California Child Care Violations

All providers and staff must complete mandated reporter training and renew it every two years.

246 facilities cited

Children must have direct visual supervision from a qualified teacher at all times.

104 facilities cited

Licensees and staff must complete pediatric CPR and first aid training.

81 facilities cited

Employees and volunteers must be immunized against flu, pertussis, and measles before working.

73 facilities cited

All staff must obtain criminal record clearance before starting work with children.

63 facilities cited

Family daycare employees and volunteers must be immunized against flu, pertussis, and measles.

50 facilities cited

Store poisons, cleaners, and medicines where children cannot access them.

48 facilities cited

Conduct and document fire and disaster drills at least once every six months.

47 facilities cited

Maintain an up-to-date roster of all children in your care, readily accessible at all times.

44 facilities cited

Keep your center clean, safe, sanitary, and in good repair every single day.

38 facilities cited

Maintain emergency cards for each child with parent contact, physician info, and medical authorization.

35 facilities cited

Screen fireplaces and open heaters from children. Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector in your home.

34 facilities cited

Verify staff health with screening and TB test within required timeframe.

31 facilities cited

You must be present to supervise children. Temporary absences require a qualified substitute and can't exceed 20% of daily hours.

27 facilities cited

Treat every child with dignity and respect in all personal interactions with staff.

26 facilities cited

Test your drinking water for lead every five years if your building was built before 2010.

24 facilities cited

Maintain proof of immunizations or exemptions in every staff member's personnel file.

22 facilities cited

You must have at least one CPR and pediatric first aid trained staff member present at all times.

20 facilities cited

Get a signed affidavit from every parent acknowledging your home's liability insurance status.

18 facilities cited

You need approval before converting any off-limits area into space where children will be supervised.

18 facilities cited

Have parents sign the LIC 995A form acknowledging they received their rights and background check information.

16 facilities cited

You must notify licensing within 10 days when your center director or designated backup changes.

14 facilities cited

Maintain a roster with each child's name, parent contact info, and physician details. Share it with licensing on request.

14 facilities cited

Maintain a ratio of one teacher supervising no more than 12 children at any time.

14 facilities cited

You must report serious incidents by phone within one business day and in writing within seven days.

14 facilities cited

You can care for 12 children max, with no more than 4 infants. Inspectors count and verify during visits.

13 facilities cited

Keep a signed health screening report on file for every person working at your center.

11 facilities cited

Maintain one teacher for every four infants in attendance. This ratio is non-negotiable during inspections.

10 facilities cited

Fence or barricade all stairs when children under five are in your care.

10 facilities cited

Staff must keep every infant in direct visual sight at all times. No unattended moments allowed.

10 facilities cited

Baby walkers are not allowed anywhere on your family child care home premises. Remove them entirely.

9 facilities cited

Aides must work only under the direct supervision of a qualified teacher at all times.

8 facilities cited

Your teachers need 12 college units in ECE or child development plus six months of hands-on experience.

8 facilities cited

Physically check and document sleeping infants every 15 minutes for breathing and distress signs.

8 facilities cited

Provide new parents with copies of citation-related licensing reports from the past 12 months.

7 facilities cited

Log every 15-minute infant check with the date, time, infant's name, and your initials. Keep it in their file.

7 facilities cited

You must have a qualified substitute director on-site whenever your director is absent. Cited at 5 facilities.

7 facilities cited

Get written approval from the child's authorized representative before giving any prescription medication. Keep it in their file.

7 facilities cited

Caring for 13-14 children requires meeting specific Health and Safety Code criteria. Confirm eligibility first.

7 facilities cited

Every child must be treated with dignity in their interactions with staff and others.

6 facilities cited

Your center must have at least one director. This applies to both combination centers and single-license centers.

6 facilities cited

Fingerprint and clear all staff, residents, and regular visitors before their first day. No clearance, no presence in your facility.

5 facilities cited

Teachers need at least six semester units of early childhood education or a Child Development Permit.

5 facilities cited

Conduct harmful to children's health or safety can trigger license revocation or suspension.

5 facilities cited

Use teacher aides at 1 teacher plus 1 aide per 15 children. The teacher must be qualified and actively supervising.

3 facilities cited

Keep written records of all medications given and notify parents daily when their child receives any medication.

3 facilities cited

You must provide parents with three specific licensing forms (LIC 995A, 995E, 9212) at enrollment.

3 facilities cited

Your pool fence must be 5+ feet tall with a self-closing, self-latching gate that swings away from the pool.

3 facilities cited

Wash and disinfect all surfaces in the diaper changing area after every change, no shortcuts.

3 facilities cited

You need at least 3 course units specific to infant care, like pediatric nursing or postnatal care.

3 facilities cited

Hire enough qualified staff to meet every child's needs at all times. Understaffing puts your license at risk.

2 facilities cited

Keep first aid supplies accessible to staff but out of children's reach. Location and contents both matter.

2 facilities cited

Your school-age child care center must have a designated director at all times. This role cannot be left vacant.

2 facilities cited

Infant care teachers must complete 6 college units (3 in ECE, 3 in infant care) before you can hire them.

2 facilities cited

Directors must complete at least three semester units specifically related to infant care.

2 facilities cited

A teacher supervises no more than 14 children solo, or 28 with an aide. Know your numbers.

2 facilities cited

Move any infant who falls asleep outside their crib to a safe sleep environment as soon as possible.

2 facilities cited

Children must be free from corporal punishment, humiliation, and punitive actions.

56 facilities cited

Document and maintain each child's immunization records for the entire time they're enrolled.

33 facilities cited

Provide safe, comfortable furnishings and equipment that actually meet each child's needs.

27 facilities cited

Report unusual incidents or unexplained absences that threaten a child's physical or emotional safety.

26 facilities cited

Your kitchen must meet commercial food preparation standards set by the health department.

26 facilities cited

You must provide safe, healthful, and comfortable furnishings and equipment for every child in your care.

23 facilities cited

Update each child's immunization form (PM 286) when new vaccines are due after enrollment.

21 facilities cited

You must stay within the exact capacity and conditions listed on your license. No exceptions.

20 facilities cited

Label every medication with the child's name and date. This applies to both prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

17 facilities cited

Never exceed the maximum number of children listed on your license. Inspectors verify headcounts during visits.

16 facilities cited

Your playground equipment must be age-appropriate for the children actually using it.

15 facilities cited

You must provide whatever level of care and supervision each child needs to be safe and healthy.

14 facilities cited

Administer prescription medications exactly according to label directions as prescribed by the child's physician. No exceptions.

10 facilities cited

You must keep all staff personnel records at the home and ready for CCLD review at any time.

9 facilities cited

Keep your home clean, orderly, and properly heated and ventilated for children's safety.

8 facilities cited

Keep your toddler program in areas physically separate from older and younger children. Shared outdoor time needs Department approval.

6 facilities cited

Keep original, unaltered labels on all containers. Never remove or cover manufacturer labeling.

6 facilities cited

You must report any child injury that requires professional medical treatment to the Department.

6 facilities cited

Swaddling infants is not allowed in your care, even at a parent's request. No exceptions to this safe sleep rule.

5 facilities cited

Keep a Coast Guard-approved life ring (17-inch minimum diameter) near your pool at all times.

4 facilities cited

Post your license in a visible, publicly accessible spot. Parents and visitors should see it without asking.

3 facilities cited

Notify parents immediately when a child gets sick or injured beyond a minor cut or scratch.

3 facilities cited

Report unusual behavior, injuries, or illness signs to parents and record them in the child's file. Both steps are required.

3 facilities cited

Get emergency medical treatment for a child without delay if you can't reach their authorized contacts.

2 facilities cited

Keep cribs and play yards clear of loose blankets, toys, and objects during sleep time.

38 facilities cited

Verify children are properly immunized before you admit them to your family day care home.

32 facilities cited

Without an assistant, your large family home must follow small family home capacity rules.

28 facilities cited

Provide developmentally appropriate activities suited to each child's age and needs.

16 facilities cited

You must store cleaners, poisons, and other dangerous items where children cannot access them.

16 facilities cited

Get a written medical assessment for every child before or within 30 days of enrollment.

14 facilities cited

Document and maintain each child's immunization records for as long as they're enrolled at your center.

11 facilities cited

Keep all staff personnel records for at least three years after they leave your program.

9 facilities cited

The person who brings the child signs in; the person who picks up signs out. No signing for others.

9 facilities cited

Maintain complete personnel files for every employee with all required documentation.

9 facilities cited

Notify the Department before any construction or alterations to your facility. Even small changes need prior approval.

7 facilities cited

Large Family Child Care Homes max out at 14 children total. Exceeding this violates your license terms.

6 facilities cited

You must report deaths, serious injuries, and other specified events to the Department promptly when they occur in your home.

6 facilities cited

All adults in the home during child care hours need a current TB test, dated within one year prior to starting.

6 facilities cited

You cannot swaddle infants while they are in your care. This applies to all licensed child care settings in California.

5 facilities cited

Follow every term in your admission agreements. Inspectors verify you deliver what you promised parents.

4 facilities cited

One teacher may watch 24 napping children if remaining required staff are immediately available at the center.

4 facilities cited

Children must be fully immunized before admission. You need documented proof on file for every child in your care.

4 facilities cited

Remove all blankets, pillows, and loose objects from cribs. Nothing goes in except the baby.

4 facilities cited

Keep photocopies of each teacher's Child Development Permit or transcripts on file at your center.

4 facilities cited

Change each infant's clothing and diapers as often as needed to keep them clean and dry at all times.

3 facilities cited

Label all bottles, dishes, and food containers from home with the child's name and date.

3 facilities cited

You must have tuberculosis test results on file for every child in your care.

3 facilities cited

Your outdoor play area must have a fence at least four feet high to keep children safe and contained.

3 facilities cited

Lock up cleaning agents and combustibles away from food supplies and out of children's reach.

2 facilities cited

Log every 15-minute sleep check with date, name, and time in each infant's file.

27 facilities cited

You must provide a valid mailing address to receive Department communications for your background check.

19 facilities cited

Maintain the signed parent notice form in each child's file. Inspectors will ask to see it.

13 facilities cited

Keep a current copy of each child's emergency information card in their record.

13 facilities cited

You must provide and maintain a valid mailing address for all licensing communications.

11 facilities cited

Keep up-to-date personnel records on the licensee, administrator, and every employee.

11 facilities cited

Update each infant's written needs and services plan quarterly or whenever their needs change.

10 facilities cited

Use full legal signatures and record exact times when signing children in or out. Initials won't cut it.

9 facilities cited

Serious incidents you report to CCLD must also be reported to the child's parents or guardians.

7 facilities cited

Give each authorized representative a copy of the Personal Rights form (LIC 613A) so families know their children's rights.

6 facilities cited

Report epidemic outbreaks or unusual illness patterns to licensing immediately to prevent spread.

6 facilities cited

Notify the licensing agency of any changes to information you provided in your original application.

6 facilities cited

Obtain a California criminal record clearance or exemption before having contact with children in your care.

6 facilities cited

Report required incidents to the Department by phone or fax within the next business day, 8am to 5pm.

4 facilities cited

Report any suspected physical or psychological abuse of a child to the Department, in addition to your CPS obligations.

4 facilities cited

You must have names, addresses, and phone numbers for each child's authorized rep and backup contacts.

3 facilities cited

Never serve a child any food their records show they're allergic to. Check allergy records before every meal.

3 facilities cited

Keep documentation of criminal record clearances or exemptions for all fingerprinted volunteers.

3 facilities cited

Make all children's records available for inspector review during business hours. Records must be on-site and ready for copying.

2 facilities cited

You must safeguard the confidentiality of every child's records. Limit access and store files securely.

2 facilities cited

Transfer an existing criminal record clearance to your facility instead of restarting the process from scratch.

2 facilities cited

Complete an Individual Infant Sleeping Plan for each baby under 12 months in your care.

39 facilities cited

Your center must have carbon monoxide detectors that meet state standards. Inspectors will verify them.

16 facilities cited

Maintain a separate, complete, and up-to-date record for each child at your center.

13 facilities cited

You must keep your center free of insects and rodents in all areas where children play and learn.

9 facilities cited

Notify the Department in writing before any construction that reduces your activity space.

7 facilities cited

Keep your infant activity area physically separate from spaces used by older children in the center.

6 facilities cited

Give new enrolling parents a summary of any revocation accusation from the past 12 months. Keep signed receipts on file.

5 facilities cited

Inspect pool safety features and equipment daily before opening. Maintain a log for CCLD review.

5 facilities cited

Post the PUB 393 Parents' Rights poster in a visible, public area of your center at all times.

5 facilities cited

Keep outdoor activity areas free of hazards. Store cleaning supplies and dangerous materials out of children's reach.

5 facilities cited

Keep all toilets and handwashing areas in safe, sanitary working condition. Provide adaptive aids as needed.

5 facilities cited

Family daycare homes with in-ground pools must comply with all California pool safety requirements.

5 facilities cited

Store each child's bedding separately so no used linens touch another child's. Label and wash regularly.

5 facilities cited

Install shock-absorbing material under and around swings, slides, and climbing equipment. Required for licensure.

4 facilities cited

Provide clean drinking water indoors and outdoors at all times. Use non-contaminating fixtures or containers.

4 facilities cited

Provide at least 35 square feet of indoor activity space per child based on your licensed capacity.

4 facilities cited

Keep all waste containers covered with tight-fitting lids. They must be leakproof, rodent-proof, and in good repair.

3 facilities cited

Make all pools, hot tubs, spas, and water features inaccessible with covers or fencing.

3 facilities cited

Place your diaper changing area within arm's reach of a sink while in use. No exceptions.

3 facilities cited

You must keep room temperatures between 68°F and 85°F in all spaces where children spend time.

3 facilities cited

You must provide a shaded rest area in your outdoor space where children can take a break from the sun.

2 facilities cited

Your hot water must auto-regulate between 105°F and 120°F at any fixture children use.

2 facilities cited

You must display your license number in all ads, flyers, and online listings meant to attract clients.

2 facilities cited

Keep all equipment free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. Fix or remove damaged items immediately.

2 facilities cited

Document your infant sleep monitoring procedures and keep records available for inspection.

37 facilities cited

Physically check on sleeping infants every 15 minutes. Get close enough to confirm each child is breathing.

28 facilities cited

Keep all furniture and equipment in good condition, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts.

12 facilities cited

Keep the door open at all times when an infant sleeps in a separate room from the provider.

10 facilities cited

Provide safe, age-appropriate toys and play equipment. Check regularly for hazards.

9 facilities cited

Provide a separate crib or play yard for each infant who cannot climb out. No sharing allowed.

9 facilities cited

Move any infant who falls asleep outside a crib into a crib or play yard as soon as possible.

7 facilities cited

Complete an Individual Infant Sleeping Plan (LIC 9227) for every infant up to 12 months old.

5 facilities cited

Use firm mattresses with tight-fitting sheets that can't be pulled loose by infants.

3 facilities cited

School-age children must have indoor space physically separate from infant care and younger child care areas.

3 facilities cited

All play equipment and materials must match the ages of the children in your care.

3 facilities cited

Keep your outdoor area free of holes, broken glass, debris, and fire hazards like dry grass.

16 facilities cited

You need a signed consent form for emergency medical treatment in each child's file.

13 facilities cited

Run disaster drills at least every six months to keep staff and children prepared.

7 facilities cited

Your fire clearance must be requested through and maintained by the state licensing department.

2 facilities cited

Serve meals that meet federal nutrition standards for each age group. Food must be safely stored, prepared, and served.

13 facilities cited

Protect all food from contamination. If food is contaminated, discard it right away. No exceptions.

5 facilities cited

Post written menus one week in advance and keep dated copies on file for 30 days for parent and Department review.

3 facilities cited

Feed each infant according to their individual plan. Follow parent-provided schedules and dietary needs.

2 facilities cited

Water lead levels at 5.5 ppb or above require immediate action at your facility.

8 facilities cited

Keep all vehicles used to transport children in safe operating condition. Maintenance matters.

2 facilities cited