In order to obtain a family child care license in California; you must do the following:
* Attend an orientation meeting held by the Community Care Licensing Division of the State Department of Social Services.
* Complete a 15 hour course in Child Care Health & Safety.
* Complete all necessary and required forms and tests.
* Have a visit from a licensing evaluator.

To obtain a child care center license, you must do the following:
* Attend a series of orientations conducted by the Community Care Licensing Division of the State Department of Social Services.
* Complete all necessary and required forms and tests.
* Pass an inspection by a licensing evaluator. 

For more information concerning licensing in the state of California, please visit Banana's at http://www.bananasinc.org
OR
Contact the Child Development Office at 510-436-2589 for more information.

2. What are the differences between a Child Development Permit, a Certificate, and a License? 

A Child Development Permit is required to teach in a program, also known as Title V program that receives subsidies from the Child Development Division of the State Department of Education.  A Child Development Permit is issued by the Commission on Teacher Preparation. The permit matrix offers a variety of permits, each requiring a different level of education and giving the holder varying degrees of authority.  For more information on Child Development Permits, click here.

A Certificate is created by the Child Development Department.  We currently offer five certificates: Assistant Teacher, Associate Teacher, Teacher, Violence Intervention and Counseling, and Early Intervention Assistant (EIA) Training Program.  Any student who meets the course requirements of a certificate can apply for it through the Admissions & Records Department, P300.  For more information on our Certificates, click the following link: http://merritt.edu/~chdev/Certificates.html

A License is given to childcare programs by the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing.  A license is required to operate a childcare center or a family day care home.  For more information on licenses, please refer to question 1 on this FAQ. 

3. How do I register for classes?

For information on registering for classes at Merritt College, please click on the link below.  It will direct you to Peralta College's Enroll Online page. 

http://www.peralta.edu/apps/page.asp?Q=Enroll%20Now

4. What class should I take for next semester?

Questions concerning what classes you should take is best answered by a professional growth advisor, a counselor or the professional development coordinator.  To be directed to our Advising page and our Professional Development Planning page, click the following link:
http://www.merritt.edu/~chdev/AcademicAdvising.html

5. I've taken classes at another college; will your department accept the units?
For questions concerning whether or not Merritt College will accept units taken at another college, please contact the Counseling Department.  Also, please take a look at the Course Comparison Grid at the following link: http://merritt.peralta.edu/apps/comm.asp?%241=40402
The Course Comparison Grid lists certain classes offered at other San Francisco Bay Area college institutions that are like the courses offered at Merritt College.

6. What is an SEP?
SEP stands for "Student Education Plan."  For more information, please contact the Department of Counseling at 510-436-2475.

7. How do I apply for a Child Development Certificate?
To apply for a Child Development Certificate, please bring your transcript and meet with a Counselor from the Counseling Department.  The Counselor will evaluate your transcript to make sure you have fulfilled the necessary course requirements for the Certificate and fill out any documents stating so.  Bring the documents to Admissions and Records and the Peralta District will mail the Certificate to you once the application is approved. 

8. Where can I get help with writing papers or writing skills?
If you need help with class assignments and homework, The Learning Center and Writing Center (located in D-187) offers free Tutorial Assistance.  The Self-Paced Courses (Open Entry/Exit) offer assistance in writing, studying, and communication skills.

Feedback

Mail this page