California

Care Courses
California Child Care Professional Growth

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National Childcare Credentials in California:

Use our courses toward a CDA as well as to renew your CDA, NAC or CCP.

Click here for more information: National Child Care Credentials

Click here to learn how the CDA can benefit you in California.

California Childcare Training Requirements:

Care Courses may be used as professional growth activities towards renewing a Child Development Permit with prior approval from your professional growth advisor. Care Courses may also be used towards obtaining and renewing your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. Possessing a CDA Credential qualifies for the Child Development Associate Teacher Permit and may also be used as nine semester units of credit toward the overall 24 semester unit requirement for the other Child Development Permits.

All Care Courses are approved by the California Early Childhood Education (ECE) Workforce Registry. For California Registry training credit, please add your California Registry ID number to your Care Courses account. Thank you!

To renew a Child Development Permit, you must plan a program of professional growth activities in consultation with a professional growth advisor. Permit renewal requires completion of 105 hours of professional growth activities in at least two of eleven categories and submission of the renewal documents and fee every 5 years. Speak with your professional growth advisor to see how Courses may be used towards the renewal categories, such as:

  • Attend staff development programs
  • Participate in a program of independent study
  • Improve basic skills

For detailed instructions on permit renewal, please refer to the Child Development Permit Professional Growth Manual from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Our courses are accepted in LA County for the education requirements for the Investing in Early Educators Stipend Program only if you already have a BA/BS (or higher) degree.

What California students say:

"Care Courses are great! They have helped me tremendously. They are an excellent source for learning and I am thankful to all concerned for putting it together and keeping it going. The service is extremely good. Love you, Care Courses!"
- Palm Springs, California
"I've immersed myself in this Care Course and have enjoyed everything I've enjoyed so far. It's not at all like studying due to the interesting articles and information. This course is the first of many courses toward my CDA certificate and hopefully continuously as ongoing education. Thank you so much."

- Ventura, California
"I am learning a lot from your Care Courses; especially from the quizzes. It is very helpful for the teachers who work with younger children.”

- Covina, California

Opening a child care facility in California:

For those of you interested in starting a day care or home-based child care facility in California, please contact your state licensing using the contact information below. The licensing agency can give you advice on the requirements, rules and regulations of your state.

California Department of Social Services


Child Care Licensing Program
Phone: (916) 651-6040

Coronavirus general question email:
CCLCOVID-19INFO@dss.ca.gov
Child Care Advocates Program
Phone: (916) 654-1541

Email: childcareadvocatesprogram@dss.ca.gov