Quick Overview: License-exempt centers, cooperatives, public recreation programs, and before/after school programs operated by schools may not appear in search results if they haven't been added to the referral database by their local Resource & Referral (R&R) agency or if their referral status is inactive. This article explains why this happens and how to resolve it.
Understanding License-Exempt Programs in the MyChildCarePlan.org Database
MyChildCarePlan.org connects California families with child care options including license-exempt programs such as:
School-operated before and after school programs
Recreation programs run by park districts or cities
Cooperative child care arrangements
Other exempt centers that meet specific criteria
While these programs don't require a license from the California Department of Social Services, they still need to be listed in the referral database to appear in MCCP search results.
Common Reasons Why License-Exempt Programs May Not Appear
Your license-exempt program might not show up in search results for several reasons:
Missing from the Referral Database: Your local R&R agency may not have your program information in their system.
Inactive Referral Status: Your program may exist in the database but is marked as inactive for referrals.
Incomplete Information: Your program profile might be missing critical information needed for proper indexing.
How to Resolve Visibility Issues
If you operate a license-exempt program and cannot find it in the MCCP database, follow these steps:
Step 1: Contact Chat Support
Use the chat support feature on MyChildCarePlan.org to verify whether your program information exists in the system. The support team can check if:
Your program record exists but is inactive
Your program record is missing entirely
There are any data issues with your existing record
Step 2: Connect with Your Local R&R Agency
Since R&R Agencies maintain the provider data that powers the MCCP platform, you'll need to work directly with your local agency to:
Register your program in their system
Update your information if it's outdated
Activate your referral status if it's currently inactive
Step 3: Provide Complete Program Information
When contacting your R&R agency, be prepared to share:
Your program's official name
Program type (school-based, recreation program, cooperative, etc.)
Complete address and contact information
Hours of operation
Ages served
Program capacity
Enrollment requirements
Special features or services offered
Important Notes for License-Exempt Programs
Database Requirements: To be visible on MyChildCarePlan.org, all programs (including license-exempt ones) must be included in the referral database maintained by local R&R agencies.
Verification Process: R&R agencies may have a verification process before adding new programs to ensure families receive accurate information.
Regular Updates: Once added, make sure to keep your program information current with your R&R agency to maintain visibility in the system.
Finding Your Local R&R Agency
If you need to contact your local R&R agency to be added to the database:
Enter your county or zip code to find your local agency's contact information
Reach out to them directly about adding your license-exempt program to their referral database
Additional Information
Note: License-exempt individual caregivers and Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers are not eligible to be listed in the MCCP database. This help article applies only to exempt centers and programs.
By ensuring your license-exempt program is properly listed in the referral database, you'll increase your visibility to families searching for care options in your community.