California Code § 102423(a)(2): Safe Accommodations

❌ Common Mistakes

• Continuing to use furniture with minor damage that gradually becomes a safety hazard. Providers see a small tear in a nap mat and plan to replace it 'next month,' but inspectors cite it the day they find it because exposed foam is unsanitary and a choking risk for younger children.
• Accepting donated furniture or equipment without verifying it meets current safety standards. Providers appreciate the cost savings, but older cribs, playpens, and highchairs may have been recalled. Inspectors check model numbers against recall databases.
• Overcrowding rooms with too much furniture, reducing safe movement space. Providers add extra tables or shelving to accommodate more activities, creating pinch points and trip hazards that inspectors measure and document.
• Neglecting to inspect equipment regularly for loose screws, worn parts, or broken components. Providers assume equipment stays safe after initial setup, but daily use by children loosens hardware quickly. Inspectors wiggle shelves, pull on handles, and test latches.
• Using adult-sized furniture in children's areas without proper adaptation. Standard folding chairs or office desks in a classroom signal that furnishings aren't designed for children's safety and comfort, which is exactly what this regulation targets.