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