Licensed Daycare in California
Find the right daycare in California in under 5 minutes. 8,879 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division. Free, no signup.
California Childcare Licensing
In California, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:6 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:12 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
Verify a license at California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing DivisionWhat's distinctive about California: California has the country's second-most expensive daycare ($1,800/mo infant) and the strictest staffing requirements among large states. CalWORKs Stage 2 subsidies serve working families up to ~85% state median — well into middle income.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:6
- Preschool ratio
- 1:12
- Avg infant cost
- $1,800/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $1,240/mo
Top Cities for Daycare in California
View all cities →California Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
California families can apply for CalWORKs Child Care + APP (Alternative Payment Program) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (916) 651-6195
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Daycare in California — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in California is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in California?
How much does daycare cost in California?
Are subsidies available for childcare in California?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a California daycare?
Search 8,879 Licensed California Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.