legally, what do I need to do to start my own home daycare in California?

Question

I would like to start my own daycare business so that I can work at home. I have a nice house with pleanty of room and I have no idea where to begin. I live in shasta county, if that makes any difference. I would like to know every detail, step by step, of what I would need to do to be able to operate a business like that from my home. do I need some sort of license?

Answer 1

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Start & Run a Home Daycare by Catherine M. Pruissen
* Starting a Child Care Center: The Indispensable Guidebook for Starting a Day Care or Child Care Business by Millicent Gray Lownes-Jackson,
* Opening & Operating A Successful Child Care Center by Dorothy June Sciarra
* The Business of Child Care: Management and Financial Strategies by Gail H Jack

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Here's the CA Licensing Info:

California Department of Social Services
Community Care Licensing Division
Child Care Program Office
744 P Street, M.S. 19-48
Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: To find the phone number for your regional office, please go to http://www.ccld.ca.gov/res/pdf/CClistingMaster.pdf
Web Page: http://www.ccld.ca.gov

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

I had a friend in Tennessee that did this very thing starting her own day care business in her home. Now from what I understand the laws of such a business is different from state to state. Number one you'll have to establish a license meaning someone will come out to your home and check to make sure it's child proof enough, they'll make sure there's plenty of room in your back yard for children to play and that it's fenced in as well. There should be a small business office at your local court house that can tell you or give you a brochure on all the steps you'll need to take.
Good luck!

Answer 3

I would check with the DHS to see about licensing.

Answer 4

sorry dont know,
but wish you the best in your future business