Margaret P. Muscarelle Child Development Center

3A:52-5.3(c)(1) · Lighting requirements are as follows: all fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs shall have protective covers or shields. During program activities, at least 20 foot-candles of natural or artificial light shall be provided in all rooms used by the children. This illumination shall be measured three feet above the floor at the farthest point from the light source. Parking areas, pedestrian walkways, or other exterior portions of the premises subject to use by center occupants at night shall be illuminated to provide safe entrance to and egress from the center.

Replace light bulbs that are not working in room 2.

Corrected by Feb 9, 2026

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3A:52-5.3(b)(7) · Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall comply with the Playground Safety Subcode of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23-11.

Replenish resilient surfacing as required in all play equipment use zones in accordance with ASTM F1292.

Corrected by Apr 16, 2026

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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 branches that are sticking out from the fence into the playground.

Corrected by Feb 9, 2026

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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 by Mar 16, 2026

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3A:52-6.6(a) · (a) The methods of guidance and discipline used shall: 1. Be positive; 2. Be consistent with the age and developmental needs of the children; and 3. Lead to the child's ability to develop and maintain self-control. (b) Staff members shall not discipline children for failing to eat or sleep or for soiling themselves. (c) Staff shall not withhold active play time as a means of discipline unless the child's actions or behavior present a danger to themselves or others. (d) Children may be removed from a group activity to another area, provided that the child so removed is either under the supervision of another staff member or continuously visible to a staff member.

Based on report, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline.

Corrected by Apr 16, 2026

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3A:52-4.8(a) · (a) Topics of orientation training shall include all of the following: 1. Supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a); 2. Understanding center operations, policies and procedures, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)3; 3. Implementing group size limits and primary caregiver responsibilities, as applicable, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.4; 4. Recognizing and reporting child abuse or neglect, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.9; 5. Evacuating the center and using the fire alarms, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l); 6.Implementing the center’s release policy, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5; 7. Implementing the center's statement of policy on the disciplining of children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6; 8. Implementing health practices, including medication administration and responding to symptoms of illness, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1 through 7.11; 9. Implementing safe sleep practices to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; 10. Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma; 11. Recognizing and responding to injuries and emergencies, including the prevention of and response to emergencies due to food-related allergies and other allergic reactions; and 12. Including children with special needs in the center’s program.

Based on report, retrain the named staff on the center's discipline policy.

Corrected by Apr 16, 2026

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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.

Based on information, provide a Corrective Action Plan to DCF as required.

Corrected by Jan 10, 2025

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3A:52-4.8(g)(1) · 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. For staff development provided by the center, the center shall maintain on file documentation or a copy of all staff development materials used.

Based on information, retrain all staff on the center's discipline policy.

Corrected by Jan 10, 2025

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3A:52-6.6(a)(1) · The methods of guidance and discipline used shall: be positive.

Based on information, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline. A named staff handled 4 named children in a rough manner, including grabbing children by the arm, having a child eat food from a plate on the floor, preventing a child from feeding himself and then force feeding the child herself.

Corrected by Jan 10, 2025

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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.

Repair or replace vent cover that is loose in classroom 2.

Corrected by Feb 5, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(f)(2) · Toilet facility requirements are as follows: mirrors, dispensers, and other equipment shall be fastened securely.

Provide safety caps on toilets in bathrooms in classrooms 2, 4, 5, and 8.

Corrected by Feb 5, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(a)(17) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all televisions and computers shall be secured on a stable surface and shelving shall be secured and not be overloaded.

Ensure that all shelving is secured to a stable surface; Room 7.

Corrected by Mar 7, 2023

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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 by Oct 11, 2023

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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.

Replace stained ceiling tiles in Room 5.

Corrected by Mar 7, 2023

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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 for one new named staff member.

Corrected by Mar 7, 2023

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3A:52-4.8(a)(2) · Topics of orientation training shall include understanding center operations, policies and procedures, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)3.

Retrain staff on the center's policies of washing and disinfecting and hand washing when required. Submit training information with staff signatures to OOL.

Corrected by Mar 7, 2023

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3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: in addition to the items specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)3, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use, diapering surfaces.

Ensure that the center washes and disinfects diapering surfaces after each use.

Corrected by Mar 7, 2023

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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 by Mar 7, 2023

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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 by Mar 7, 2023

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3A:52-5.3(p) · Play equipment, materials, and furniture for indoor and outdoor use shall be of sturdy and safe construction, non-toxic, free of hazards, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The center may not use play equipment intended for outdoor use indoors.

Secure extension cord near fish tank in Room 2.

Corrected by Mar 7, 2023

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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.

Ensure that all kitchen and utility knives are stored out of the reach of children, wherein they were observed in a lower drawer in Room 6. Knives were relocated during inspection.

Corrected by Apr 26, 2022

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3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: in addition to the items specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)3, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use, diapering surfaces.

Ensure that the center washes and disinfects diapering surfaces after each use using a 2 step process.

Corrected by May 27, 2022

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3A:52-4.8(a)(2) · Topics of orientation training shall include understanding center operations, policies and procedures, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)3.

Retrain staff on the center's policy for washing and disinfecting. Submit training information with staff signatures to OOL.

Corrected by May 27, 2022

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3A:52-5.3(b)(7) · Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall comply with the Playground Safety Subcode of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23-11.

Provide and maintain the resilient surfacing and use zones under all play equipment as required.

Corrected by May 27, 2022

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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 adequate supervision during lunch time in Room 6, wherein a child was observed taking another child's sippy cup and drinking out of it without the staff noticing.

Corrected by Jul 13, 2020

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3A:52-4.4(a)(4) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply for infants (under 18 months of age) and toddlers (18 months to 2½ years of age): if more than 12 infants or 20 toddlers occupy an individual room or a specific area within a large room, areas for up to 12 infants or 20 toddlers shall be defined by visible barriers, partitions, or any other room dividers or separations having a height above the eye level of the children who use those areas.

Ensure Room 6 does not exceed the group size limits, wherein 17 children ages 0-18 months were occupying one large space. Visible barriers, partitions or other room separations above the height of the child is required to ensure group size limits are met.

Corrected by Jul 13, 2020

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3A:52-4.8(a)(2) · Topics of orientation training shall include understanding center operations, policies and procedures, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)3.

Retrain all staff in the center's policy of table washing and sanitation. Submit training information with staff signatures to OOL.

Corrected by Dec 23, 2020

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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.

Update the Info to Parents document.

Corrected by Apr 17, 2020

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3A:52-4.8(a)(9) · Topics of orientation training shall include implementing safe sleep practices to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Retrain all staff in the infant room on safe sleep practices. Submit training information with staff signatures to OOL.

Corrected by Dec 23, 2020

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3A:52-5.3(a)(17) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all televisions and computers shall be secured on a stable surface and shelving shall be secured and not be overloaded.

Secure white cabinets in Room 4 and Room 6.

Corrected by Dec 23, 2020

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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.

Replace stained ceiling tile in Room 1 bathroom.

Corrected by Dec 23, 2020

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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.

Submit renewal drinking water testing results with completed OOL forms.

Corrected by Apr 17, 2020

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3A:52-5.3(p) · Play equipment, materials, and furniture for indoor and outdoor use shall be of sturdy and safe construction, non-toxic, free of hazards, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The center may not use play equipment intended for outdoor use indoors.

Sand/paint rusting emergency exit door frame in Room 1.

Corrected by Dec 23, 2020

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3A:52-6.1(g)(2)(iv) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: centers serving children less than 18 months of age shall provide at least four types of children's daily activities including, but not limited to, sensory; language and dramatic play; manipulative; building; large muscle; music; or other comparable activities; and at least four types of supplies and equipment for each activity area chosen by the center. The use of infant equipment including swings, exersaucers, and bouncers shall be limited to periods of 30 minutes at a time.

Ensue the use of infant bouncer is limited to 30 minutes.

Corrected by Jul 13, 2020

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3A:52-6.4(a)(1) · For early childhood programs, the center shall provide opportunities for daily rest and sleep as follows: for children 12 months of age and younger, the center shall ensure that each child is initially placed in a face-up sleeping position unless a different position is indicated in writing by the child's health care provider.

Ensure children 12 months and younger are initially placed in a face up position to sleep.

Corrected by Jul 13, 2020

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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 staff wash and disinfect tables before each meal.

Corrected by Jul 13, 2020

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3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: in addition to the items specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)3, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use, diapering surfaces.

Ensure staff wash and disinfect diaper changing pads after each use.

Corrected by Jul 13, 2020

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3A:52-7.9(a)(1)(vi)(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 the date, if applicable, that the child was removed from the center.

Ensure illness logs contain date child returned to the center.

Corrected by Dec 23, 2020

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