# Child Care Provider Webinar, 2026 Q1 Hosted by: CDSS Community Care Licensing (https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing) Presented by: CDSS Community Care Licensing, CDPH Nutrition and Physical Activity Branch, CDSS Technical Support Program Date: 2026-03-24 · Length: 1:04:24 Web page: https://childcare.support/t/cdss-2026-q1/ NOTE: Presented March 2026. Rules and deadlines may have changed since; check Rules & laws for the current version. ## What it is The state licensing office's March 2026 quarterly webinar: new 2025 laws, infant safe sleep rules, incidental medical services, and Farm to ECE ideas. ## 3 things to know - Physically check sleeping infants up to 24 months every 15 minutes and log each check. Home video monitors don't replace it. [presenter said at 00:53:59, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:49:29, not independently confirmed] - Nothing in the crib but the infant and an unattached pacifier: no blankets, bottles, pillows, bumper pads, swaddles or sleep sacks. [presenter said at 00:52:57, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:47:29, not independently confirmed] - Serving children with special health needs? Submit an IMS plan to licensing and keep it onsite where all staff know it. [presenter said at 00:39:48, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:38:18, not independently confirmed] ## What to do - If your license was made inactive between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025 and you want it to stay inactive, the presenter said to send a new request (form LIC 9211) so it is received by October 1, 2026. (deadline: October 1, 2026 (as said; confirm in PIN 26-02-CCP)) [presenter said at 00:21:25, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:21:59, not independently confirmed] - Ask families to review and update their emergency contacts, and tell them where to find the Attorney General's model policies (AB 495). [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=8] - Report any law enforcement request for information or access for immigration enforcement to CDSS and the Attorney General. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=8] - If you care for children who need incidental medical services, submit an IMS plan to your Licensing Program Analyst or regional office and keep it onsite. [presenter said at 00:39:48, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:38:18, not independently confirmed] - Physically check sleeping infants up to 24 months every 15 minutes and log each check. [presenter said at 00:53:59, not independently confirmed] - Renew mandated reporter training every 2 years. [presenter said at 00:59:04, not independently confirmed] ## What's new - AB 495 (effective January 1, 2026): licensed centers and homes may not collect citizenship or immigration status information, with exceptions; must report immigration enforcement requests to CDSS and the Attorney General; must ask families to update emergency contacts; and must tell families where to find the Attorney General's model policies. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=7; ✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=8] - AB 753 creates a Child Development Assistant Teacher Permit, valid up to two years and not renewable. The presenter said holders may supervise children alone for up to 120 minutes a day. [presenter said at 00:16:27, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:17:19, not independently confirmed] - SB 582: a center or home that cannot operate because of an emergency or disaster may request inactive license status. The presenter said the request is due within 90 days of the declaration and inactive status lasts up to two years unless extended. [presenter said at 00:19:29, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:20:02, not independently confirmed] - SB 582 also limits other inactive license periods. The presenter said licensees made inactive on or before December 31, 2023 had to re-request by May 1, 2026, and those made inactive from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025 must re-request by October 1, 2026. [presenter said at 00:20:45, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:21:25, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:21:59, not independently confirmed] ## Welcome and professional growth hours - This was the first quarterly statewide webinar of 2026, held March 24, 2026. [presenter said at 00:02:33, not independently confirmed] - Attendance can count toward professional growth hours for Teacher permits or other educational requirements. Zoom sends a follow-up email that certifies your presence. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=2] ## Staffing updates - New managers were named for Region 5 and for the San Diego, Orange, Fresno South, San Jose and Palmdale regional offices. Changes are posted in the online regional office directory. ## Employee transfers (PIN 26-02-CCLD) - A mass roster transfer moves everyone from one roster to another. It applies when a facility changes location or ownership or otherwise gets a new facility number. Contact your regional office to do it. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=5] - Other transfers go through your Guardian portal (sign up with form LIC 9277LUA, emailed to GuardianLoginSupport@dss.ca.gov). If you already sent the form, don't send it again. [presenter said at 00:09:12, not independently confirmed] - Or send a Clearance Transfer Request (LIC 9182) to the regional office. An exemption transfer (LIC 9188) goes to the Care Provider Management Branch. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=5] ## 2025 laws affecting child care (PIN 26-02-CCP) - PIN 26-02-CCP summarizes 2025 laws; most took effect January 1, 2026, unless noted. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=6] ## AB 495: Family Preparedness - AB 495 added Health and Safety Code section 1597.640, effective January 1, 2026. It applies to licensed centers and family child care homes and to license-exempt state preschools. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=7] - Licensed facilities and staff cannot collect citizenship or immigration status information unless required by law or to run a state or federally supported educational program. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=8] - Licensed facilities must report to CDSS and the Attorney General any request by law enforcement for information or access for immigration enforcement. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=8] - Ask families to review and update their emergency contacts. If a parent is unavailable, first follow the parent's instructions in the emergency contact information. [presenter said at 00:15:44, not independently confirmed] - The Attorney General was to publish model policies by April 1, 2026, and state preschools had to adopt them by July 1, 2026. Licensed facilities must tell families where to find them. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=8] ## AB 753: Assistant Teacher Permit - Requirements include at least 6 units in early childhood education, child development or human development; enrollment toward the next permit with a yearly education plan; a sponsoring employer with a CDE or CDSS contract; and supervision by a Teacher Permit holder. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=9] - The presenter said the permit lasts no more than two years, cannot be renewed, and will be issued only until January 1, 2029, or one year after CTC's revised permit matrix, whichever is later. [presenter said at 00:16:27, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:16:39, not independently confirmed] - Holders can make up no more than 50% of a site's classrooms, one per classroom, and may supervise children alone for up to 120 minutes a day. They are different from teacher aides under Title 22. [presenter said at 00:16:58, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:17:19, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:17:45, not independently confirmed] ## SB 582: inactive licenses - A center or home that cannot operate because of destruction, damage or prolonged closure from an emergency or disaster may request inactive license status (LIC 9211), if it plans to rebuild or reopen at the same location. [presenter said at 00:19:09, not independently confirmed] - The presenter said the request is due within 90 days of the declaration (CDSS may extend this), and disaster-related inactive status lasts up to two years unless extended. [presenter said at 00:19:29, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:19:50, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:20:02, not independently confirmed] - For other inactive licenses, the presenter said those made inactive on or before December 31, 2023 had to re-request by May 1, 2026, and those made inactive from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025 must re-request by October 1, 2026. [presenter said at 00:20:45, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:21:25, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:21:59, not independently confirmed] ## Other 2025 laws - Other laws listed for information: AB 49, AB 144, AB 435, AB 752, AB 1264, SB 19, SB 98, SB 119 and SB 568. The summaries are for information only; other requirements may also apply. [presenter said at 00:22:19, not independently confirmed] - Sign up for the CDSS distribution list to get PINs by email. [presenter said at 00:22:53, not independently confirmed] ## Farm to Early Care and Education (CDPH) - Farm to ECE has three focus areas: edible gardens, food and farming education, and local food purchasing. The speaker's advice: start small. [presenter said at 00:25:18, not independently confirmed] - Gardening: start with a few easy plants in containers, like sugar snap peas or cherry tomatoes, and use each stage of growth in lessons. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=14] - Education: story time with food books, tastings, sensory exploration, visitors and field trips (even virtual ones). - Purchasing: buy from co-ops, farmers' markets, farms or CSAs, and ask your distributor about local products. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=16] - Benefits for providers include more hands-on learning, higher meal participation and lower meal program costs. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=17] - Resources include a free self-paced Farm to ECE training in Spanish and English (with a certificate), CDFA Farm to School regional leads, and the Farmers Market Finder, which shows markets that accept EBT. [presenter said at 00:31:58, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:32:29, not independently confirmed] ## Incidental Medical Services (IMS) - IMS are medications and care that staff learn to give safely to children with disabilities or special health care needs. Licensed facilities are public accommodations and must follow disability laws such as the ADA. [presenter said at 00:37:17, not independently confirmed] - Examples: epinephrine auto-injectors, inhaled medications, blood glucose testing, insulin, gastrostomy tube feeding, anti-seizure medications. Not IMS: antibiotics, over-the-counter medicine, diaper cream, sunscreen and similar common items. [presenter said at 00:37:30, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:37:58, not independently confirmed] [current rule: AB 150 widened “epinephrine auto-injector” to include other epinephrine delivery systems the FDA approves for general use, not only auto-injectors (PIN 26-11-CCP, checked 2026-09-29).] - Best practices: written authorization and physician orders, trained staff onsite at all times, safe storage out of children's reach, documentation and family communication. Plan for taking medications along in an evacuation. See PIN 22-02-CCP. [presenter said at 00:38:45, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:39:29, not independently confirmed] ## IMS plans and emergencies - Submit an IMS plan to licensing for approval. It should cover what IMS you provide, how medication is stored, staffing and training, and how IMS continues in an evacuation. [presenter said at 00:40:05, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:39:48, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:38:18, not independently confirmed] - Keep the plan onsite where all staff know it, and report updates to your Licensing Program Analyst or regional office. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=25] - In a medical emergency: call 911, notify the authorized representative, and report an unusual incident. The presenter said to call the regional office within 24 hours and send the written report (LIC 624 or LIC 624B) within 7 days. [presenter said at 00:40:46, not independently confirmed] ## Why safe sleep rules matter - Citing the American Academy of Pediatrics, the presenter said more than 3,500 U.S. babies die suddenly and unexpectedly while sleeping each year, and about 90% of SIDS deaths happen in the first 6 months. [presenter said at 00:42:12, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:42:24, not independently confirmed] - SIDS cannot be predicted or prevented, but the risk can be reduced. CDSS publishes child care facility fatality data online. [presenter said at 00:42:30, not independently confirmed] ## Cribs and play yards - Cribs and play yards must meet Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Check cpsc.gov for recalls. [presenter said at 00:44:17, not independently confirmed] - Cribs must not block the sleeping area's entrance or exit, and nothing may hang above or be attached to them. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=28] - In centers, infants who can climb out of a crib need a floor mat or cot. [presenter said at 00:43:36, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:45:41, not independently confirmed] ## Nothing loose in the crib - Cribs must be free of loose items, including blankets, bottles and pillows. A child on a mat or cot may have a blanket and stuffed animal if it is safe. [presenter said at 00:45:29, not independently confirmed] - Don't use swings, Boppy pillows, car seats or highchairs for sleep. If an infant falls asleep elsewhere, including in a car seat, move them to a crib right away. [presenter said at 00:45:53, not independently confirmed] ## Infant care and supervision - Don't force infants to sleep, stay awake or stay in the sleeping area. Letting a child cry it out is not allowed. Place children on their backs to sleep. [presenter said at 00:47:09, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:47:04, not independently confirmed] - Infants must not be swaddled, and licensing treats a zip-up sleep sack as a swaddle. A center may use a sleep sack only with an approved exception, requested before use. [presenter said at 00:47:29, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:48:08, not independently confirmed] - Never cover an infant's head or the whole crib. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=30] ## Sleeping rooms: homes and centers - Homes: if an infant sleeps in a separate room, the door stays open. Be close enough to hear them wake, able to see them without moving the door, and on the same floor. A baby gate can keep older children out. [presenter said at 00:48:58, not independently confirmed] - Homes: a video monitor may be used but cannot replace physical checks. [presenter said at 00:49:29, not independently confirmed] - Centers: half-walls or transparent walls are allowed if constant sight and sound supervision is kept, and a separate sleeping room must meet the infant ratio. Full supervision is required at all times, including naps. [presenter said at 00:50:32, not independently confirmed] ## Furniture and bedding - Centers: one crib per infant, firm mattress with a tight-fitted sheet, no bumper pads, sheets cleaned or replaced daily and when wet or soiled. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=33] - Homes: one crib or play yard per infant, same mattress and bumper rules, sheets cleaned or replaced at least weekly and when wet or soiled. Play yards are for homes only. [presenter said at 00:52:21, not independently confirmed] - The presenter said a crib may be shared only by infants who attend on different days, with sheets changed in between. [presenter said at 00:51:20, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:51:30, not independently confirmed] ## Pacifiers - The only item allowed in the crib with an infant is a pacifier with nothing attached. One per child, never shared; wash and disinfect at least daily and label with the child's name. [presenter said at 00:52:57, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:53:32, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:53:42, not independently confirmed] ## Sleep checks and the sleep log - Check sleeping infants up to 24 months every 15 minutes by physically observing them, and document it. [presenter said at 00:53:59, not independently confirmed] - Watch for labored breathing, flushed skin, higher temperature or restlessness. If you see them, call 911 and the parent, then document. [presenter said at 00:54:23, not independently confirmed] - There is no required form, but the log must include date, infant's name, sleeping position, time of each check and initials. [presenter said at 00:54:30, not independently confirmed] ## Individual Infant Sleeping Plan (LIC 9227) - Required for every infant up to 12 months. It records whether the infant can roll over; update it when information changes, such as when the infant learns to roll. [presenter said at 00:55:34, not independently confirmed] - An infant who rolls to their side or belly may stay there if Section C is completed and signed by the authorized representative. [presenter said at 00:55:55, not independently confirmed] ## Technical Support Program - The presenter said the Technical Support Program received 302 referrals in 2025, trained 1,528 staff, and those staff care for 6,371 children. Analysts are former licensing analysts who can train your staff. [presenter said at 00:56:33, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:56:46, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:56:59, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:57:16, not independently confirmed] ## Reminders - April is Child Abuse Prevention Month; a webinar series ran every Wednesday in April. Mandated reporter training is free and must be renewed every 2 years (HSC 1596.8662(b)(1)). [presenter said at 00:59:04, not independently confirmed; presenter said at 00:58:44, not independently confirmed] - May 8, 2026 was National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=41] - Tell your Licensing Program Analyst or regional office about changes to your phone, email, location, operation or physical plant. [presenter said at 01:01:22, not independently confirmed] - 2026 statewide webinars: Tuesdays June 23, September 22 and December 8, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Registration is announced through PINs. Questions: your regional office, the Child Care Advocate Program (ChildCareAdvocatesProgram@dss.ca.gov), or (800) 543-7793. [✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=43; ✓ official source: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf#page=44] ## Sources - Official slides (English): https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/March_2026_Q1_Statewide_PP_Approved_Accessible_Translation.pdf - Official slides in Chinese (Traditional): https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/CCP%20Documents/Q1%20Child%20Care%20Webinar_Chinese-Traditional.pdf - Official slides in Spanish: https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/CCP%20Documents/Q1%20Child%20Care%20Webinar_Spanish.pdf - Official recording (YouTube): https://youtu.be/zGHtrzxuHjQ Independent notes, not an official record of any agency, host or presenter. Check official sources before acting.