Infant center
An infant center is licensed for children under 2 years old.
Preschool-age center
This license covers children from about 2 years old until they start school. Most preschools and day care centers hold it. Some also run a toddler program for younger children, from about 18 months.
School-age center
A school-age license covers children who already go to school: before and after classes and during school breaks. Many of these programs work on school grounds.
Single license
A single license lets one center care for several age groups under one license. Ask the center which ages it takes.
Two licenses at one address
One building often holds two licenses, for example an infant center and a preschool-age center. Each license has its own number and its own licensed places. Center pages here list the other licenses at the same address.
What is not listed here
Family child care homes care for a small group of children in the provider's own home. They have a different license and are not listed on this site. Some programs need no license at all, and those are not in the state's list.
Guides for parents
How to choose a child care center in California: a short checklist
Six steps for parents: decide what you need, make a short list, check the license, call, visit, and read the paperwork before the first day.