Most of the links on this page are to the California government community care website and as such are not under the control of ACSI.
The goal for directors of child care centers is to ensure they are providing the best possible setting for children’s growth and operating in compliance with licensing regulations. Through this page, we want to answer new directors’ most common questions about working with licensing and provide links to current resources that will keep them informed.
As a director you have a critical role in advocating for children’s needs in the child care environment. The more familiar you are with the policies and processes of the licensing agency, the more confident you will be in working with the Licensing Program Analyst assigned to your center. ACSI encourages all directors to proactively prepare for the on-site visit and regularly assess compliance with licensing regulations.
What is new with licensing inspection protocols?
Community Care Licensing is continuing to test the Key Indicator Tools (KIT) that have been developed for use during inspections to check for compliance with licensing standards. This test will be used to further refine the KIT Inspection protocol and develop additional tools for all facility types. All inspections are still subject to all laws and regulations regardless of the type of inspection. For example, if during a KIT Inspection, CCLD observes a violation that is not listed on the KIT, CCLD will address that violation.
For additional information about the Key Indicator Tools (KIT), visit the MYCCL website and download the forms below.
Key Indicator Tools for various child care licenses:
Infant 1
Infant 2
Preschool 1
Preschool 2
School Age 1
School Age 2
How often will I be visited by licensing? When might an unannounced licensing visit occur?
Community Care Licensing is required to inspect each child care center at least once every five years. Additionally, twenty percent of child care facilities are randomly designated to receive annual inspection visits. Licensing is also required to visit your center within ten days after receiving a complaint alleging that regulations are being violated.
How can I prepare for a licensing visit?
If you’ve not had a facility inspection for several years or you are new to your center, it is a good idea to self-assess your program. This will give you assurance that you are operating within guidelines and increase your familiarity with the requirements that apply to your program. Community Care Licensing has developed the following guide to help: Self Assessment Guide.
You will also want to review the Child Care Center Self-Evaluation.
Another tool to help you prepare for your next licensing visit is a guide of requirements for children’s records, personnel records, administrative records and documents that must be posted in your facility.
Community Care Licensing publishes a list of each of the form titles and numbers for licensed child care centers. This list is a helpful reference for finding the forms you need on the licensing website.
ACSI has prepared a document that includes links to all required forms to assist directors in quickly accessing the most up to date forms.
Records to be maintained at the facility
Forms referenced in records to be maintained at the facility form
What will happen on the visit?
The Licensing Analyst will tour every area of your facility, and may interview children and staff as needed. There will also be a review of your records. One of the best ways to know what to expect on a licensing visit is to review the standardized guide lines Community Care Licensing gives to the Licensing Analysts for conducting the visit.
Comprehensive Evaluation Tool
What if we are cited for a deficiency as a result of the facility evaluation?
The Licensing Analyst will conduct an exit interview with you at the conclusion of the visit. At that time any citations will be explained to you. The Analyst will inform you which regulation the citation references and whether the violation is determined to be Type A , B, or C. The analyst should be able to explain the reasoning behind the classification of a violation. You will be asked to collaborate in developing a Plan of Correction for identified deficiencies.
Reference material for Facility Evaluation Visit
For a better understanding of how violations are typically classified, see pages 17–21.
What if I disagree with the determination of the Licensing Analyst?
As a licensed child care provider, you have the right to file an appeal with the licensing agency. The appeal must be filed within 10 working days of having received the citation. The appeal procedures are discussed in the following form:
Licensee Rights
What do I need to tell parents if we are cited for a Type A violation?
Parents are to be given copies of license reports that contain a Type A violation and sign a form acknowledging the receipt of the same. If you think parents need more background information to clarify your perspective on the violation, you may want to explain it in a letter along with the required documents from the licensing agency. It is essential that you download the full description of these requirements.
AB 633 Fact Sheet
Parent Notification Requirements
These documents are also availabe in Spanish and Chinese.
If I file an appeal with licensing, what is a reasonable timeframe within which I might receive a response?
After submitting an appeal, you will typically receive a response in 30 to 60 days. If you do not receive a response to your appeal within that timeframe, contact your county office of Community Care. You can speak with the supervisor or manager of the office.
How do I contact Community Care Licensing?
Contact information for the office that serves your county is found in Listing of Regional Offices
How can I obtain a current copy of Title 22 regulations?
Visit CA.gov Department of Social Services.
Where can I access Community Care Licensing Forms?
All licensing forms are available at the Department of Social
Services' On-line Publications and Forms pages.
For a list of translated forms and publications with the most recent revision dates available from CDSS, see the List of Translated Forms.
How can I help my board and staff become acquainted with licensing regulations?
There are two publications that provide an overview of child care licensing regulations:
Basic Requirements Bulletin
Regulation Highlights
Where can I find more information?
Visit the Community Care Licensing website.
You may also want to register for access to the MyCCL Web Portal.