There
are three basic types of child care. Each has possible advantages
and potential concerns to consider. A composite listing of the
three types of care in a downloadable form is available below.
License
Exempt Care The
provider is not required to be licensed by the state of California.
Exempt care includes home-based providers, nannies and au pairs.
Providers care for the children of one family other than their
own. The provider may care for the children in their own home
or in the family’s home.
Parents
choosing a license exempt provider have the option of paying
to obtain a background check on a potential provider through
TrustLine. Call (800) 822-8490 for more information about this
process.
Family
Child Care Child care is provided in the home of the caregiver.
California requires anyone providing care for children from
more than one family to be licensed. The provider’s own children
under the age of 10 count into the capacity whenever they are
in the home. The home will be licensed in one of several
categories.
Center
Care Centers provide care for a number of children in a group setting
that is not a home. Child care centers are required to be licensed
by the Department of Social Services.
One adult may care for as many as four infants under 2 years
of age. One adult may care for twelve children 3 to 5 years
old. The director must meet combined education and experience
guidelines.
