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 want 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 of running an in-home childcare business. As a participant in this program, you will receive one-on-one coaching during and after the program, as well as a free in-home inspection before 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, Saddleback College, 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.
Week 1 — Orientation/ The Childcare Landscape (Zoom) — Wed, April 8, 2026 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
- 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, April 15, 2026 | 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, April 22, 2026 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
- Start-up costs
- One-year projections
- County and state financial forms
Week 4 — Marketing Your Childcare (Zoom) — Wed, April 29, 2026 | 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, May 6, 2026 | 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, May 13, 2026 | 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, May 20, 2026 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
- Review each section of the business plan to readdress the questions
Week 8 — Graduation (In-Person, Location TBA ) — Wed, June 3, 2026| 6 – 7:30 p.m
Two weeks after last class to complete stipend information.
- Two-minute presentations on participant’s business
- Congratulations from partners
Meetup Schedule
(Meet-ups are subject to change as needed)
- Meetup #1 on Thursday, April 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Meetup #2 on Thursday, April 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Meetup #3 on Thursday, May 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Meetup #4 on Thursday, May 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
**Emails to participants with Zoom credentials will be sent after registration has closed. **
