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 (January 29 and March 26) will be held in person at the location below. The other sessions are held via Zoom.
Hunt Branch Library – 201 S Basque Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833

Week 1 — Orientation/ The Childcare Landscape (In person) — Wed. January 29, 2025 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Hunt Branch Library – 201 S Basque Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833

• 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, February 5, 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, February 12, 2025 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.

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

Week 4 — Marketing Your Childcare (Zoom) — Wed, February 19, 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, February 26, 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, March 5, 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, March 12 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.

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

Week 8 — Graduation (In person) — Wed, March 26, 2025 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Hunt Branch Library – 201 S Basque Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833

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 meet ups will be held in person at:
Fullerton School District – ELC Room: 1401 W. Valencia Drive, Fullerton, CA 92833.
(Meet Ups are subject to change as needed)

• Meetup #1 on Thursday, February 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Meetup #2 on Thursday, February 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Meetup #3 on Thursday, March 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Meetup #4 on Thursday, March 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

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