​ Licensing of Preschool Programs​

​Licensing is conducted under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). Licensing regulations ensure that every identifiable risk to children's health, safety, and well-being has been anticipated and addressed.

School and parish administrators and preschool directors may recruit, enroll, and register children before the license is approved but preschool programs may not begin operation until the license is granted. The licensing process from inception to receipt of the license can take as long as one year.

Steps in the licensing process:

• The pastor or principal and preschool director, if hired, attend Step I: Child Care Centers Application Orientation, through the CDSS Child Care Center Division, where the application for licensing is explained.

• The pastor or principal and pre​school director​ attend Step II: Child Care Centers Operations and Record Keeping Orientation through the CDSS Child Care Center Division.

• The application is completed and submitted along with each criminal record summary​ of the pastor, principal, preschool director, teachers, and staff of the preschool.

• The license is approved or the modification request license is received by mail from the CDSS.