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.

Child Care Initiative Project (CCIP)

Family Child Care Licensing Application Instructions

Family Child Care Licensing Application

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 Licensing Application Instructions

Child Care Center Licensing Application

Licensing Requirements for Child Care Centers

Child Care Center Capacity Requirements

Child Care Licensing Website

Early Learning Facilities Checklist-Centers

Early Learning Facilities Guide-Centers

Building Child Care in California

Child Care Library of Tools

Redwood City Child Care Guides

Child Care Facility Maintenance Workshop

San Mateo County Early Learning Facility Needs Assessment

City of San Mateo Child Care Start Up Guide

Rebuilding Together Home Safety Checklist