Introduction
As a child care provider in California, staying up-to-date with licensing requirements, regulations, and policy updates is essential for maintaining compliance and providing quality care. However, navigating the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) website can sometimes feel overwhelming with its wealth of information spread across multiple pages.
This guide serves as your roadmap to finding the most important CDSS resources quickly and efficiently. We've organized the information based on what providers typically need most, with direct links to save you time and effort.
Quick Reference Guide: Where to Find What You Need
If You Need To: | Go Here First: | Direct Link |
Find recent licensing updates | ||
Look up specific regulations | ||
Understand how regulations are interpreted | ||
Check capacity requirements | Fact Sheets | |
Download required forms | Community Care Licensing: (LIC) | |
Report an incident | Incident Reports | Form LIC 624 (Center) / Form LIC 624B (FCC) |
Find illness and communicable disease guidance | Communicable Disease PIN (covers COVID-19, flu, RSV and norovirus) | |
Learn about the new CCLD Public Portal | Public Portal PIN | |
Access provider resources | MyChildCarePlan |
Understanding Provider Information Notices (PINs)
Provider Information Notices (PINs) are one of the most important resources for staying current with licensing requirements. These notices communicate important regulatory changes, clarify existing regulations, offer guidance during emergencies, and share important health and safety information.
Types of PINs
There are two main categories of PINs you should be aware of:
CCP (Child Care Program) PINs: Specifically for child care providers
CCLD (Community Care Licensing Division) PINs: For all licensed facilities, including child care
How to Find the Most Relevant PINs
The CDSS publishes dozens of PINs each year. Here's how to quickly find what matters most to you:
Staying Current with PINs
New PINs come out throughout the year, so any list of "recent" PINs goes out of date quickly. The two most reliable ways to stay current are:
Check the source: The CDSS PINs Page is always the most up-to-date list. The newest PINs appear at the top of each year's list.
Get PINs by email: Sign up for the CDSS email distribution list to be notified when new PINs are released.
Notable recent PINs (as of September 2026)
These PINs apply to most child care providers. Always check the PINs page for anything newer.
PIN 26-02-CCP - 2025 Chaptered Legislation Affecting Child Care Facilities
PIN 25-07-CCP - Updated Guidance From CDPH for Communicable Disease Mitigation (Supersedes PIN 23-18-CCP)
PIN 24-10-CCP - Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness (includes mandated reporter training requirements)
PIN 26-08-CCP - New Guidance for Providing Milk in Child Care Settings
PIN 25-10-CCLD - Preparation for Extreme Heat, Wildfires, Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and West Nile Virus (Supersedes PIN 23-13-CCLD)
PIN 26-09-CCLD - Updated Guardian & Background Check Best Practices (Supersedes PIN 24-02-CCLD)
PIN 26-10-CCLD - Community Care Licensing Division Public Portal
PIN 25-10-CCP - All Licensed Child Care Providers Displayed on MyChildCarePlan.org Website
How to Find PINs by Topic
PINs are organized by year on the CDSS website, but you can find relevant PINs by searching for specific topics:
Health & Safety PINs
Search for terms like "heat," "fire," "disaster," "safe sleep," or "communicable disease"
Examples: PIN 25-07-CCP (Communicable Disease Mitigation), PIN 24-08-CCLD (Water Safety)
Licensing Requirement PINs
Search for terms like "capacity," "ratios," "background check," or "forms"
Examples: PIN 26-09-CCLD (Background Check Practices), PIN 24-01-CCP (Single License Requirements)
Business Operation PINs
Search for terms like "fees," "waiver," "webinar," or "technical assistance"
Examples: PIN 26-12-CCLD (New Facility Management System (FMS) Late FEE Review Guidance), "Child Care Licensing Webinars" PINs (a new one announces each upcoming webinar)
Emergency & Special Circumstance PINs
Search for terms like "emergency," "waiver," or "temporary"
Examples: PIN 25-10-CCLD (Extreme Heat, Wildfires, and Power Shutoffs), PIN 25-01-CCLD (Winter Storm Preparedness)
Tips for Finding PINs Quickly
Note the PIN number format: Year-Number-Division (e.g., PIN 26-02-CCP)
Check translation links below PINs for non-English versions
Use Ctrl+F (Windows) or Cmd+F (Mac) to search the PIN page for keywords
Remember: The most recent PINs appear at the top of the list
Navigating Laws and Regulations
The regulatory framework for child care in California consists of two main components:
Health and Safety Code vs. Title 22 Regulations
Health and Safety Code
Primary legislation passed by the California Legislature
Establishes the legal authority and framework for child care licensing
Sets broad requirements and definitions
Can only be changed through the legislative process
Title 22 Regulations
Detailed rules developed by the Department of Social Services
Implements the laws established in the Health and Safety Code
Contains specific day-to-day operational requirements
Can be modified through the regulatory process without legislative action
Key Health and Safety Code Sections
Chapter 3.4 California Child Day Care Act - Establishes the basic framework
Chapter 3.5 Child Care Centers - Legal requirements specific to centers
Chapter 3.6 Family Child Care Homes - Legal requirements specific to home-based care
Title 22 Regulations
Title 22 regulations contain the specific operating requirements for licensed child care facilities. Understanding the structure of these regulations can help you quickly find the information you need:
Article 1: General Requirements and Definitions
Article 2: Licensing
Article 3: Application Procedures
Article 4: Enforcement Provisions
Article 5: Administrative Actions
Article 6: Continuing Requirements (contains most day-to-day operational requirements)
Article 7: Physical Environment
Chapter 1 also has subchapters for infant centers, school-age centers, and centers for mildly ill children.
Subchapter 1: General Requirements and Definitions
Subchapter 2: Licensing
Subchapter 3: Application Procedures
Subchapter 4: Enforcement Provisions
Subchapter 5: Administrative Actions
Subchapter 6: Continuing Requirements (contains most day-to-day operational requirements)
Operation of a family child care home (§102417)
Capacity limitations (§102416.5)
Personal rights (§102423)
Staffing requirements (§102416)
Health-related requirements (§102417(e))
Food service requirements (§102417(f))
You can access the complete Title 22 regulations on the Official Westlaw Regulations page.
Evaluator Manual
The Evaluator Manual explains how Community Care Licensing analysts interpret and apply regulations.
Most Helpful Sections
Reference Material - Contains interpretations and guidance on how licensing analysts apply regulations in practice
Appendices - Includes implementation plans for chaptered legislation and other supporting documents
Provider Information Notices (PINs) - Collected announcements of regulatory updates and guidance
The Evaluator Manual is particularly useful when you need clarification on how a regulation will be applied during inspections. Access the full manual through the CDSS Evaluator Manual page.
Finding Answers to Policy Questions
When you have specific questions about implementing regulations, here's where to look:
Illness Policies
Primary resource: Title 22 Regulations under "Health Related Services" (§101226 for Centers, §102417(e) for Homes)
For communicable disease guidance: PIN 25-07-CCP "Updated Guidance From CDPH for Communicable Disease Mitigation" (this replaces PIN 23-18-CCP)
Discipline Approaches
These sections clearly prohibit corporal punishment, humiliation, intimidation, and withholding basic needs
Medication Administration
PIN 22-02-CCP covers best practices for Incidental Medical Services
Medication consent forms (LIC 9221) available in the Forms section
Important Note: The California Code of Regulations, Title 22 remains the ultimate authority for licensing requirements. Always refer to the specific regulations for your license type when questions arise.
Essential Documentation and Record-Keeping
Proper documentation is critical for maintaining compliance. According to CDSS Form LIC 311D "Forms/Records to Keep in Your Family Child Care Home" and LIC 311A "Records to be Maintained at the Facility," providers must maintain the following records:
For Family Child Care Homes
Children's Records
Identification and Emergency Information (LIC 700)
Consent for Medical Treatment (LIC 627)
Immunization records (California Pre-Kindergarten and School Immunization Record, CDPH 286)
Parent Notification of Rights (LIC 995A) with signed receipt
Individual Infant Sleeping Plan (LIC 9227) for infants up to 12 months
Sleep logs for infants up to 24 months (optional sample sleep log form from CCHP; licensing does not require a specific form)
Documentation for special health needs (medication consents, etc.)
Facility Records
Current facility license prominently displayed
Emergency Disaster Plan (LIC 610A)
Earthquake Preparedness Checklist (LIC 9148)
Documentation of fire/disaster drills (conducted every six months)
Unusual Incident/Injury Reports (LIC 624B)
Child Care Facility Roster (LIC 9040)
Personnel records (TB clearances, background checks, training certificates)
Proof of property ownership or landlord consent forms
Items to Post
For Child Care Centers
Children's Records
Personnel Records
Administrative Records
Sign-in/sign-out sheets (kept for at least one month, Title 22 §101229.1)
Facility license displayed prominently
Updated menus posted
Daily activity schedule
Emergency Disaster Plan (LIC 610)
All required forms can be downloaded from the CDSS Forms page.
Preparing for Licensing Visits
Understanding what to expect during licensing visits helps ensure ongoing compliance:
Regular Inspection Frequency
According to PIN 24-03-CCP, most facilities receive an inspection at least once every three years
Some facilities require annual inspections (those on probation, with compliance plans, etc.)
An additional 30% of facilities are randomly selected for annual inspections
CCLD may also inspect annually child care facilities that receive government funding or assistance, such as the Child Care and Development Fund (PIN 24-03-CCP)
Inspection Process
For information on the inspection process, refer to PIN 21-25-CCP, which details the Compliance and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) Tools used during inspections
New providers can learn about the pre-licensing inspection process in PIN 22-05-CCP regarding the CARE Pre-Licensing Tool
If you have questions about the inspection process, contact your local Child Care Program Regional Office as mentioned in PIN 24-03-CCP.
Understanding Citations and Deficiencies
If Licensing finds a problem (called a "deficiency") during a visit, you will receive written notification:
Types of Deficiencies
Type A: Serious deficiencies that present an immediate or substantial threat to health or safety
Type B: Less serious violations that could potentially become serious if not addressed
Type C: Technical violations that do not present an immediate or potential risk
(Source: California Department of Social Services, Facility Evaluation/Visit, Evaluator Manual. Also referenced in "Know the Law: When Licensing Finds a Problem at Your Family Child Care Home" by Child Care Law Center.)
Citation Documentation
For routine visits: Form LIC 809 (Facility Evaluation Report)
For complaint investigations: Form LIC 9099 (Complaint Investigation Report)
Signing these forms acknowledges receipt but does not indicate agreement with the findings
(Source: Child Care Law Center, "Know the Law: When Licensing Finds a Problem at Your Family Child Care Home," p. 2)
Possible Licensing Actions
Verbal or written consultation (for minor issues)
Citation with a plan of correction
Civil penalties (monetary fines)
Administrative actions (suspension or revocation of license)
(Source: California Department of Social Services, Facility Evaluation/Visit, Evaluator Manual, NO. 08RM-02 § 3-4400 at 26; and Child Care Law Center, "Know the Law: When Licensing Finds a Problem at Your Family Child Care Home," p. 2-3)
Civil Penalties
If a violation isn't corrected by its deadline, CDSS can assess a civil penalty of $100 per day for each violation (Health & Safety Code §1596.99 for centers, §1597.58 for family child care homes).
For repeated violations within a 12-month period, immediate penalties may be assessed
Serious violations bring an immediate $500 penalty. For serious violations, such as a child left without supervision, CDSS issues an immediate $500 civil penalty per violation (Health & Safety Code §1596.99 for centers; §1597.58 for family child care homes). For both centers and homes, the law adds $100 for each day the violation continues after the citation (§1596.99(c) and §1597.58(c)).
CDSS uses LIC 421FC for violations not corrected by the deadline and LIC 421IM for immediate $500 penalties.
(Source: California Department of Social Services, Forms LIC 421FC and LIC 421IM "Civil Penalty Assessment"; and California Health & Safety Code § 1597.56)
Your Rights as a Licensee
As a licensed provider, you have specific rights when interacting with Community Care Licensing:
During Licensing Visits
To be treated professionally, with dignity and respect
To be informed of the purpose of any visit or communication
To receive complete and accurate reports of any observed deficiencies
Appeal Rights
You have the right to appeal any citation, investigation finding, civil penalty, or administrative action
Appeals must be submitted in writing within 15 business days of receiving a citation or penalty (Health & Safety Code §1596.99(k) for centers, §1597.58(k) for homes)
Appeals should include all available supporting documentation
How to File an Appeal
Submit a written request for formal review to CDSS within 15 business days; a regional manager of the Community Care Licensing Division reviews it (HSC §1596.99(k)(1) / §1597.58(k)(1))
Include all available supporting documentation with your request
If you disagree with the regional manager's decision, you may appeal to the program administrator of the Community Care Licensing Division within 15 business days of receiving that decision (HSC §1596.99(k)(2) / §1597.58(k)(2))
For more information about your rights as a licensee, review Form LIC 9058 (Applicant/Licensee Rights) available on the CDSS website.
Emergency Preparation and Response
California child care providers must be prepared for various emergencies.
Key Emergency PINs
Heat emergencies (typically issued each summer), wildfire preparedness and evacuation, Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), and West Nile virus: see PIN 25-10-CCLD (Supersedes PIN 23-13-CCLD)
Winter storm preparation: see PIN 25-01-CCLD (Winter Storm Preparedness)
Earthquake safety
Emergency Notification System
CDSS uses the Everbridge system to notify providers about emergencies. For information about this system, refer to:
PIN 24-06-CCLD - Use Of The Everbridge Emergency Notification System To Notify Licensees And Providers Of Disasters And Emergencies (Supersedes PIN 23-11-CCLD)
Make sure your contact information is current with CDSS to receive timely emergency notifications.
If a Disaster Closes Your Program
Under SB 582 (Chapter 546, Statutes of 2025), a child care center or family child care home that cannot operate because it was destroyed, badly damaged, or closed for a long time by a declared emergency or disaster can ask CDSS for inactive license status. You must tell CDSS you plan to reopen or rebuild at the same location. Make the request within 90 days of the emergency or disaster declaration. Inactive status can last up to two years. CDSS can approve extensions of both time limits (Health & Safety Code §1796.82; PIN 26-02-CCP). CDSS's current inactive-status request form is LIC 9211 (Request for Inactive Child Care License Status); check with your Regional Office for the form to use after a disaster.
Background Check Requirements
Background checks are a critical part of maintaining licensing compliance:
Guardian System Resources
CDSS uses the Guardian system for background checks. Refer to these specific PINs:
PIN 26-09-CCLD - Updated Guardian & Background Check Best Practices (Supersedes PIN 24-02-CCLD)
PIN 21-05-CCLD - New Background Check Website
Training and Professional Development
CDSS requires ongoing training for licensed providers:
Required Trainings
Pediatric Health & Safety:
First-time licensees complete 16 hours total:
8 hours of Preventive Health and Safety Training (including lead exposure prevention)
4 hours of Pediatric First Aid
4 hours of Pediatric CPR/AED
Anaphylaxis training: Since January 1, 2026 (AB 2317, Chapter 563, Statutes of 2024), the required pediatric first aid or CPR training must include how to prevent and treat anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions), including emergency use of an epinephrine auto-injector (Health & Safety Code §1596.866). If you were trained before then and your course did not include this, you need it at your next renewal. AB 150 (Chapter 25, Statutes of 2026, effective June 29, 2026) extends this requirement to all staff who provide care at centers and family child care homes, and adds a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education each year beginning January 1, 2027.
Renewal requirement: Every two years, providers must complete 4 hours of Pediatric First Aid and 4 hours of Pediatric CPR
Must be obtained from an EMSA-approved training program (EMSA Child Care Providers and Training Programs page)
Mandated Reporter Training (Health & Safety Code §1596.8662; see PIN 24-10-CCP):
Required for licensees, administrators, and employees in licensed child care
When: applicants complete it before they are licensed; administrators and employees complete it within 90 days of starting work
Renew every two years. In 2024, missed mandated reporter training renewals were among the deficiencies CDSS cited most often, in both homes and centers.
Which module: complete the Child Care Providers module. The training site now requires its 2-hour General Training first.
The training site lists the Child Care Providers course at about 4 hours. It ends with an exam that needs a score of at least 80%, and you can retake it.
Certificate provided upon completion
Available in English, Spanish, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), and Vietnamese (Source for course length, passing score and languages: mandatedreporterca.com and its help center)
Language accessibility note: Providers with limited English proficiency are not required to take the training if it's not offered in their primary language. Contact the Department about translation options, especially if your language meets the five percent requirement.
Legal information for providers: Child Care Law Center, Mandated Reporting for Child Care Providers (2020)
Access training at California Mandated Reporter Training
Webinar Opportunities
CDSS hosts child care licensing webinars for providers about four times a year; slides and recordings of past webinars are on that page. Registration is announced through PINs; look for "Child Care Licensing Webinars" on the PINs page. CDSS also announces Guardian (background check) training webinars through CCLD PINs. Attending a live CDSS webinar in full may count toward professional growth hours (for example, for a Teacher permit).
Guardian training videos: CDSS's Guardian Foundation series (Parts 1–3) is for all licensed providers, not specific to child care; it uses "agency" to mean any licensee. Start with Foundation 1, which covers starting a background check. More in CDSS's Guardian webinars playlist on YouTube.
Training announcements are typically shared through Provider Information Notices and the CDSS email distribution list.
Action Steps for Providers
Bookmark this key page: CDSS Provider Information Notices
Set a regular schedule (monthly or quarterly) to check for new PINs relevant to your facility type
Update your contact information with CDSS to ensure you receive emergency notifications
Join the CDSS email distribution list for automatic updates (see PIN 19-09-CCLD, 2019)
Keep digital or physical copies of important PINs that affect your ongoing operations
Watch for the new CCLD Public Portal. CDSS is replacing many of its licensing software systems with a new Facility Management System (FMS), which includes a Public Portal for providers (PIN 26-10-CCLD). CDSS switched from its old Licensing Information System to the new FMS on August 13-17, 2026 (PIN 26-12-CCLD). The Public Portal will be released in stages: CDSS anticipates the first phase in summer 2026 and completion by summer 2027 (PIN 26-10-CCLD). Watch PINs for instructions as new features roll out.
Additional Resources
MyChildCarePlan.org Provider Resources: Provider Resources
Your listing on MyChildCarePlan.org: Every licensed child care provider in California is now listed on MyChildCarePlan.org, where families can search by ZIP code (PIN 25-10-CCP). Family child care home addresses and map locations are not shown. Keep your profile up to date on MyChildCarePlan.org, or ask your local R&R agency for help.
California Child Care Resource & Referral Network: rrnetwork.org
California Resource & Referral Network Technical Assistance: Contact your local R&R agency for help interpreting regulations
Child Care Law Center: childcarelaw.org - Legal information specific to child care providers
Last updated: September 2026. This guide is intended as a navigational resource only and does not replace the need to review and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.