Types of Child Care

There are several different types of child care available to you.  Some child care environments are licensed by the State of California and some are not.  Having a child care license does not assure quality but it does provide guidelines for health and safety.  If you take the time to look carefully, you will find quality care in any of the following child care settings.
 

It is a parent's responsibility to find the best care for their child but CCRC is here to help you navigate the process.  Licensed child care facilities have been required to keep complaint information on file.  They are required to present this to you if you ask for it.  This gives you and the child care professional an opportunity to discuss sensitive issues, including any changes that have been made in response to a complaint.  Please visit Community Care Licensing or call them at (310) 337-4333 or (323) 981-3350 for more information regarding child safety and welfare.

Family Child Care Homes

Family Child Care (FCC) refers to care offered in the home.  Often, care is provided for a mixed age group of children.  FCC homes are licensed by the state of California and required to submit to fingerprint clearances and criminal background checks.  FCC homes generally offer a more personal atmosphere than a child care center, activities often include field trips, arts and crafts, and music.  Meals and snacks are sometimes included.  

In addition, licensed family child care homes must have one person on the premises trained in Pediatric CPR and First Aid and must have a current Tuberculosis test.  

Child Care Centers

Child care centers are facilities that may provide care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children for all or part of the day.  Although generally larger than family child care homes, centers may be large or small and can be operated independently or by a church or other organization.  Sometimes child care centers are called nursery schools or preschool programs, they have more staff than a family child care, and tend to offer a more structured day for children with set schedules for play, arts and crafts, meals, napping and educational activities. 

Most child care centers are also licensed by the state of California and required to submit to fingerprint clearances and criminal background checks for all employees.  In addition, licensed child care centers must have one person on the premises trained in Pediatric CPR and First Aid and must have a current Tuberculosis test.  
 

Nanny Care

Parents often choose in-home care because they believe that if they employ the caregiver to work in their home, they have more control over the kind of care their children will receive.  Some parents find hiring a nanny to provide in-home care is a more convenient arrangement for the family and may provide more flexibility. 

In-Home Care – Family, Friends and Neighbors

Home caregivers may care for children from only one family other than their own.  This kind of care is not licensed by the state of California.  To help you make an informed decision regarding this choice, you should consider using TrustLine, an effective tool for parents to check the backgrounds of babysitters, nannies, tutors and in-home counselors to determine if an applicant has criminal convictions or substantiated child abuse reports in California.

If you have any questions call (818) 717-1000 to speak with a Resource and Referral Specialist or send us an This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .