California Code § 101216(f): CPR & First Aid Coverage

California regulation 101216(f) requires that at least one staff member trained in pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid must be physically present whenever children are in your care - whether at the center or during off-site activities like field trips. This isn't just about having someone on your payroll with these certifications; it means having that qualified person actively supervising children at all times during operating hours. The training must meet Health and Safety Code Section 1596.866 requirements, which specifies pediatric-specific CPR and first aid, not just general adult training.

As of November 23, 2025, 33 facilities have been cited for CPR & First Aid Coverage violations in the past 90 days. This represents approximately 0.44% of the 7,551 facilities inspected during this period, or roughly 1 in 229 California childcare facilities. Citations have been issued across 10 counties, with Los Angeles County accounting for the highest number (11 facilities), followed by San Bernardino County (7 facilities), and Contra Costa and Sacramento counties (3 facilities each). While this may seem like a small percentage, it's a serious violation that puts children's safety at risk.

Inspectors cite this violation when they discover no staff member with current pediatric CPR and first aid certification is present during operating hours. Common scenarios include: a certified staff member calling in sick with no backup, taking children on a field trip without bringing your certified staff member, certifications that expired without anyone noticing, or having only one certified person who steps away for lunch or breaks. Inspectors verify this during surprise visits by asking to see current certification cards and matching them against staff present that day. Even a gap of a few hours during nap time can trigger a citation - the requirement is continuous coverage whenever children are in care.

Keep a simple injury log book near your first aid kit and write down every incident while it's fresh in your memory - this is your best defense. More importantly, maintain a tracking system for all staff CPR and first aid certifications with renewal dates flagged 60 days in advance. Train at least two staff members (preferably more) so you always have backup coverage for sick days, vacations, and breaks. Post your current certified staff schedule where inspectors can easily see it. Before any field trip, confirm your certified staff member is going and document it. Consider scheduling training refreshers during your slow season so certifications don't all expire at once. Many providers set phone reminders 90 days, 60 days, and 30 days before expiration to ensure renewal happens on time.

If you receive this citation, you must immediately ensure qualified staff coverage - this may mean closing temporarily, calling in a certified staff member, or arranging emergency training. Contact approved training providers right away to schedule pediatric CPR and first aid certification; many offer expedited courses that can be completed within 1-2 days. Document when staff complete the training and submit proof of certification to your licensing worker within the timeframe specified in your Plan of Correction (typically 30 days). This is a serious Type A violation because it directly impacts children's safety in medical emergencies. If you cannot secure coverage immediately, you may need to temporarily reduce your enrolled children to match your available certified staff. Consider consulting with a licensing specialist if you're struggling to maintain consistent coverage, as repeat violations can lead to more severe penalties.