California licensing
How long does it take to open a daycare in California?
Every step below comes from the California Department of Social Services. The time ranges are our own generous estimates from helping providers through the process.
Time ranges are Waymaker estimates, not official processing times. The state does not guarantee a timeline; yours depends on how complete your application is, background checks, inspections and, for centers, local permits.
Family daycare
About 6–12 children · Typical total: About 3–6 months
Licensing orientation
1–2 weeksTake the CDSS family child care home orientation online, live virtual or in person.
Prepare and submit the application
2–4 weeksComplete the application forms and gather supporting documents for you and your household.
Background checks and training
2–8 weeksLive Scan fingerprints for adults in the home, health screening, and required health and safety training including pediatric CPR and first aid.
Fire clearance and home preparation
2–6 weeksGet the home ready to code. A large family child care home also needs a fire clearance.
Home inspection
4–12 weeksA licensing analyst visits your home. Any deficiencies must be corrected before the licence is issued.
Licensed: open and enroll
OngoingStart enrolling families. With Waymaker, your bilingual profile and tour booking go live in the network.
Child care center
12+ children · Typical total: About 6–12 months, longer with construction
Licensing orientation
1–2 weeksTake the CDSS child care center orientation online.
Find and approve a site
1–4 monthsChoose a location and confirm zoning. Some cities require a conditional use permit.
Building, fire and local permits
2–6 monthsRenovate to code and obtain a fire clearance from the local fire authority, plus any city or county permits and business licence.
Application, director and staff
1–3 monthsSubmit the center application, hire a qualified director and teachers, and complete Live Scan and required training.
Pre-licensing inspection
4–12 weeksA licensing analyst inspects the facility. Deficiencies must be corrected before the licence is issued.
Licensed: open and enroll
OngoingOpen your doors. With Waymaker, your bilingual profile and tour booking go live in the network.
What usually slows things down
- Missing documents or forms that have to be resubmitted
- Household members or staff whose background checks take longer
- Fixes found at the fire or licensing inspection
- For centers: zoning, building permits and renovation
Free consultation
Tell us about your plans
We reply within two business days, in English or Chinese.
Official sources
- CDSS: How to become licensed (opens in a new tab)
- CDSS: Register for a licensing orientation (opens in a new tab)
- CDSS: Family child care home capacity requirements (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- CDSS: Family child care home application steps (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- CDSS: Child care center application steps (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- CDSS: Live Scan background checks (opens in a new tab)
- CDSS: Child care laws and regulations (Title 22) (opens in a new tab)
Facts on this page last checked: 2026-10