must possess specific Early Childhood Education (ECE) units (semester credits) in addition to practical teaching experience.2. Legal Regulations & GuidelinesDaycares are strictly regulated by the California Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD). The exact laws governing them are found in the California Health and Safety Code and Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations:Title 5 and Title 22 Comparison Chart (PDF): A detailed breakdown of regulations for centers and homes.Laws and Regulations - Child Care Licensing (.gov): The comprehensive official library of state child day care acts.Staff-to-Child Ratios (Title 22):Infants (0-2 years): 1 adult to 4 children (Maximum of 4 infants in Small FCCHs).Preschool/Toddlers (2-6 years): 1 adult to 12
children.School Age (6-14 years): 1 adult to 15 children.3. Physical Facility & Safety RulesYour space must undergo and pass an inspection to ensure it is safe, sanitary, and hazard-free:Child Care Centers: Must have at least 35 square feet of usable indoor space and 75 square feet of outdoor space per
child.Family Child Care Homes: No specific square footage requirements exist, but you must pass a Fire Marshal clearance, install smoke detectors/fire extinguishers, and barricade or lock hazardous items.4. Local Rules & Business RequirementsA state license does not exempt you from local municipal regulations:Business License: You must obtain a local business license from the City of Long Beach.Zoning & Ordinances: Your property must conform to local zoning codes for commercial or residential daycare operations, and you may be required to get a conditional use permit.