Types of Child Care

CDRC believes that parents are best able to understand and choose the child care that meets their particular family situation. It is our goal to provide families with information on a broad range of child care services in the community. CDRC provides information about child care services and recreation programs, but does not make recommendations. The choice of care remains with the family. CDRC is not responsible for arrangements between families and providers. Staff is available to assist families in clarifying their own desires and requirements for quality, conveniences and cost, and in assessing how a program meets these needs.

The CDRC’s Child Care Switchboard offers free referrals to all types of child care programs.

• Child Care Centers
  Care provided in a group setting such as a church, school, community center or other building designed or renovated for child care. Child care centers can provide full or part-time services. Some provide before and after-school programs. Some are called nursery schools or preschools. All child care centers are regulated by the State Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, unless specifically exempt from licensure such as Parks and Recreation programs or parent cooperatives. Regulations address health and safety features of the building, ratio of children to adults and capacities. Many centers are operated by public agencies (school districts, local municipalities); by nonprofit community agencies or organizations; churches, universities; or as for-profit businesses.


• Family Child Care Homes (Licensed)
  Family child care provides a home environment, flexible hours and a small group size. Family child care homes are licensed by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Fifteen hours of health and safety training are required. There are several types of family child care licenses:
     Small License A provider can be licensed to care for 6 or 8 children.
     Large License A provider can be licensed to care for 12 or 14 children. With a large home license, providers must have their home fire inspected and have an aide present to help care for the children.
     Option for Two More School-agers Providers who are licensed to care for 6 or 12 children can apply for a license addendum that allows them to care for 8 or 14 children.
  The specific number and ages of children that can be cared for in a family child care home is clearly defined by the terms of the license. Call the CDRC at 466-5820 for more information.


• License Exempt Providers
  Licensing exceptions are made for some forms of child care. Exempt child care is not inspected for health and safety. Exempt caregivers are not reviewed for criminal or child abuse activity, unless TrustLined, nor do they need to have a background in caring for children. Examples of exempt care include: A person who a family hires to come into their home; a family child care provider caring for children from one family; a “drop in” arrangement such as a health club or co-op; some recreation programs; child care programs run by school districts; care by a relative or guardian.


• Before & After School Programs
  Child care centers can be licensed to care for all ages, including school-age children who need care before and/or after school. Some child care centers only serve school-age children (kindergarten–age 14). Many are located at elementary schools and other sites. Some school-age programs that are administered by municipalities, school districts, and recreation programs, are exempt from licensure by the State of California.


• Recreation Programs & Camps
  Activity-based programs of short duration (one week to two months or more) that generally serve children between the ages of 5 years and 13 years. Typically they offer a variety of full or part day activity programs during summers and vacations that include arts, crafts, sports, science experiences, etc. Overnight camps—sports camps, scout camps, music camps, religious camps, etc.—are also available.