California Childcare Licensing
California Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)
California childcare licensing is administered by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. A licensed California center must maintain a parent handbook covering 13 state-mandated policy areas, each tied to a specific administrative-code citation. Annual unannounced inspection; additional inspections following complaints
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamCalifornia Licensing Requirements: The Specifics
California childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101216.3.
California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101216.3
California childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101223.
California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101223
California childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101228.
California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101228
California childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101226.
California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101226
California childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101190.
California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101190
California childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101216.3(a).
California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101216.3(a)
California Licensing Requirements at a Glance
| Hours of Operation | California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101216.3 |
|---|---|
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101223 |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101228 |
| Medication Administration Policy | California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101226 |
| Emergency Procedures | California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101190 |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101216.3(a) |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101229 |
| Parent Communication Policy | California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101216.3(b) |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101216.3(c) |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | California Penal Code §11165.7; CCR Title 22 §101212 |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101216 |
| Health and Safety Policies | California Code of Regulations Title 22 §101220 |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | California Civil Code §51; CCR Title 22 §101151 |
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California Licensing Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agency regulates childcare licensing in California?
Childcare licensing in California is regulated by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Official licensing information is published at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing.
How many handbook policy sections does California require?
California requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.
How often does California inspect licensed childcare centers?
Annual unannounced inspection; additional inspections following complaints
What happens if a California center is out of compliance?
Fines up to $150/day per deficiency; license suspension or revocation; criminal penalties for certain violations under Health & Safety Code §1596.885
California childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published California administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.