Orange County In-Home Licensed Childcare Program

Are you looking to start your own in-home childcare business? Don’t know where to start? Whether you already have an unlicensed childcare business or are looking to understand how to get a childcare business up and running, this program is for you.

Join us for this eight-week program. We will walk you through all the childcare regulations and requirements and position you to learn the business side to running an in-home childcare business. As a participant of this program, you will receive one-on-one coaching during and after the program, as well as a free in-home inspection prior to applying for your license.

There is no cost to be a participant, but it is mandatory to attend the Orientation and must be non-licensed and based in Orange County.

This program is presented as a collaborative effort between the OC WBC, OCIE SBDC, First 5 Orange County, Help Me Grow Orange County, Children’s Home Society of CA, Orange County Association for the Education of Young Children, Quality Start OC, and CIELO.

**The first and last sessions (September 17 and November 12) will be held in person at the location below. The other sessions are held via Zoom.
Saddleback College – 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, CA 92692

Week 1 — Orientation/ The Childcare Landscape (In person) — Wed, Sept. 17, 2025 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Saddleback College – 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, CA 92692

• Understanding the childcare landscape in Orange County

• Creating your in-home licensed childcare program
• Getting family buy-in
• Framework of the In-Home Licensed Childcare Business Plan

Week 2 — Starting Your Childcare Business (Zoom) — Wed, Sept. 24, 2025 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.

• Types of childcare businesses
• Large vs. small
• Childcare centers with landlords — legalities
• State licensing forms
• Fees
• Add-ons
• CHS – CIP Program
• Licenses and permits needed for the business
• Age/types of children and rates to charge
• Types of entity structures to consider
• Competition analysis

Week 3 — The Financials (Zoom) — Wed, Oct. 1, 2025 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.

• Start-up costs
• One-year projections
• County and state financial forms

Week 4 — Marketing Your Childcare (Zoom) — Wed, Oct. 8, 2025 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.

• Creating a basic marketing plan
• Understanding your competitors
• Building a basic website/landing page

Week 5 — Creating a Digital/Social Presence (Zoom) — Wed, Oct. 15, 2025| 6 – 7:30 p.m.

• Creating a digital presence for your business
• Google — Get my business online
• Choosing the right social media platform(s)

Week 6 — Putting Your Childcare Plan Together (Zoom) — Wed, Oct. 22, 2025 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.

• Complete the In-Home Licensed Childcare Business Plan Template
• Complete the financial rate sheet again

Week 7 — Business Plan and Projections Review (Zoom) — Wed, Oct. 29, 2025 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.

• Review each section of the business plan to readdress the questions

Week 8 — Graduation (In person) — Wed, Nov. 12, 2025| 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Saddleback College – 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, CA 92692

Two weeks after last class to complete stipend information.

• Two-minute presentations on participant’s business
• Congratulations from partners
• Recognition ceremony
• Stipends awarded

Meetup Schedule — All meetups will be held in person at:
Saddleback College – 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, CA 92692
(Meet-ups are subject to change as needed)

• Meetup #1 on Thursday, October 2, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Meetup #2 on Thursday, October 9, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Meetup #3 on Thursday, October 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Meetup #4 on Thursday, October 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

**Emails to participants with Zoom credentials will be sent after registration has closed. **