Child care centers are licensed by the State Department of Social Services and must meet specified health and safety standards, as well as program guidelines, minimum indoor and outdoor space requirements and staffing ratios. Centers may be licensed for infants and toddlers, preschoolers or school-age children.

Operators of child care centers include:
• Private individuals
• Churches
• Employers
• Cities
• School districts
• Large corporations
Many preschool and school-age centers are operated either on the campus or near an elementary school.

Staffing Ratios
• Infants/Toddlers (to age 2)-1 teacher to 4 infants/toddlers
• Preschool (ages 2 to 5)-1 teacher to 12 preschoolers
• School-Age-1 teacher to 14 school-agers
Staffing Requirements

A teacher must have at least twelve (12) units of early childhood education which include Child Development, Child, Family and Community, and Program and Curriculum. At all times, at least one person in a center must be certified in Pediatric First Aid and CPR, and trained in other aspects of health, safety and nutrition for young children. In addition, a Director or Site Supervisor must be on the premises who meet additional qualifications.

For locations of child care centers in your area, call CDR, Child Care Services, Resource and Referral Office at (805) 485-7878.