What is Oliver’s Law?
Oliver’s Law (AB 458 Zettel), which took affect January 1, 2000, requires every Child Care resource and referral program and every alternative payment program to advise every person who requests a Child Care referral, of his or her right to licensing information related to potential providers. Licensing information must be maintained at all licensed facilities and public files pertaining to the facility can be accessed by parents.
What does this new law mean to parents looking for Child Care?
When you contact CDR to request Child Care referrals, our referral counselors will advise you of your right to obtain licensing information from the licensed providers you visit and how to access their public files. We strongly recommend that you review potential Child Care provider’s licensing history, before placing your child in care.
How do parents get the licensing information?
You may obtain information from Community Care Licensing, if you are referred to a Child Care home or center. Providers are required to make accessible to the public a copy of any licensing report. However, more complete files, including complaints or violations, are available from the licensing offices.
What do I do when I call for licensing information?
CDR recommends that you find out the nature of any complaint against a licensed provider. Some complaints may be unsubstantiated or of a minor nature that are easily remedied. Not all complaints are equal. You also want to look for a history or a pattern of complaints against a provider.
What if the facility is not licensed?
Depending on your needs for Child Care, referrals may be made to license exempt programs, such as parent co-ops, recreation programs, and community based programs. CDR recommends that parents who are referred to exempt programs ask the program staff about their complaint policies.
CDR provides information about providers as it is available, but does not make recommendations. The choice of Child Care is the parent’s responsibility. CDR is not responsible for arrangements between parents and providers.
Where do parents call to get information about licensed facilities (child care centers and family child care homes)?
Call Community Care Licensing at (1-844-538-8766 or call CDR’s Resource & Referral line at (805) 485-7878 Ext 1512 or Toll-Free (800) 962-5437.