Why QUALITY MATTERS
The first five years of a child’s life are extremely vital. Research shows that the care and education children receive from prenatal to age 5 play a major role in their brain development. High-quality early learning experiences make a lasting difference—they help prepare children to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. In fact, studies have shown that children who attend high-quality early learning programs achieve higher scores on reading and math exams, and are more likely to graduate from high school and have successful careers.
Child Care Centers
Child care centers provide early care and education for infants through school-aged children in non-residential settings and are licensed by the State of California.
Family Child Care Homes
Family child care homes offer early care and education for infants through school-aged children in the home and is licensed by the State of California.
Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care
Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) providers include grandparents, aunts and uncles, elders, older siblings, friends, neighbors, and others who help families by providing child care.
License-Exempt Learning Sites
Some child care programs are not required to hold a license. These programs include before and after school child care on school sites, family resource centers, libraries, and drop-in recreation programs.