California Code § 101229(a)(1): Continuous Child Supervision
📋Type A Violation🏢Affects: Child Care Centers
117
facilities cited recently
That's 1 in 357 facilities
32
counties affected
Statewide issue - not isolated
2
most common citation
Inspectors are watching for this
📈
Increasing
Last 90 days vs. previous 90 days
117 facilities (was 92)+23 facilities
What's Being Cited in Each Region Over the Past 90 Days
Based on analysis of CA facilities, here's where California Code § 101229(a)(1): Continuous Child Supervision citations are happening over the past 90 days.
Los Angeles County
14 citations
Alameda County
11 citations
San Diego County
11 citations
Santa Clara County
9 citations
Orange County
7 citations
Sacramento County
7 citations
San Bernardino County
7 citations
San Francisco County
6 citations
Contra Costa County
4 citations
Kern County
3 citations
Data updated weekly from CCLD public records. Last update: 12/15/2025
What Is California Code § 101229(a)(1): Continuous Child Supervision?
California Code § 101229(a)(1)
No child(ren) shall be left without the supervision of a teacher at any time, except as specified in Sections 101216.2(e)(1) and 101230(c)(1). Supervision shall include visual observation. NOTE: Authority cited: Section 1596.81, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 1596.72, 1596.73, 1596.81 and 1597.05, Health and Safety Code.
Why This Matters
Look, we get it - you need to pee sometimes. Plan bathroom breaks during nap time or coordinate with other staff.
See California Code § 101229(a)(1): Continuous Child Supervision Citations in Your County
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How to Avoid Continuous Child Supervision Citations
✓ Prevention Checklist
❌ Common Mistakes
- I see this violation when teachers step out 'just for a second' to grab supplies, use the bathroom, or talk to parents at pickup. Even 30 seconds counts as a violation.
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- 🎯 "YOUR facility: 551 days overdue (longer than 0% of similar facilities)"
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- 📍 "48 overdue facilities in 3-mile radius (cluster risk)"
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Continuous Child Supervision?
Continuous Child Supervision means that every child in your facility must be supervised by a qualified teacher at all times, with no exceptions except for specific bathroom privacy situations and brief transitions. Under California Code 101229(a)(1), supervision must include visual observation - you need to actually see the children, not just be nearby. This regulation exists because even 30 seconds of unsupervised time can lead to dangerous situations. It's not enough to be within earshot; you must maintain line-of-sight with all children under your care.
How common is this citation?
As of November 23, 2025, 112 facilities have been cited for Continuous Child Supervision violations in the past 90 days - that's approximately 1 in 357 California childcare facilities. These citations occurred across 30 counties, affecting 1.48% of inspected facilities. Los Angeles County had 16 citations, followed by San Diego and Alameda (10 each), Santa Clara (9), and Sacramento (8). While less common than some violations, this citation is serious because it directly relates to child safety.
What triggers this citation?
Inspectors cite this regulation when they observe or document children being left alone, even briefly. Common scenarios include: a teacher stepping out 'just for a second' to grab supplies from another room, using the bathroom without coverage, talking to parents at pickup while children are in another area, or stepping outside to take a phone call. Even 30 seconds counts as a violation. Inspectors also look for situations where staff can hear children but can't see them - being within earshot isn't enough. The only exceptions are specified bathroom privacy for older children and very brief transitions with specific protocols.
How do I avoid this citation?
Plan bathroom breaks during nap time or coordinate with other staff so someone always has eyes on the children. If you need supplies from another room, bring the children with you or wait until another teacher is available to supervise. At pickup time, position yourself where you can see both the children still in care and the parent you're speaking with. Set up your facility layout so high-traffic areas have clear sightlines to play areas. For family childcare homes with solo providers, bring children with you if you need to answer the door or retrieve something. The key is planning ahead - never assume 'it'll just take a second.'
What should I do if I get cited?
Immediately review your facility's supervision procedures with all staff. Identify the specific situations where supervision gaps occurred and create protocols to prevent them - this might include bathroom schedules, supply checklists to reduce trips away from children, or walkie-talkies for quick staff coordination. Document your new procedures in writing and train all staff on them. Submit your corrective action plan to your licensing inspector showing how you've addressed the supervision gap. Going forward, conduct regular supervision audits to ensure teachers maintain continuous visual contact with all children.