California Code § 102425(j)(2)(D): Infant Sleep Check Documentation

California Code 102425(j)(2)(D) requires childcare providers to maintain written records of 15-minute sleep checks for all infants. Each documented check must include three essential elements: the date, the infant's name, and the exact time of the check. These records must be kept in the infant's individual file and made available to licensing inspectors during facility visits. This documentation requirement exists to ensure providers are actively monitoring sleeping infants to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and sleep-related incidents.

As of November 23, 2025, 31 facilities have been cited for violating this infant sleep check documentation requirement in the past 90 days. This represents approximately 1 in 1,290 California childcare facilities (0.41% of the 7,551 facilities inspected during this period). Citations have been issued across 8 counties, with Los Angeles County accounting for the most violations (10 facilities), followed by Santa Clara County (7 facilities) and Riverside County (6 facilities). While the overall citation rate is relatively low, it remains a consistent area of compliance concern during licensing inspections.

Inspectors cite facilities for this violation when they find incomplete or missing sleep check documentation during file reviews. Common issues include: failing to document all three required elements (date, infant name, and time), having gaps in the 15-minute check intervals, not maintaining records in the infant's individual file, or being unable to produce documentation when requested by the inspector. Some providers perform the actual checks but fail to record them properly, while others use informal methods like notes on whiteboards that don't meet the permanent documentation requirement. Even one missing or incomplete entry can trigger a citation.

Create a simple, consistent system for documenting sleep checks every 15 minutes. Use a standardized form or log sheet that includes columns for the date, infant's name, and time of each check. Keep these forms in each infant's individual file, not on a general clipboard. Set a timer or use your phone to remind you to check and document every 15 minutes—it's easy to lose track during busy periods. Train all staff who care for infants on the documentation requirement, and make it part of your daily routine rather than trying to fill it out from memory later. Review your documentation weekly to catch any gaps before an inspector does.

If cited for missing sleep check documentation, immediately implement or strengthen your documentation system. Create a standardized sleep check log that includes all required elements and train all staff on proper completion. If you were performing checks but not documenting them, explain this in your Plan of Correction while acknowledging the importance of written records. Submit your corrected documentation system to licensing, including sample forms and staff training records. Going forward, conduct weekly audits of your sleep check documentation to ensure compliance. Most importantly, make documentation an immediate habit—record each check right when it happens rather than trying to reconstruct records later. Licensing will verify your corrected system during follow-up inspections.