Daycare License Requirements for California
Worker requirements: Must be at least 18 with 12 postsecondary units in early childhood education or child development and have 6 months experience; or hold a current and valid CDA and have 6 months on-the-job training and/or work experience; or hold a Children’s Center Permit issued by the CA Commission for Teacher Preparation and Licensing. (A Teacher may be hired provisionally with at least 6 semester units in early childhood education or child development completed prior to hiring, and completing 2 units each semester after hire until the full requirement is met.)
Provider / Child Ratios
| Ratio For Daycare Centers | ||
| Age of Children | Child: Staff Ratio | Max Group Size |
| 6 weeks | 4:1 | Not Regulated (NR) |
| 9 months | 4:1 | 12 |
| 18 months | 6:1 | 12 |
| 27 months | 6:1 | NR |
| 3 years | 12:1 | NR |
| 4 years | 12:1 | NR |
| 5 years | 14:1 | NR |
| 6 years | 14:1 | NR |
| 7 years | 14:1 | NR |
| 8-9 years | 14:1 | NR |
| 10 years and older | 14:1 | NR |
| Age Range | Ratio For Small Family Child Care |
| Total Number of Children Allowed: | 2-6; Plus 2 School-Age Children (SAC) |
| Maximum Number of Children to One Provider: | 8 |
| Provider’s Own Children Counted: | Yes; If under age 10 |
| Maximum Number of Infants/Toddlers to One Provider: | *See note below |
| Age Range | Ratio For Large Family Child Care |
| Total Number of Children Allowed: | 7-12; Plus 2 SAC |
| Ratio of Children to One Provider: | 6:1; With no more than 4 infants |
| Provider’s Own Children Counted: | Yes; If under age 10 |
p> Department of Social Services
Community Care Licensing Division
Child Care Program
744 P Street, Mail Stop 19-48
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-229-4500
Fax: 916-229-4508
Web site: http://www.ccld.ca.gov
Family care home licensing:
http://ccl.dss.cahwnet.gov/PG513.htm
Child care center licensing:
http://ccl.dss.cahwnet.gov/PG492.htm
http://www.ccld.ca.gov/res/pdf/CCCRegulationHighlights.pdf
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