What is a Type A vs. Type B daycare citation?

A Type A citation is the most serious category of violation that a California daycare can receive during a licensing inspection. It indicates that the licensing analyst found a condition or practice that poses an immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Type B citations are less severe and identify situations where a provider has not met a licensing standard but the deficiency does not present an immediate danger.

Type A citations cover a wide range of serious safety failures. Common examples include a child left unsupervised, a caregiver who has not passed a required background check, hazardous materials accessible to children, or structural conditions that create an immediate physical danger such as broken fencing around a pool. When a Type A citation is issued, the provider is typically required to correct the problem immediately, sometimes before the analyst leaves the facility. Failure to correct a Type A violation can result in civil penalties starting at one hundred dollars per day per violation and may lead to license suspension or revocation.

Type B citations address situations where a licensing standard is not being met but the risk to children is not immediate. Examples include expired CPR certifications for staff, incomplete attendance records, minor maintenance issues, or food storage practices that do not fully comply with regulations. Providers cited with a Type B violation receive a specific timeline to correct the deficiency, usually ranging from a few days to several weeks depending on the nature of the issue. If the provider fails to correct a Type B violation within the required period, it may be reclassified as a Type A violation with corresponding penalties.

The distinction between Type A and Type B matters because it reflects both the severity of the issue and the urgency of the required response. A single Type A citation does not necessarily mean a facility is unsafe overall, but a pattern of Type A citations over time is a meaningful warning sign. Similarly, a provider with only occasional Type B citations and prompt corrections demonstrates a generally strong compliance record.

When evaluating a provider on DaycareNearMe, pay attention to the type and frequency of citations in their inspection history. Our platform flags Type A citations clearly so you can quickly assess the severity of any issues found at a facility.