Ranked by how often the rule shows up on real inspections. Rule #1 is the rule that gets the most facilities written up. Plain-language summary, official text, and the kind of evidence that satisfies it — pulled from Title 22 Division 12 Chapter 1 (CA Department of Social Services (DSS)).
| Rank | Rule | Plain summary | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |
1596.8662(b)(1)
|
Staff must obtain criminal record clearance through Community Care Licensing before having contact with children. Employees with denied or pending clearance cannot be present. | high |
| #2 |
101229(a)(1)
|
Each prescription and over-the-counter medication must be in its original labeled container, stored properly, and administered only per centralized written procedures. | high |
| #3 |
1596.7995(a)(1)
|
Lifelong sex offender registrants and persons subject to criminal record exemption denial cannot be present at the facility while children are in care. | high |
| #4 |
1597.16(a)(1)
|
Licensee must allow Community Care Licensing inspectors unrestricted access to the facility, records, and children at any time during operating hours. | high |
| #5 |
101238(a)
|
Buildings, grounds, and equipment must be kept clean, safe, sanitary, and in good repair. Hazards must be promptly corrected. | medium-high |
| #6 |
101223(a)(3)
|
Staff must follow written health-and-safety procedures for hand-washing, diapering, food-handling, and disease prevention. Procedures must be implemented in daily practice. | medium-high |
| #7 |
101223(a)(2)
|
Daily health screening of each child at arrival, and prompt isolation/parent notification if a child shows signs of illness during the day. | medium-high |
| #8 |
101700.3(b)(1)
|
Infant centers must maintain a teacher-to-infant ratio of one teacher for every four infants at all times when infants are present. | high |
| #9 |
101216(g)(1)
|
Each child has the right to be free from corporal or unusual punishment, humiliation, mental abuse, and unnecessary restraint. | high |
| #10 |
101216(f)
|
The Personal Rights of Children notice (LIC 613A) must be posted in a conspicuous, accessible location and provided to each parent at admission. | medium |
| #11 |
101161(a)
|
Each licensed center must operate in accordance with the written Plan of Operation submitted to and approved by Community Care Licensing. | medium |
| #12 |
101223(a)(1)
|
Center must have written health-and-safety policies that are followed in practice and reviewed periodically. | medium |