Your daycare got cited by a state inspector. Now what? Before you panic, let's walk through what this actually means, how to evaluate the severity, and exactly what to do next.
Step 1: Don't Panic (Seriously)
Citations are more common than you might think. California's CCLD inspects every licensed daycare at least annually, and most facilities receive at least some citations over their lifetime. A citation means an inspector found something that needs fixing — not that your child is in danger.
That said, some citations are more serious than others. The next steps will help you figure out which kind you're dealing with.
Step 2: Understand What Type of Citation It Is
California uses two categories:
- Type A — involves a risk to children's health or safety. Requires immediate correction. Read our full guide to Type A citations →
- Type B — involves a licensing requirement violation that doesn't directly endanger children. Usually documentation or administrative issues.
A Type B citation for a missing posting is fundamentally different from a Type A citation for supervision issues. Know which one you're dealing with before reacting.
Step 3: Look Up the Full History
A single citation means nothing in isolation. You need context:
- Look up your daycare's full record on ReadyRule — search by name
- Check how many inspections they've had vs. how many citations
- See if this same issue has been cited before
- Look at how quickly past citations were corrected
A facility with 15 clean inspections and one recent Type B citation is in good shape. A facility with citations on every inspection needs attention.
Step 4: Talk to Your Daycare
Here's how to bring it up without being confrontational:
Good Questions to Ask
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"I saw the recent inspection report. Can you walk me through what happened?" — Open-ended, non-accusatory. Listen for transparency vs. defensiveness.
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"What changes have you made since the citation?" — Look for specific answers: "We changed our staff scheduling to ensure ratio coverage during transitions" vs. "We're working on it."
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"Has this come up on previous inspections?" — If they say no, verify on ReadyRule. If they say yes, ask what's different this time.
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"Can I see the Plan of Correction?" — Every citation requires the facility to submit a written plan explaining how they'll fix it. You have a right to see this.
Yellow Flags in Their Response
- Dismissing the citation as "no big deal" without explaining it
- Not knowing the details of their own citation
- Blaming the inspector rather than addressing the issue
- Refusing to show you the inspection report
Green Flags in Their Response
- Being transparent and specific about what happened
- Showing you the written Plan of Correction
- Explaining concrete changes they've made
- Acknowledging the issue without making excuses
Step 5: Decide What to Do
If the Citation Is Minor (Most Cases)
A single Type B citation that was quickly corrected? This is routine. No action needed beyond noting it. Continue monitoring future inspections.
If the Citation Is Moderate
A Type A citation that was corrected, or multiple Type B citations. Worth having the conversation above. Monitor the next inspection to confirm the issue was resolved. Set up alerts for your daycare's future inspections →
If the Citation Is Serious
Multiple Type A citations, repeat violations for the same issue, or your daycare's response raised yellow flags. Consider:
- Check other daycares in your area — search nearby facilities and compare records
- File a complaint if you've witnessed the cited behavior — CCLD takes parent complaints seriously
- Start exploring alternatives — begin touring other facilities while staying at your current one
If You Want to File a Complaint
If you've personally witnessed safety concerns (not just read about a citation), you can file a complaint with CCLD:
- Phone: 1-844-LET-US-NO (1-844-538-8766)
- Online: Through the CDSS website
- Complaints can be anonymous
- CCLD is required to investigate every complaint
What Happens After a Citation
Here's the standard process:
- Inspector issues citation during or after the visit
- Facility submits Plan of Correction — explaining how they'll fix it
- CCLD reviews the plan — may require modifications
- Follow-up inspection — an inspector returns to verify the fix
- Citation is cleared — or re-cited if the problem persists
Most citations are resolved within this cycle. Persistent issues can lead to probation, suspension, or license revocation — but this is rare.
Check Your Daycare's Record
Want to see the full picture? Look up your daycare's complete inspection history, including every citation, correction, and follow-up result:
Search your daycare on ReadyRule →
Did you check YOUR daycare's record? Share this tool with other parents →
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I pull my child out after a citation?
In most cases, no. A single citation — especially Type B — is routine. Consider pulling your child if there are repeated Type A citations for the same safety issue, the facility was unresponsive or dismissive, or you've personally witnessed concerning behavior.
Will the daycare know I looked up their record?
No. Inspection records are public information. Looking them up is anonymous.
How quickly are citations corrected?
Most citations are corrected within 30 days. Type A citations require immediate correction. If a citation remains uncorrected for months, that's a concern.