Tulare County Office of Education - Child Care Educational Program

go to Tulare County Office of Education HomePage

Family Child Care Home
Licensing Requirements

Family child care is offered in the home of the caregiver. Family child care homes are licensed for either 8 or 14 children by the State of California through Community Care Licensing. The maximum number of children depends on the number of infants and school-age children cared for in the home.

Small Family Child Care Homes are licensed to care for eight children, including the provider's own children under the age of ten. At least two of the children must be six or older, and no more than two may be infants. If six or fewer children are being cared for in the home, three may be infants.

Large Family Child Care Homes are licensed to care for fourteen children and must have a second caregiver present. At least two of the children must be six or older, and no more than three may be infants. If twelve or fewer children are being cared for in the home, four may be infants when a second caregiver is present.

All children under ten years of age, who live in the home, must be counted in the licensed capacity. This includes an assistant provider's children.
All persons residing in the home who are over eighteen years of age must have a fingerprint clearance.
A current tuberculosis clearance is required for all adults residing in the home or present in the home during the time that children are in care.
All family child care homes must contain a smoke detector and fire extinguisher. Those licensed for nine to fourteen children must obtain a fire clearance.
All swimming pools or any other bodies of water must be made inaccessible to children by a five-foot fence or a cover strong enough to support the weight of an adult.
All providers must have fifteen hours of health and safety training including child CPR and First Aid. CPR and First Aid certificates must be kept current.

Family child care homes operate as small businesses, and each provider has his/her own policies. Most providers have a written contract for parents that explains their fees, policies for payment, sick days, vacations, etc.

For more information or to receive assistance with the licensing process, call the Resource & Referral Services office at (559) 651-0862.

Community Care Licensing
770 E. Shaw, Suite 330
Fresno
(559) 445-5700

Tulare County Office of Education
Child Care Educational Program
7000 Doe Avenue, Suite C
Visalia, CA 93291

Ray Chavez, Administrator
(559) 651-3022
fax: (559) 651-3802

Please direct web site problems or comments to tcoeweb@tcoe.org.

Family Child Care HomeLicensing Requirements

Family Child Care Home
Licensing Requirements