3A:52-2.1(b) · A person applying for an initial license or renewal license to operate a center or relocation of a center shall submit a completed application to the Office of Licensing at least 45 days prior to the anticipated opening of the center or to the expiration of its existing regular license.

Complete and submit a DCF Renewal Attestation and all required documents.

Corrected Corrected by Oct 31, 2024

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.10(a)(2) · As a condition of securing a new or renewal license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall provide for himself or herself, and shall obtain from all staff members who are or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis, written consent for the Department to conduct a Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) background check to determine whether an incident of child abuse or neglect has been substantiated against any such person. If a staff member refused to conset to a CARI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediation terminate the staff member's employment at the center.

Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 23, 2024

Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.10(b)(1) · When the center applies for a new or renewal license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall submit to the Department the completed CARI consent forms for all staff members who are or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis. Within two weeks after a new staff member begins working at the center, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall submit to the Department a completed CARI consent form for the new staff member.

Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 23, 2024

Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.5(b)(2)(ii) · The director shall have the authority and responsibility for the implementation of policies and procedures for the day-to-day operation of the center, including maintenance of children's daily attendance records, including the daily time of arrival and departure.

Complete and maintain at the center daily time sheets for children with arrival and departure times.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 7, 2025

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.5(b)(2)(i) · The director shall have the authority and responsibility for the implementation of policies and procedures for the day-to-day operation of the center, including maintenance of staff attendance records indicating daily hours worked.

Complete and maintain at the center daily time sheets for staff with arrival and departure times.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 7, 2025

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.6(a) · The center shall maintain on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by the Office of Licensing, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(b), indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the applicable staff education and experience, as specified in 3A:52-4.6(b) through (d).

Provide documentation for staff physical and Mantouc test results as documented on the staff records checklist. 1/7/2025 Provide documents for 1 named staff. 1/9/2025 Named staff no longer employed at the center.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 9, 2025

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.8(b) · Orientation training as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) may be included for six of the required hours of staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(c) and (d).

Ensure that all staff complete orientation training which may be included for six of the required annual training hours.

Corrected Corrected by Oct 31, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(a)(2) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair.

Ensure that all surfaces including flooring, carpeting and ceiling tiles are kept clean and in good repair.

Corrected Corrected by Oct 31, 2024

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(i) · Environmental condition precautions are as follows: at the time of the initial application, any renewal application, relocation of an existing licensed center and, in the discretion of the Office of Licensing, any other time, the applicant or facility operator shall certify in writing that the center provides a potable water supply provided by a public community water system. If the facility is supplied by a public community water system, the applicant or facility operator shall provide documentation of water testing conducted by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protection for water testing for lead and copper from all faucets and other sources used for drinking water or food preparation and at least 50 percent of all indoor water faucets utilized by the center.

Complete and submit a DCF Drinking Water Testing Checklist and Statement of Assurance and a copy of the center's water testing completed by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Corrected Corrected by Oct 31, 2024

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(l)(4) · Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall conduct two lockdown drills per year and maintain on file a record of each lockdown drill. The center shall ensure that lockdown drills are conducted during each session provided at the center.

Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually. Ensure children and staff participate in the drills.

Corrected Corrected by Oct 31, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-7.3(a)(2)(i) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: for each child not enrolled in a public or private school, upon admission, the center shall maintain on file at the center a Universal Child Health Record (Department of Health Form CH-14) or its equivalent, updated annually, along with an immunization record, and a special care plan, if applicable. A 30-day grace period is permitted in N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.5(e) for children coming from other states or countries in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.6 and 4.7.

Ensure that all children submit a Universal Health Record upon admission to the center unless a 30 day grace period is permitted as indicated in the manual.

Corrected Corrected by Oct 31, 2024

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) · The schedule for disinfecting shall be as follows: tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal.

Ensure that the center washes and disinfects the tables used by the children for eating before each meal.

Corrected Corrected by Oct 31, 2024

Category: nutrition. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.11(b)(2) · When the center applies for a new license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that each staff member at least 18 years of age who is or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis completes the CHRI fingerprinting process specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a). Until the center receives the results of the CHRI background check for a new staff member from the Department of Human Services, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that the person is not alone to supervise a child or group of children.

Ensure that all staff who do not have a completed CHRI background check are directly supervised by another cleared staff member.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 24, 2024

Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(a)(2) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair.

Sand and paint the rusted bathroom stall dividers throughout the center.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 29, 2024

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.3(b) · There shall be a minimum of two staff members accompanying children on any field trip, outing, or special event involving children away from the center, even when the appropriate staff/child ratios allow fewer than two staff members.

Ensure that a minimum of 2 staff are present at the center as required.

Corrected Corrected by Jun 21, 2023

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.6(a) · The center shall maintain on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by the Office of Licensing, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(b), indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the applicable staff education and experience, as specified in 3A:52-4.6(b) through (d).

Ensure that the center completes and maintains on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 22, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.5(b)(2)(ii) · The director shall have the authority and responsibility for the implementation of policies and procedures for the day-to-day operation of the center, including maintenance of children's daily attendance records, including the daily time of arrival and departure.

Ensure that the center maintains daily time sheets for the children that indicate the children's arrival and departure times.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 29, 2024

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.5(e)(7)(i) · For early childhood programs for centers using a consulting head teacher, the consulting head teacher shall make at least two on-site visits to the center per month, for a sufficient length of time to conduct staff development, observe the center's program, and ensure that the provisions specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(e)1 are met.

Ensure that the consulting head teacher makes at least two on-site visits to the center per month and is able to observe the center's program and provide staff development as required.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 22, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.5(b)(2)(i) · The director shall have the authority and responsibility for the implementation of policies and procedures for the day-to-day operation of the center, including maintenance of staff attendance records indicating daily hours worked.

Ensure that the center maintains daily time sheets for staff that indicate the hours the staff worked at the center.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 22, 2024

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.11(a)(1) · As a condition of securing a license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) fingerprint background check is completed for himself or herself, and for all staff members at least 18 years of age who are or will be working at the center on a regularly- scheduled basis, to determine whether any such person has been convicted of a crime, as specified in P.L. 2000, c. 77 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-6.10 to 6.17). The sponsor or sponsor representative and each staff member shall complete the electronic fingerprinting process through the vendor authorized by the State to conduct CHRI background checks through the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Ensure that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 22, 2024

Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.10(a)(1) · The sponsor or sponsor representative, and each staff member shall complete a signed consent form provided by the Department that indicates the identifying information necessary to conduct a CARI background check, including the person’s name, address, date of birth, sex, race, and Social Security number. Pursuant to the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579), the Department shall advise each such person that the disclosure of his or her Social Security number is voluntary, and that the Social Security number will only be used for the purpose of conducting a CARI background check.

Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for all staff within two weeks of hire.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 22, 2024

Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-7.8(a)(4)(i) · Handwashing requirements are as follows: staff members shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately before preparing or serving food.

Ensure that staff wash their hands immediately before preparing or serving food.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 22, 2024

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-7.5(b)(10) · The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: the center shall store prescribed epinephrine pens in their original boxes with the child’s name and prescription. A special care plan or other documentation from a health care provider shall accompany the epinephrine pen. If two epinephrine pens are required, both shall be available. Each center under the jurisdiction of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5 shall store back-up epinephrine pens on site consistent with the requirements stated at N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5.e(1).

Ensure that all Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan and that two are present when required. 9/11/2023 Children with EPI Pens no longer attend the center.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 11, 2023

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-7.7(a)(1)(i) · Disinfectants shall be used as follows: the center shall disinfect those items specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)3 with a solution that shall be a commercially prepared disinfectant that indicates it kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This solution shall be used in accordance with label instructions.

Ensure that the center washes and disinfects surfaces as required, with a commercially prepared disinfectant used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 22, 2024

Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-7.7(a)(2) · All areas to be disinfected shall first be washed with soap and water.

Ensure that all surfaces are cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfecting.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 22, 2024

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(i)(1) · The schedule for disinfecting shall be as follows: the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use, washcloths made of fabric, when used for cleaning children.

Ensure that that center washes and disinfects fabric washcloths used for cleaning after each use.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 11, 2023

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(n)(1) · Fire prevention requirements are as follows: the center shall conduct fire drills at least once a month, as specified in the NJUFC. The center shall ensure that fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center and that one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time, if applicable.

Ensure that the center conducts fire drills at least once per month during each session provided at the center, including one fire drill annually that is conducted during nap time.

Corrected Corrected by Jun 21, 2023

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(l)(4) · Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall conduct two lockdown drills per year and maintain on file a record of each lockdown drill. The center shall ensure that lockdown drills are conducted during each session provided at the center.

Ensure that the center conducts at least two lockdown drills per year during each session provided at the center and maintains records of the drills on file.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 22, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.11(b)(2) · When the center applies for a new license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that each staff member at least 18 years of age who is or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis completes the CHRI fingerprinting process specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a). Until the center receives the results of the CHRI background check for a new staff member from the Department of Human Services, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that the person is not alone to supervise a child or group of children.

Ensure that all staff who do not have a completed CHRI background check are directly supervised by another staff member.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 11, 2023

Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(i)(8) · Environmental condition precautions are as follows: at the time of the initial application, any renewal application, relocation of an existing licensed center, and, as determined by the Office of Licensing, on a case-by-case basis, the facility operator shall submit to the Office of Licensing a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the Department of Health that indicates that no further remediation is needed for the interior of the building in which the center is located.

Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 29, 2024

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(a)(2) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair.

Ensure that all ceiling tiles are kept clean and in good repair.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 29, 2024

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.6(b)(1) · The director shall meet the following qualification requirements for early childhood programs licensed to serve more than 30 children, the director shall meet the qualification requirements as specified in N.J.A.C 3A:52-4.6(b) for education and experience.

Ensure that the director meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 29, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.5(a)(3)(i)(1) · The sponsor or sponsor representative shall designate individuals with the authority and responsibility to develop and implement written policies and procedures for the operation of the center, including a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility and communication.

Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility and communication.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 5, 2022

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-7.8(a)(4)(i) · Handwashing requirements are as follows: staff members shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately before preparing or serving food.

Ensure that staff wash their hands immediately before preparing or serving food.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 5, 2022

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.10(b)(1) · When the center applies for a new or renewal license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall submit to the Department the completed CARI consent forms for all staff members who are or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis. Within two weeks after a new staff member begins working at the center, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall submit to the Department a completed CARI consent form for the new staff member.

Ensure that all staff submit a CARI background check upon renewal.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 5, 2022

Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.11(a)(1) · As a condition of securing a license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) fingerprint background check is completed for himself or herself, and for all staff members at least 18 years of age who are or will be working at the center on a regularly- scheduled basis, to determine whether any such person has been convicted of a crime, as specified in P.L. 2000, c. 77 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-6.10 to 6.17). The sponsor or sponsor representative and each staff member shall complete the electronic fingerprinting process through the vendor authorized by the State to conduct CHRI background checks through the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Ensure that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 5, 2022

Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.5(a)(3)(i)(2) · The sponsor or sponsor representative shall designate individuals with the authority and responsibility to develop and implement written policies and procedures for the operation of the center, including job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff.

Ensure that the center has a table of organization that includes job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 23, 2022

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.6(a) · The center shall maintain on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by the Office of Licensing, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(b), indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the applicable staff education and experience, as specified in 3A:52-4.6(b) through (d).

Ensure that the center completes and maintains on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 5, 2022

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.2(a)(5) · The center shall be permitted to obtain a valid fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, and submit a copy of the certificate to the Office of Licensing in lieu of a CO or CCO, if the center serves only children 2 ½ years of age or older and is located in a public school building that is used as a public school.

Ensure that the emergency exit doors are easily operable. Secure the panic bar on the exit door leading outside.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 16, 2021

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.2(a)(8) · The center shall obtain a Life Hazard Use Registration certificate applicable to the center’s licensed capacity and ages served pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq. The center shall post this document in a prominent location within the center.

Provide a current life/hazard use registration certificate applicable to the center's licensed capacity and ages served.

Corrected Corrected by Jul 27, 2022

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(a)(2) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair.

Ensure that all ceiling tiles are kept clean and in good repair.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 2, 2022

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(b)(6) · Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: centers that provide outdoor space shall maintain all fencing in proper condition.

Ensure that the fence surrounding the outdoor play area is maintained in good condition. Secure gate to ensure children cannot access backyard of the house next-door.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 16, 2021

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(i) · Environmental condition precautions are as follows: at the time of the initial application, any renewal application, relocation of an existing licensed center and, in the discretion of the Office of Licensing, any other time, the applicant or facility operator shall certify in writing that the center provides a potable water supply provided by a public community water system. If the facility is supplied by a public community water system, the applicant or facility operator shall provide documentation of water testing conducted by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protection for water testing for lead and copper from all faucets and other sources used for drinking water or food preparation and at least 50 percent of all indoor water faucets utilized by the center.

Complete and submit a DCF Drinking Water Testing Statement of Assurance and a copy of the center's water testing completed by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 16, 2021

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(i)(8) · Environmental condition precautions are as follows: at the time of the initial application, any renewal application, relocation of an existing licensed center, and, as determined by the Office of Licensing, on a case-by-case basis, the facility operator shall submit to the Office of Licensing a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the Department of Health that indicates that no further remediation is needed for the interior of the building in which the center is located.

Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 20, 2022

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(n)(1) · Fire prevention requirements are as follows: the center shall conduct fire drills at least once a month, as specified in the NJUFC. The center shall ensure that fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center and that one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time, if applicable.

Ensure that the center conducts fire drills at least once per month during each session provided at the center, including one fire drill annually that is conducted during nap time.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 2, 2022

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(o)(1) · First aid requirements are as follows: at least two staff members who have current certified basic knowledge of first aid principles and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as defined by a recognized health organization (such as the American Red Cross), shall be in the center at all times when enrolled children are present.

Ensure that at least two staff have current first aid and CPR certifications and are present at all times at the center.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 5, 2022

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(r) · The center shall take any steps required by the Office of Licensing to correct conditions in the building or center that may endanger the health, safety, and well-being of the children served.

Per the NJ Department of Health COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations pursuant to Executive Order No. 149, ensure that staff wear masks at all times while indoors.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 2, 2022

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-6.8(j)(1) · The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the expulsion of children from enrollment at the center. The expulsion policy shall include

Develop and maintain on file an expulsion policy.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 16, 2021

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-7.11(a)(1) · Each center shall develop a written policy on the management of communicable diseases. This policy shall include the following: the list of illnesses and symptoms of illness for which a child will be separated from the group and possibly sent home, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1©.

Ensure that the center maintains and distributes to all families the center's communicable disease policy.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 23, 2022

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-3.4(a) · The sponsor or sponsor representative shall secure comprehensive general liability insurance coverage for the center and shall maintain on file a copy of the insurance policy or documentation of current insurance coverage.

Ensure that the center has a current comprehensive general liability insurance policy and maintains the documentation on file.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 2, 2022

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(i) · Handwashing requirements are as follows: the center shall ensure that children three months of age and older wash their hands with soap and running water before intake of food.

Ensure that children wash their hands before the intake of food.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 5, 2022

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.6(c)(1) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: for all centers, the head teacher or consulting head teacher shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the seven options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(c) for education and experience.

Ensure that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 21, 2022

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.