Child Care Facilities

Resource and Referral Agencies

The resource and referral agencies below may be able to give you personalized assistance:

The Building Child Care website also has a host of resources:  http://buildingchildcare.org/

A few resources to assist with various steps of developing a child care center may be found below:

Video: Child Care Facilities and Quality

Green Child Care

• Green Child Care Laws 

Starting or Relocating A Center

• Child Care Center Design
• LISC Resource Guide: Developing Early Childhood Facilities

Land Use Permitting

Before you buy or rent a center or house for the purposes of starting a child care program, you should check into the local zoning and permitting processes for child care programs by calling your local planning department. Southern Alameda County cities can cross reference their information with the chart which you can access by clicking on the link below. In addition to city planning staff, resource and Referral agency and ECE program staff may also be available to help you understand the local permitting process and how you can prepare for a city hearing in the event one is required.

Please note that as of January 1, 2020, both small and large family child care homes must be exempted from local zoning and permitting requirements. This means that family child care homes cannot be required to obtain a permit in order to operate, no matter the size.

• LIIF: "Planning Roles and Authority"
• Tips for Working with Neighbors
• General Fire Clearance Guidelines for Large Family Child Care
• State Law Regarding Oversight of Family Child Care: Overview of SB 234 & FAQ
• Zoning Terms Glossary 
• Tips on Being a Good Neighbor
• Sample Letter to Neighbors
• Sample Parent Pick-Up and Drop-Off Policy
• Common Community Objections and Responses
• Sample Community Support Letter
• Family Child Care Talking Points
• Hearing Do's and Don'ts 

Inclusion Related Modifications

• Inclusion Modification Overview