In California, child care providers are licensed through the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Providers caring for children from more than one family are required to be licensed.
4Cs supports potential providers through application assistance, pre-licensing visits, business development workshops, and training. For questions or assistance please contact our ECE Specialist at (650) 517-1446.
Family Child Care Homes Licensing
Child Care Initiative Project (CCIP) Flyer: English / Spanish / Chinese
Family Child Care Licensing Application Instructions
Family Child Care Licensing Application: English / Spanish
In-person Orientation (Family Child Care and Centers)
Online Family Child Care Orientation
Licensing Requirements for Family Child Care English / Español
Family Child Care Home Capacity Requirements English / Español
Child Care Centers Licensing
Business Resources
Share in our love of learning the next time you stop by 4Cs! We’re excited to introduce our new lending library, offering a curated selection of books for our community’s children, parents, and ECE providers.
Whether you’re looking for engaging stories to inspire young minds or resources to support your work as a critical ECE provider, our library has something for everyone. Explore a diverse collection that fosters learning, creativity, and growth, making it easier than ever to access the knowledge and inspiration you need.
Child care providers interested in checking out books can see our online catalog at https://www.libib.com/u/4cssanmateo. Interested providers can contact our R&R Coordinator at 4csresourceandreferral@sanmateo4cs.org to set their appointment for the 4Cs Lending Library at their convenience
FAQs for Provider Participation in San Mateo 4Cs’ Subsidy Program
Early Learning Facilities Checklist-Centers
Early Learning Facilities Guide-Centers
Building Child Care in California
Redwood City Child Care Guides
Child Care Facility Maintenance Workshop
San Mateo County Early Learning Facility Needs Assessment