Family Child Care Entrepreneur

This certificate focuses on developing and operating a high-quality family childcare program. Emphasis will be placed on core theoretical principles of early childhood education, business management, relationship-based care, family engagement, culturally responsive practices, curriculum development, and implementation designed for mixed-age groups in a home-based setting. Other topics include licensing regulations, health and safety requirements, developmentally appropriate practices, observation and assessment, and strategies for creating a nurturing learning environment.

In 2021, California enacted the TK-12 Education Trailer Bill (AB 130) as part of Governor Newsom’s California Comeback Plan, reflecting a strong commitment to ensuring all children have equitable access to high-quality early learning and care. This landmark legislation includes a historic $2.7 billion investment in the Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) program. Implementation of UTK follows a phased approach, beginning the 2022–2023 school year and expanding annually, with the goal of offering access to four-year-olds in the state by the 2025–2026 school year. As UPK continues to evolve, community partnerships with Family Child Care (FCC) programs, Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) and other center-based programs are essential to ensure families have access to year-round full day childcare services.

By aligning with the goals of the federal Build Back Better Plan and integrating Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) into a broader mixed-delivery system, California aims to ensure that early learning programs offer high-quality, culturally responsive care that meets the diverse needs of children, families, and providers. To uphold family choice and support, the vision outlined in California’s Master Plan for Early Learning and Care, the Universal Preschool Mixed Delivery System Workgroup was established. This workgroup was charged with developing recommendations to expand access to high-quality preschool programs for three- and four-year-olds through a mixed-delivery approach. Their focus included identifying best practices for equitable implementation across various early learning settings such as public schools, community-based organizations, and family childcare homes, and revising Title 5 regulations to promote fairness and accessibility. Central to their recommendations was a commitment to ensuring families have meaningful access to, and choice among, diverse, high-quality preschool options.

Children who attend high-quality early learning and care programs are more likely to experience long-term academic success and economic stability, breaking cycles of poverty and scarcity. However, access to these high-quality programs remains a significant barrier, particularly in communities where options are limited. According to the San Diego Foundation, the lack of accessible high-quality childcare has directly impacted workforce participation, creating challenges for both employees and employers. As Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) expands, Family Child Care (FCC) and Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers will be required to meet the same regulatory standards as state-funded preschools. These standards include completing 24 Early Childhood Education (ECE) units, 16 General Education units, and obtaining a Child Development Permit. This presents a substantial challenge for many FCC and FFN providers, especially in San Diego County, where the need for accessible coursework and professional development is growing.

The Child Care Providers Union (CCPU) represents 200,000 family childcare providers. CCPU has played a significant role in advocating for and improving the conditions for FCC in the following ways: higher wages for providers who accept subsidized children, access to health and retirement benefits, stabilization grants, technology grants, access to professional development opportunities, and tuition reimbursement. Their efforts continue to shape policies that recognize and support the essential role of FCC providers in early childhood education. As of August 2024, there are currently 3,438 licensed family childcare providers and 433 FFN service providers throughout San Diego County.

In collaboration with Mira Costa College, CCPU has launched a pilot cohort program developing Spanish courses for FCC providers in San Diego County. This initiative removed language barriers, providing FCC providers with the opportunity to pursue their educational goals. The first cohort was a success with 37 FCC providers completing the program.

The development of a Family Child Care (FCC) Certificate program at Mira Costa College would offer a strategic and timely opportunity to support and strengthen the early childhood workforce. This specialized certificate would equip current and aspiring Family Child Care providers with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to implement best practices in child development, relationship-based care, culturally responsive teaching, and small business management. By offering a program tailored specifically to the unique caregiving context of FCC settings, Mira Costa College can help increase access to professional development and formal credentials for providers who have traditionally been underserved in higher education.

This certificate would not only validate and elevate the expertise of FCC, and Family, Friend & Neighbor (FFN) providers, but also directly contribute to the regional goal of expanding high-quality early learning opportunities for children and families. By developing this certificate, MiraCosta College positions itself as a leader in early childhood education, workforce development, and equity, ensuring that more providers are prepared, empowered, and recognized for their critical role in the care and education of young children.

Program Requirements: Program Courses    

Course Sequencing

Required Major Total                     24 units

Proposed Sequence: 

Year 1, Fall = 6 units

Year 1, Spring = 6 units

Year 2, Fall = 6 units

Year 2, Spring = 6 units