- Las Positas College
- Early Care and Education
- Frequently Asked Questions
Early Care and Education
Frequently Asked Questions
I want to open my own childcare business. What do I need to do?
You need to determine if you will be operating within your own home (called Family Child Care) or provide care in an out-of-the-home setting, such as a child development center
To obtain a Family Child Care License in California do the following:
- Attend a mandatory orientation held by the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division
- Complete a minimum of 15 hours training in Child Health and Safety, including Community CPR and First Aid for Child Care
- Complete all required forms and tests
- Be fingerprinted through a Livescan facility and have a clear Child Abuse Index
- Schedule and complete a licensing visit though Community Care Licensing
To open a child care center, do the following:
- Attend a series of mandatory meetings held by the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division
- Complete 12 ECE units including a 3-unit course in Human Growth and Development, a 3-unit course in Child, Family and Community and a 3-unit course in early childhood curriculum. You must also complete a 3-unit course in preschool administration if you are to be the director as well as owner.
- Depending on your level of education, you will also need experience in a program licensed in California prior to becoming a director
- Complete all necessary and required forms and tests
- Be fingerprinted through a Livescan facility and have a clear Child Abuse Index
- Schedule and complete a visit from a licensing evaluator prior to the site opening
For more information on how to open your own family child care business or center visit:
- Hively (Formerly Called Child Care Links)
- Department of Social Services
- Call: 1.510.622.2602 (Oakland Office of Community Care Licensing)
- Call: 1.925.417.8733 (Child Care Links: Main number)
What is a Child Development Permit?
- A Child Development Permit is issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
- A CD Permit is required to work in programs funded by the State of California (Title 5 programs) and is highly recommended to work in any licensed program in California
- Permit matrix offers a variety of levels based on both education and experience
- Higher level permits give permit holders greater degree of authority
- Click here for more information on Child Development Permits
- For help applying for a Child Development Permit, contact the ECE Professional Development Coordinator
What is a Certificate?
- A Certificate is created by the Early Care and Education Department
- Currently we offer 4 certificates and 2 AA Degrees
- Any student who meets the course requirements of a certificate can apply for the certificate through Admissions and Records
- Click here for more information regarding our certificates
What is the difference between a license and a permit?
- In California, the license is issued to the program or facility and is based on a set of regulations set forth by the Department of Social Services
- The permit is issued to the individual and is based on education and experience. It is issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
How do I register for Early Childhood classes at Las Positas College?
- You will first need to apply to be a student at LPC. Click here for on-line application information
- Contact the Early Childhood Professional Development Coordinator for assistance
What classes do I take next semester?
- Questions regarding your schedule are best handled by a LPC counselor or an ECE professional development coordinator
I've taken early childhood classes at another college; will the ECE Department at LPC accept these classes?
- It is best to check with counseling regarding any academic advising including units taken at other colleges
- A ECE Professional Development Coordinator at LPC may also be able to assist you in determining if classes taken elsewhere might be accepted by LPC faculty
It has been a long time since I attended college. Where can I get help writing papers or other writing skills?
- The Integrated Learning Center (ILC) offers a variety of services and is staffed by LPC instructors and assistants
- Click here for link to the ILC
For more information please contact:
Nadiyah Taylor
Department Coordinator & Faculty
(925) 424-1175
ntaylor@laspositascollege.edu
Ana Del Aguila
Professional Development Coordinator
(925) 424-1187
adelaguila@laspositascollege.edu