10 Key Steps to Successfully Starting a Daycare

Starting a daycare is a rewarding way to build a business while helping families in your area. The process involves licensing, setup, operations, and compliance with state rules. In California, specific steps must be followed to ensure a safe, legal, and professional child care environment.

From choosing a location to passing inspections, each part of the process plays a role in building a successful daycare business, whether it’s home-based or center-based.

What Are the Requirements to Open a Daycare in California?

To open a daycare in California, you must meet licensing requirements set by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).

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In order to meet these requirements, you must:

Attend a required orientation through the CDSS (online or in-person)
Submit a complete license application with all supporting documents
Pass criminal background checks and fingerprinting for all adults in the facility
Complete pediatric CPR, first aid, and health & safety training
Ensure your facility meets safety standards, including:
- Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors
- Child-proofing and emergency exits
- Adequate space for each child
Meet local zoning and building codes
Develop an operations plan covering staffing, daily schedules, discipline policies, and recordkeeping

Requirements differ slightly for home daycare businesses and center-based facilities, but all programs must follow strict daycare regulations to stay licensed.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Childcare License in CA?

The timeline to get a childcare license in California can range from several weeks to a few months. It depends on how quickly you complete each step, such as background checks, training, and inspections.

On average, it takes about 90 days from orientation to approval. However, delays can happen if forms are incomplete or your facility doesn’t meet health and safety standards. Staying organized and responsive during the process will help keep things on track.

Childcare licensing is handled by CDSS, but when it’s time to legally form your daycare business, FastFilings can help streamline the paperwork for a quicker turnaround.

10 Steps to Starting a Daycare

Opening a daycare involves more than setting up toys and cribs. You need to meet state standards, complete training, and plan for operations.

Here’s how to start a daycare business from beginning to end:

1. Decide the Type of Daycare

Choose between an in-home daycare or a center-based facility. Each option comes with different capacity limits, zoning rules, and licensing requirements. Think about your budget, available space, and the age groups you plan to serve.

2. Attend a Licensing Orientation

Register for the required licensing orientation through the California Department of Social Services. This session provides an overview of all licensing requirements and must be completed before you can apply.

3. Complete Background Checks

All adults living in the home (for in-home daycare) or working at the facility must pass criminal background checks and fingerprinting. These checks help ensure child safety and are required by law before a license is granted.

Since seller’s permits and wholesale certificates do not expire in North Carolina, having both ensure that, as a business’s needs change, they will already have their wholesale license should they want to purchase goods for resale and not worry about paying sales tax.

4. Get Health and Safety Training

Complete pediatric CPR and first aid training, as well as state-approved health and safety training. This helps prepare you to respond to common emergencies and maintain a healthy environment.

5. Submit a License Application

Complete all paperwork required by the CDSS. Submit your application along with background check results, facility floor plans, emergency procedures, and any other required documentation.

6. Form Your Business

Register your business officially by forming an LLC, sole proprietorship, or other structure. FastFilings can help file your formation documents, DBAs, or EIN quickly and accurately.

7. Choose a Location

If you’re not operating from home, find a space that meets state requirements. Make sure the location complies with zoning rules, has enough square footage for children, and allows for safe outdoor play areas if needed.

8. Prepare the Facility

Furnish and child-proof the space according to age-appropriate safety standards. This includes securing furniture, blocking unsafe areas, and stocking emergency supplies. Label rooms clearly and create a clean, organized environment.

9. Pass Inspections

A fire safety inspection and a visit from a licensing analyst will be scheduled. You’ll need to show that your space meets all safety and operational standards before approval can be granted.

10. Start Marketing and Enroll Children

Once your license is approved, begin marketing your daycare to families in your area. Use flyers, local listings, social media, or word of mouth. Set up tours, explain your policies clearly, and begin enrolling children.

Building a Daycare That Grows and Thrives

A strong daycare business depends on safe routines, clear communication, and good organization.

Focus on a few key areas:

Organized space: Set up separate areas for play, naps, meals, and learning. Keep the space clean, labeled, and child-safe with covered outlets and secured furniture.

Daily structure:Use a predictable schedule that includes free play, quiet time, meals, and outdoor activity. Children respond well to consistency, and parents value routine.

Clear policies: Provide written guidelines for attendance, sick days, late pickups, and payments. This helps avoid confusion and sets expectations early.

Smart growth planning: Track expenses, forecast income, and plan for supplies and staffing needs as enrollment increases. Use basic accounting tools to stay organized.

Ongoing communication: Keep parents informed with daily updates, quick check-ins, or newsletters. Strong relationships lead to better retention and referrals.

Compliance and training: Stay current on licensing rules, CPR renewals, and inspections. Maintaining compliance helps protect your business long term.

By focusing on safety, consistency, and strong relationships, your daycare can run smoothly and grow over time.

How FastFilings Makes Starting a Daycare Easy

In California, most daycare providers start by getting their childcare license through the Department of Social Services (CDSS). This includes completing orientation, background checks, training, inspections, and submitting a full application. Since the license is the core of your operation, many choose to handle it first.

FastFilings comes in when you’re ready to form your business. We help you file the paperwork needed to legally establish your daycare. This makes your business official and helps you open a bank account, file taxes, and operate professionally.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Choose your service
Select business formation, DBA registration, or EIN filing based on your needs.
Step 2: Submit your information
Provide key business details like name, address, and structure.
Step 3: We file your paperwork
FastFilings prepares your forms and submits them directly to the right agency.
Step 4: Track your progress
Get confirmation and updates as your filings are processed.

FastFilings makes the business side easier, so you can focus on starting and growing your daycare.

FastFilings offers fast, reliable service with no hidden fees. In addition to daycare licensing, we also help with business formation, EIN applications, and other filings needed to start and grow your daycare business. Contact us today to learn how we can help you simplify business formation and compliance.

Start Your Daycare Business Today!

Need help starting your daycare business in California?

Get Started!