Starting a Child Care Center

A child care center is normally operated outside the licensee's home and provides non-medical care and supervision to infants, toddlers, preschoolers and/or school-age children for periods of less that 24 hours. These centers are usually in commercial buildings.

To start a licensed child care center, an applicant must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Attend a licensing orientation. Most of Kern County falls under the jurisdiction of the Community Care Licensing, Fresno Regional Office. Orientations are conducted in Fresno and the fee per person is $50. To sign up for an orientation call licensing directly, 559-243-4588.
  • Verify that the directors and teachers meet the required qualifications
  • Obtain Criminal record Clearance for ALL staff in the center.
  • Obtain a fire clearance.
  • Submit a licensing application with all the required materials.

greyarrow: The Local Investment in Child Care Project (LINCC)
 Are you thinking about expanding your child care center or want to develop a new center? Kern LINCC can provide you with information and technical assistance on a variety of topics.

For more information, please contact:

QUALITY CHILD CARE AND BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
Current research details how a child's earliest experiences and relationships affect the way his/her brain is organized. During these crucial early years of life, the brain is forming connections that may determine a lifetime of skills and potentials. Quality care of young children is key.

Some of the findings confirm what parents and caregivers already know - that how the children are raised has an enormous impact on their emotional well-being, intellectual level and skills for success.

OTHER RELATED RESOURCES

  • Child Care Centers: Developing and Financing Facilities
  • Child Care Center: Self Assessment Guide pdf symbol:
  • California Community Care Licensing Division

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