California Code § 102423(a)(4): Age-Appropriate Equipment

❌ Common Mistakes

• Assuming that supervision alone makes equipment safe for younger children. Providers think if they're watching closely, a toddler can use school-age equipment. But the regulation requires equipment to be age-appropriate regardless of supervision level. Inspectors cite the equipment mismatch, not the lack of watching.
• Removing manufacturer age labels from equipment to avoid questions. This backfires because inspectors can identify age ratings by equipment design, and missing labels suggest the provider is aware of a problem and trying to hide it.
• Not separating outdoor play areas when serving mixed age groups. Providers with one shared yard let all ages play everywhere. Without physical barriers or designated zones, younger children naturally gravitate to larger, more exciting equipment that isn't designed for them.
• Accepting donated or secondhand equipment without checking age ratings. Providers appreciate the cost savings but install structures without verifying the intended age range. Equipment designed for school playgrounds often has features like high platforms and wide spacing between bars that create fall and entrapment hazards for children under 5.