California childcare providers are in a unique position to protect children against harm.
This is why childcare and daycare workers are considered mandated reporters in California. To equip them for this duty, California Assembly Bill 1207 (AB 1207) was passed to ensure that licensed child day care providers, administrators, and employees are fully trained to recognize and report suspected child abuse or neglect.
What is CA AB1207?
California AB 1207 is a law that requires all licensed child day care providers, administrators, and employees to complete child abuse and neglect mandated reporter training. This law is part of a broader effort to enhance child safety through early recognition and reporting of abuse.
The law was passed in 2015 and became effective on January 1, 2018. It was enacted as an amendment to the California Child Day Care Facilities Act and the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.
AB 1207 added specific training requirements as a condition of licensure and employment in licensed child day care facilities.
AB 1207 requires mandated reporter training for childcare workers. Similarly, CA AB 1432 requires mandated reporter training for teachers and school personnel. Learn more about AB 1432.
Who Needs AB 1207 Mandated Reporter Training?
AB 1207 applies to the following individuals working in licensed child day care settings, including:
- Child day care facility licensees
- Administrators of licensed facilities
- Employees who have direct contact with children
Whether you run a family day care home or are employed at a larger child care center in California, you are required to complete AB 1207-compliant mandated reporter training.
What Does AB 1207 Training Cover?
Mandated Reporter Training of Child Abuse and Neglect for Child Care Providers (AB 1207 training) is specifically designed for child and day care professionals.
The training covers:
- The role of child care providers in preventing abuse and neglect
- Different types of child abuse and neglect and how to recognize them
- Laws and protections for children with disabilities
- How to report suspected or known child abuse
- The timeline of events that follow a report
Start your AB 1207 training here.
When Must AB 1207 Training Be Completed?
AB 1207 set clear timelines and renewal periods for child care workers who must take the required training.
- New licensees: Must complete training before receiving licensure
- New employees or administrators: Must complete training within the first 90 days of employment
- All providers: Must renew mandated reporter training every two years
The licensee must maintain proof of training completion and make it available upon inspection.
What Happens If a Provider Doesn’t Complete the Training?
AB 1207 violations are considered serious licensing violations. Noncompliance with AB 1207 requirements can lead to serious consequences:
- CDSS may issue a notice of deficiency during a site visit
- The provider must submit a plan of correction within 45 days
- Continued noncompliance may result in license revocation
Why Mandated Reporter Training is Important for Child Care Providers
Even if AB 1207 didn’t make training mandatory, child care providers would still benefit from this important training.
Early childhood educators are often in the best position to notice signs of child abuse. AB 1207 ensures that all licensed professionals working in child care settings are equipped with the tools and knowledge to recognize, report, and prevent child abuse and neglect.
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