Californnia License Requirements for Nannies and Child Care Providers...?

Question

I'm currently six months pregnant. Due to the cost of childcare, I'm considering staying home with my baby and watching another child to supplement my husband's income. My question is, under what conditions am I required to register as a day care business and meet the many requirements to have myself and my home licensed?

I plan on having basic CPR and pediatric first aid training anyway, but I don't want to bother with the fees, home inspections, regular documentation of various programs, etc. Of course, I'll be reporting all my income too.

I only plan on watching one other baby, and will probably do so primarily out of my own home. However, if doing so requires me to jump through all the hoops to establish an official Child Care Center (rather than just act as a share care nanny), I will have to change my plan.

Answer 1

In California you are required to be licensed if you watch children from more than one other family. If you watch your own children you can watch as many kids as you want as long as they are siblings. You may want to contact licensing in your county if you're concerned. I live in Sacramento County and I'm a licensed child care provider.