Child Care Center Operational Requirements
Parties wishing to operate child care facilities within the City of Irvine must meet strict State and local operational requirements before they can admit children. A child care center must first receive a State license to operate a facility for fewer than twenty-four hours a day for the care of children who are not related to the owner, operator or manager of the facility. 

The facility may be operated with or without compensation for such care and with or without stated educational purposes. Twenty-four hour care may be provided in day care centers on an emergency basis only. Child care providers are required to meet and adhere to State and local regulations, such as a protective service and criminal records check, TB skin tests on all facility members, and a home study. 

Regulations are enforced by the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, which is responsible for periodic inspections of all child care facilities.  Child care centers may operate either in business districts or in residential districts with a conditional use permit.

For more information about opening a child care center, click here.