| Organization: | Department of Early Education and Care |
|---|---|
| Date published: | February 17, 2026 |
Prepare for the FCC licensing process
Family Child Care (FCC) programs are a type of child care for a small group of children in a private residence. The Department of Early Education and Care licenses FCC providers. It can take 2-6 months to complete licensing steps. There is no cost to apply for a license.
1. Check if you meet the requirements
Before starting your application, check that you meet the basic eligibility requirements. For example:
- You have the required personal or professional experience
- You live in a home that meets FCC safety and program standards
- Everyone living in or frequently visiting your home can pass a background record check
If you don't meet these requirements, you likely aren't ready to apply for a license.
2. Complete trainings
You must complete about 16 hours of online and in-person training before applying for your FCC license. Trainings are available in several languages.
3. Submit your license application
There are several steps to submitting your FCC provider license application. You will complete most of these in the Licensing Education Analytic Database (LEAD).
4. Complete the background record check process
You and all household members or visitors listed in your application must pass a background record check (BRC). You’ll get instructions on completing the BRC process after submitting your application.
5. Prepare your space for child care
Before your pre-licensing visit, your home should look exactly as it will on your first day of operation. This means it's safe and supplied with the appropriate materials for the children you plan to care for.
6. Complete your pre-licensing home visit
Your licensor will visit your home to check that it meets FCC safety requirements. The visit usually takes 1–2 hours and is also a chance to ask questions about opening your program. If your visit requires follow-up items, you’ll have 2 weeks to complete them.