The Child Care Coordination Office has compiled the following list of resources for individuals interested in opening or growing their child care business. These agencies provide services at no cost, and unless otherwise notes, are not managed by the City of Irvine.
State of California Community Care Licensing Division
All child care centers and family child care homes must be licensed by the State of California Community Care Licensing Division. To view Child Care Licensing information and updates, visit the Community Care Licensing Division website.
Children’s Home Society (CHS)
CHS aims to assist child care providers by providing resources and education in order to best serve the needs of the children in their care. Available resources include:
- Child Care Payment Program
- Family Education Program
- CHS Blog and Podcasts on a variety of topics including Bullying, Childhood Mental Health, Communication, Exercise, Managing Anger, Nutrition, Special Needs – Caregivers, and many more
- Quarterly Provider Newsletter
- Workshops and Events
- Community Resources
In addition, CHS’ Resource and Referral (R&R) Department connects parents, child care providers, and the community to a wide range of resources that strengthen families and support the healthy development of children.
CHS referrals are free and include detailed information regarding the services you provide, including: hours of operation, fees, current openings, ages of children served, special eligibility requirements, and other significant program information. Records are updated quarterly, based on the information you provide to CHS, to ensure that information provided to families seeking referrals is accurate and complete.
To become a part of CHS' R&R database click here or contact the CHS Kidcare Hotline at 714-543-2273 or 949-364-6605.
Orange County SCORE
SCORE is a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to the formation, growth, and success of small businesses. SCORE offers monthly workshops and no-cost personal counseling and mentoring from professional business women and men in a comfortable, non-confrontational environment.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
If you are looking for business support to start and grow your child care business, reach out to the CSUF Small Business Development Center, located in Irvine. The CSUF SBDC team offers personalized, no-cost assistance on growth planning, marketing strategies, financial analysis, and invaluable resources to help you start and nurture your childcare business.
City of Irvine
The Child Care Coordination Office maintains a listing of all licensed Child Care Programs in the City of Irvine to be included on the Finding Child Care webpage and interactive map for families seeking care. To add or update your program’s information, please complete the Child Care Resource and Referral form.
Child Care Law Center
The more you know about the laws that protect your rights as a child care business owner, the more you can sustainably provide safe, enriching child care. The Child Care Law Center provides information on business ownership, contracts, Mandated Reporting, children with disabilities, and many other topics related to operating a child care business in addition to legal assistance and training.
Public Law Center
The Public Law Center is a pro-bono law firm that provides access to justice for low-income residents of Orange County. Services range from training seminars to individual legal advice and full representation.
