Searching for high quality child care for your child can be a time consuming task. One step you should never skip, however, is checking on a potential provider’s background and licensing history. The State of California has two tools that make this process a little easier for you; TrustLine, a program that screens non-licensed providers, and the Community Care Licensing Division, which provides in-person, over the phone at 1-844-538-8766 , or on-line access to licensed providers’ licensing history.
Note: There are afterschool programs, parent co-ops, and other programs that operate legally as licensed exempt programs. These programs are not required by law to conduct background screenings, but many have their own process of screening staff members. If you’re interested in an exempt program, ask these providers about their background screening and complaint procedures.