Smart Start Academy-CKJ Group, LLC

3A:52-4.6(c)(3) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the group teacher shall meet the requirements for experience and education

Provide documentation that the group teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

Corrected by Jun 18, 2026

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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 with arrival and departure times for staff.

Corrected by Jun 16, 2026

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3A:52-4.6(b) · 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.

Provide documentation that the director meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

Corrected by Jun 16, 2026

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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.

Provide documentation that the center has current comprehensive general liability insurance coverage.

Corrected by Jun 16, 2026

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3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iv) · In addition to the items specified in (a)3 above, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use: i. Toilet training chairs and potty seats that have first been emptied into a toilet; ii Sinks and faucets used for rinsing a toilet training chair; iv. Toys mouthed by infants and toddlers before being given to another child; and

Ensure mouthed toys are washed and sanitized before being given to another child in Room 3.

Corrected by Jan 9, 2026

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3A:52-6.2(a)(1) · The center shall provide a supply of age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program equipment including play equipment, child-size furniture and supplies that are sufficient to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program.

Ensure that the center has an adequate supply of materials to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program and ensure all materials used by the children are age-appropriate, non-toxic, and safe for use by children. Remove or replace center materials with missing parts in Room 3.

Corrected by Jan 9, 2026

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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. The center shall ensure that all children present are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill.

Ensure fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center, one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time, if applicable, and all children are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill. 12.5.2025-There was no documentation of the November fire drill logged.

Corrected by Jan 9, 2026

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3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3) · the diapering surface shall be flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent, and in good repair.

Replace the torn diaper changing pad in Room 1.

Corrected by Jan 9, 2026

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3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) · Tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal.

Ensure tables are washed and disinfected before each meal in Room 3.

Corrected by Jan 9, 2026

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3A:52-4.3(a)(1) · The center shall develop and implement an Office of Licensing-approved method to keep track of the location and ensure the safety of all children at all times when under the center’s supervision, including the transfer of supervision from and to parents during arrival and departure and the utilization of off-site locations, including playgrounds and field trips.

Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. In Room 4, staff reported 8 children present, whereas, there were 6 children present at the time of inspection.

Corrected by Oct 9, 2025

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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 information, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline. A named staff was physically aggressive in her interactions with a named child.

Corrected by Aug 27, 2025

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

Corrected by Sep 8, 2025

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3A:52-5.2(b) · An applicant seeking a license or a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval to operate a center shall comply with all applicable provisions of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:70 and hereinafter referred to as the NJUFC. The center shall obtain the building's fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, reflecting the center's compliance with all applicable provisions of the NJUFC. The center shall maintain on file the building's fire safety inspection certificate.

Ensure the center's fire protective systems are operative at all times.

Corrected by Aug 4, 2025

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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.

Provide documentation that the center has current comprehensive general liability insurance coverage.

Corrected by Aug 4, 2025

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3A:52-133 · Remove excess storage and/or combustibles from the furnace room.

Remove excess storage from exit door in Room 3.

Corrected by Jul 28, 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.

Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition in Room 1.

Corrected by Aug 4, 2025

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3A:52-7.5(b)(10) · (9) 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: before administering a health care procedure associated with a child’s health condition, such as the use of a blood glucose monitor, nebulizer, or epinephrine pen, the center shall ensure that all staff members who administer the procedure are taught to do so by the child’s parent or another appropriately-trained person. There shall be at least two staff members present at the center who are trained in such health care procedures. 10. 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 Benadryl is onsite for named child with allergy action plan.

Corrected by Aug 4, 2025

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3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) · In addition to the items specified in (a)3 above, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use: iii. Diapering surfaces;

Ensure diapering pad in children's hallway bathroom is washed and disinfected after each use.

Corrected by Aug 4, 2025

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3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iii) · The following items shall be washed and disinfected at least weekly: (1) Cribs, cots, mats, playpens, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment; and (2) Sheets, blankets or other coverings.

Ensure crib sheets are washed and disinfected weekly in Room 2.

Corrected by Aug 4, 2025

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3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3) · the diapering surface shall be flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent, and in good repair.

Repair or replace the diaper changing pad in the hallway children's bathroom.

Corrected by Aug 4, 2025

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3A:52-7.5(b)(3)(iii) · 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: all medication and health care equipment shall be kept either in a locked cabinet or in an area that is inaccessible to the children. unused or expired medication and health care equipment shall be returned to the child’s parent or disposed of safely in a child-resistant waste receptacle when no longer being administered.

Ensure that all expired medication is returned to the child's parent or disposed of appropriately. In room 6, one child had expired Benadryl.

Corrected by Jun 6, 2024

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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 any medications come in its original box. One child had children's allergy medicine without the box.

Corrected by Jun 6, 2024

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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 by May 10, 2024

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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 for the center's license renewal dated 7/2/2024. Submit CHRI results for 6 staff to Office of Licensing.

Corrected by May 10, 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 an updated Staff Records Checklist is kept on file at the center.

Corrected by May 8, 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.

Ensure that all exits and egress areas from room 5 are unobstructed.

Corrected by Aug 10, 2023

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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 updates their table of organization to include their group teacher.

Corrected by Oct 30, 2023

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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. An updated CHRI clearance is needed for one staff member.

Corrected by Nov 9, 2023

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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 and submit the necessary credentials.

Corrected by Oct 30, 2023

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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 and submit the necessary credentials.

Corrected by Oct 31, 2023

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3A:52-5.3(a)(16) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of

Ensure that the baseboard molding in room 5 is repaired and/or painted.

Corrected by Sep 21, 2023

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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. A special care plan is needed for one child.

Corrected by Sep 21, 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 in room 3.

Corrected by Oct 27, 2023

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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 complete a CHRI background check as required.

Corrected by Jan 18, 2023

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3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(i) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: the center shall develop mutually with each child's parent(s) and follow a feeding plan regarding the feeding schedule, specific formula, breastfeeding arrangements and accommodations, and/or expressed breast milk, nutritional needs, and introduction of new food for each child.

Based on complaint #21386, ensure feeding plans are adhered to at all times and parents are informed of any feeding issues.

Corrected by Oct 26, 2022

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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. Provide a certificate with the correct use group to include care provided to children under the age of 2 1//2 years.

Corrected by Jun 9, 2022

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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. Provide clearances for new staff.

Corrected by May 25, 2022

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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. Provide clearances for new staff.

Corrected by May 25, 2022

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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. Submit documentation of education and experience for a head teacher.

Corrected by Jun 21, 2022

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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. Provide the declarations page of the liability insurance policy.

Corrected by Jun 7, 2022

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3A:52-4.10(a)(3) · 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 the sponsor or sponsor representative refuses to consent to a CARI background check, the Department shall deny the application or suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, as applicable. The sponsor or sponsor representative may appeal the denial, suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew to the Department, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-2.5.

Provide 1 outstanding CHRI clearance.

Corrected by Sep 9, 2022

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3A:52-4.3(c) · The following staff/child ratios shall apply, except as specified in 3A:52-4.3(d) through (f): Age Staff/Child Ratio Under 18 months - 1:4 18 months up to 2 ½ years - 1:6 2 ½ years up to 4 years - 1:10 4 years - 1:12 5 years and older - 1:15

Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the center, including in room 2.

Corrected by Sep 9, 2022

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3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(ii) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: for children less than 12 months of age, the feeding plan shall be

Ensure feeding plans are followed by staff.

Corrected by Sep 9, 2022

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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.

Ensure fire panel is operational and trouble alerts are removed.

Corrected by May 17, 2021

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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, ensure children are appropriately strapped into the buggies when in use.

Corrected by Dec 17, 2019

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3A:52-4.10(b)(2) · 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. Until the results of the CARI background check for a new staff member have been received from the Department, the center shall ensure oversight of the new staff member by another staff member, and ensure that person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children.

Ensure CARI clearances are on file for all staff members.

Corrected by Mar 18, 2020

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3A:52-4.11(a)(5) · 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). When a person who is not required to complete a CHRI background check is working with children at the center, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that the person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children.

Ensure CHRI clearances are maintained on file for all staff.

Corrected by Mar 18, 2020

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