Little Helpers

3A:52-5.2(d) · An applicant seeking the renewal of a license or of a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval to continue operating a center shall obtain and maintain on file a fire safety inspection certificate for the building based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months. If the center prepares meals, the applicant seeking renewal shall obtain and maintain on file a satisfactory Sanitary Inspection Certificate, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:24, indicating that the kitchen is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the State Sanitary Code, based on a sanitary inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months.

Replace or repair the batteries in the smoke detector.

Corrected by Jul 22, 2025

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3A:52-5.4(a)(4) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, a supply of hot tap water not exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit and cold running water shall be provided.

Ensure that hot tap water does not exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Corrected by Jul 22, 2025

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3A:52-5.3(b)(5) · Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: garbage receptacles shall be: made of durable, leak-proof and nonabsorbent materials; covered in a secure manner and located in an outdoor area; and maintained in a sanitary manner.

Ensure that outdoor garbage receptacles are: made of durable, leak-proof and nonabsorbent materials; covered securely; and maintained in a sanitary manner. Ensure the garbage and debris is removed from the outdoor play area.

Corrected by Jul 22, 2025

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3A:52-4.5(b)(2) · 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 and maintenance of children's daily attendance records, including the daily time of arrival and departure.

Complete and maintain daily time sheets for the director.

Corrected by Jul 22, 2025

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3A:52-4.8(d)(1) · In lieu of the child care staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(b), the director, head teacher(s), group teacher(s), and program supervisor(s) shall each complete 20 hours of staff development each year. Recommended topics of training for these staff include educational and physical activity; special needs programming and program development; social-emotional and behavioral development for young children; legal issues, including ADA guidelines and leadership and advocacy.

Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually.

Corrected by Oct 25, 2024

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3A:52-7.6(b)(1) · The center shall maintain on file a written record of each incident resulting in an injury as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(a). These records shall include the following: the name of the injured child.

Maintain an accident log or reports as required, including: name of child; the date, time and location of the incident; the name and address of the center; the name of the person completing the report; and the date the report was completed.

Corrected by Oct 25, 2024

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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 members who have current pediatric first aid and CPR certifications and are present at the center at all times.

Corrected by Oct 11, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(q)(3)(v) · Space and room requirements are as follows: Indoor space requirements for play rooms and sleep rooms are as follows the center shall identify all rooms of the center that have been approved by the Office of Licensing. This identification shall consist of numbers, letters, names or any other means of identification and shall be located either inside or directly outside each room.

Ensure that all rooms approved for use by the children are labeled.

Corrected by Oct 25, 2024

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3A:52-7.6(a)(2) · The center shall take immediate necessary action to protect the child from further harm and shall immediately notify the child's parent(s) when a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head.

Ensure that parents are notified immediately when a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head.

Corrected by Oct 25, 2024

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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 1 regularly scheduled staff.

Corrected by Oct 25, 2024

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3A:52-4.10(a)(4) · When a person who is not required to complete a CARI background check is working with children at the center, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children.

Ensure that all people who work with the children and are not required to complete a CARI background check are directly supervised by a cleared staff member and not left alone with the children in room 1.

Corrected by Oct 25, 2024

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3A:52-4.3(a) · The children shall be supervised directly by a staff member at all times, including during outdoor activities, rest and sleep, and walking through hallways. Toileting procedures shall be supervised by a staff member as appropriate for the ages and developmental needs of the children.

Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times in room 1. At the time of the inspection a named staff left out the room 1 leaving 6 children unattended; wherein another named staff was supervising children in the hallway of the bathrooms.

Corrected by Oct 25, 2024

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3A:52-4.8(c) · The center shall ensure that all staff members who work at the center complete 12 hours of continuing staff development each year.

Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually.

Corrected by Oct 25, 2024

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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.

Repair flooring in room 2 located by stairway.

Corrected by Oct 25, 2024

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3A:52-4.1(d)(1) · The staff records specified in 3A:52-4.1(a) through (c) shall be maintained on file as follows: the Staff Records Checklist for the current director and all staff members currently working at the center shall be maintained on file at the center.

Ensure that the information on the Staff Records Checklist is current and that it is maintained on file at the center, including CARI and CHRI background check clearances.

Corrected by Oct 25, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(a)(10) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all corrosive agents, insecticides, bleaches, detergents, polishes, any products under pressure in an aerosol spray can, and any toxic substance shall be stored in a locked cabinet or in an enclosure located in an area not accessible to the children.

Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children in room 2 bathroom.

Corrected by Oct 25, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(a)(15) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ventilation outlets shall be clean and free from obstructions, and filters shall be replaced when saturated.

Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition in room 2 bathroom.

Corrected by Oct 25, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(a)(4) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: carpeting shall be securely fastened to the floor.

Ensure that all area rugs is securely fastened to the floor.

Corrected by Oct 25, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(n)(4) · Fire prevention requirements are as follows: all fire extinguishers shall be visually inspected once a month, and serviced and tagged at least once a year and recharged, if necessary, as specified in the NJUFC.

Ensure that all fire extinguishers are serviced and tagged annually and recharged if necessary.

Corrected by Oct 25, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(m)(2) · Supplemental evacuation requirements are as follows: cribs, beds, playpens, and cots used for rest or sleep shall be arranged so as to provide access to a three-foot-wide aisle that leads to an unobstructed exit.

Ensure exit door located in the rear of room 1 is unobstructed.

Corrected by Oct 25, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(l)(1)(vii) · Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating a diagram showing how the center is to be evacuated in case of emergency from each classroom and the outdoor play area.

Post a diagram showing how the center is to be evacuated from each classroom and the outdoor play area.

Corrected by Jan 9, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(m)(2) · Supplemental evacuation requirements are as follows: cribs, beds, playpens, and cots used for rest or sleep shall be arranged so as to provide access to a three-foot-wide aisle that leads to an unobstructed exit.

Ensure primary exit in room 1 are unobstructed. At the time of the inspection clutter was blocking the exit.

Corrected by Jan 29, 2024

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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.

Secure fire extinguisher located in the food prep area.

Corrected by Jan 29, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(b)(1) · Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the building, land, walkways, and outdoor play area shall be free from hazards to the health, safety or well-being of the children.

Remove debris from the outdoor play area.

Corrected by Jan 29, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(l)(1) · Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating

Ensure that the center has written emergency plans in a readily accessible location that includes evacuation, disaster and lockdown procedures.

Corrected by Apr 9, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(l)(1)(iii) · Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating an alternate indoor location that operates during the same operating hours as the center. The center shall

Ensure that the center's evacuation procedures include an alternate indoor location that operates during the same operating hours as the center.

Corrected by Apr 9, 2024

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3A:52-3.6(b)(1) · The center shall distribute a copy of the Information to Parents document to each child’s parent(s) upon enrollment and to every person upon becoming a staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s and staff member’s signature attesting to receipt of the document. The center shall maintain on file a copy of the Information to Parents document.

Ensure that the center maintains and distributes to all families and staff a copy of the Information to Parents document and maintains on file signatures of all staff and families attesting to the receipt of the policy.

Corrected by Apr 9, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(a)(15) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ventilation outlets shall be clean and free from obstructions, and filters shall be replaced when saturated.

Provide mechanical ventilation in bathrooms located by room 1.

Corrected by Jan 29, 2024

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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 by Mar 1, 2024

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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 develops and implements job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff.

Corrected by Mar 1, 2024

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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 by Mar 1, 2024

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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 by Mar 1, 2024

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3A:52-4.5(c)(2)(i) · The director or his or her designee(s) shall be on the premises at all times when the center is operating and the designee shall not have full-time classroom responsibilities during the times when the director is not present at the center.

Designate a director designee for whenever the director is not present at the center and ensure that the director designee does not have full-time classroom responsibilities during the times the director is not at the center.

Corrected by Jan 29, 2024

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3A:52-4.5(c)(2)(ii) · The director or his or her designee(s) shall be on the premises at all times when the center is operating and the designee shall complete staff development in understanding licensing rules as provided by the Office.

Ensure that the director completes the Understanding Licensing training provided by OOL.

Corrected by Jan 29, 2024

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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 all staff have a record of the medical exam on file.

Corrected by Mar 1, 2024

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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 by Jan 29, 2024

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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 by Jan 29, 2024

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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).

Provide orientation training to all newly hired staff within two weeks of hire, and secure and maintain on file, each staff member's signature attesting to the review of the orientation training.

Corrected by Mar 1, 2024

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3A:52-4.1(d)(1) · The staff records specified in 3A:52-4.1(a) through (c) shall be maintained on file as follows: the Staff Records Checklist for the current director and all staff members currently working at the center shall be maintained on file at the center.

Ensure that the information on the Staff Records Checklist is current and that it is maintained on file at the center, including the staff's CARI and CHRI background checks.

Corrected by Mar 1, 2024

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3A:52-4.8(g)(3) · The center shall maintain on file documentation of the date, time, topic, presenter, and attendance for all staff development and orientation completed by center staff members. The center shall record each staff member’s completion of staff development and orientation on the Staff Records Checklist, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(b).

Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually and that the completion of the training is documented on the Staff Records Checklist.

Corrected by Mar 1, 2024

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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.

Provide a current fire certificate as required.

Corrected by Feb 7, 2024

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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 by May 9, 2024

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3A:52-6.5(b) · The center shall distribute a copy of the release policy to the parent of each enrolled child and each staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s and staff member’s signature attesting to receipt of the policy.

Ensure that the center maintains and distributes to all families and staff the center's policy on the release of children and will maintain on file signatures from all parents and staff attesting to the receipt of the policy.

Corrected by Apr 9, 2024

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3A:52-6.6(e)(3) · The center shall maintain on file a written policy on the disciplining of children by staff members. The policy shall be posted in a prominent location within the center.

Post the center's discipline policy in a prominent location.

Corrected by Mar 1, 2024

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3A:52-6.6(f) · The center shall secure and maintain on file each staff member's signature, attesting to receipt of the policy on the disciplining of children by staff members.

Ensure that the staff signatures attesting to the receipt of the center's discipline policy are maintained on file.

Corrected by Mar 1, 2024

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3A:52-6.8(a)(1) · The center shall complete and maintain on file for each enrolled child a Children’s Records Checklist, signed by the director, sponsor, or sponsor representative and designated by the Office of Licensing, indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the child's name, address, birth date, and date of enrollment.

Ensure that the center completes and maintains on file a children's records checklist, including the child's name, address, birth date and date of enrollment.

Corrected by Mar 1, 2024

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3A:52-6.8(j)(3) · The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the expulsion of children from enrollment at the center. The center shall distribute a copy of the expulsion policy to the parent of each enrolled child and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s signature attesting to receipt of the policy.

Develop and maintain on file an expulsion policy and maintain on file signatures from all families attesting to the receipt of the policy.

Corrected by Apr 9, 2024

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3A:52-6.8(l) · The center shall distribute a copy of the social media policy to the parent of each enrolled child and to each staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s signature and each staff member’s signature attesting to the receipt of the policy.

Develop and distribute to all families and staff a social media policy and maintain on file signatures from all families and staff attesting to the receipt of the policy.

Corrected by Apr 9, 2024

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3A:52-7.11(b) · The center shall distribute a copy of the communicable disease policy to the parent of each enrolled child and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s signature attesting to receipt of the policy.

Ensure that the center maintains and distributes to all families the center's communicable disease policy and maintains on file the signatures of the parents attesting to their receipt of the policy.

Corrected by Apr 9, 2024

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3A:52-7.3(a)(2) · 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)

Ensure that a Universal Health Record is completed upon enrollment, including the immunization records and special care plans as required. 5/10/2024 Ensure that a Universal Health Record is completed upon enrollment, including the immunization records for 1 named child.

Corrected by Jun 18, 2024

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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 by Jan 29, 2024

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3A:52-7.6(b)(1) · The center shall maintain on file a written record of each incident resulting in an injury as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(a). These records shall include the following: the name of the injured child.

Maintain an accident log on file at the center.

Corrected by Jan 29, 2024

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3A:52-7.6(e)(1) · The center shall develop and follow a written policy for parental notification if a method other than a telephone call is used at the center for parental notification. The center shall distribute a copy of this policy to the parent of each enrolled child and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s signature attesting to receipt of this policy.

Develop a written policy for parental notification of injuries if the center uses methods other than a telephone call and maintain on file the signatures of staff and parents acknowledging receipt of the policy.

Corrected by Apr 9, 2024

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3A:52-7.9(a)(1) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the center shall maintain on file a log of the initial illnesses, symptoms of illness, or diseases that are exhibited by each child while in the center’s care, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1(c) and (d). This illness log shall include

Maintain an illness log on file at the center and ensure that it contains all of the required components.

Corrected by Jan 29, 2024

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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 by Jan 29, 2024

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