Stepping Stones Child Development Centers

3A:52-4.11(a) · 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). If a staff member refuses to consent to a CHRI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediately terminate the staff member’s employment at the center.

Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. 3 staff members missing CHRI clearances. Files not available for review.

Corrected by Jun 2, 2026

View state record

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 1 named child has an Epi-Pen and Benadryl as per the special care plan.

Corrected by Jun 29, 2026

View state record

3A:52-4.6(d) · For school-age child care programs the program supervisor shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the applicable options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(d) for education, training, and experience, based on the center's licensed capacity.

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

Corrected by Jun 29, 2026

View state record

3A:52-7.5(b) · 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: Administration and control of prescription and non-prescription medicines and health care procedures (a) The center shall inform each child’s parent upon enrollment of its policy on administering medication and health care procedures to children, including the provisions specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b) to (d). The policy shall indicate: 1. Whether the center will administer non-prescription medication or a non-prescribed health care procedure to a child; 2. Whether the center will administer prescription medication or a prescribed health care procedure to a child with a short-term illness; and 3. That the center will provide reasonable accommodations for the administration of medication or health care procedures to a child with special needs, if failure to administer the medication or health care procedure would jeopardize the health of the child or prevent the child from attending the center. 1. Medication and health care procedures shall be administered only after receipt of written approval from the child's parent(s). 2. The center shall: i. Designate those staff members who are trained as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a)8 and authorized to administer medication or health care procedures to, or to supervise self-administration of medication or health care procedures by, those children whose parents authorize it; and ii. Ensure that each staff member designated to administer medication and health care procedures is informed of each child's medication and health care needs. 3. All medication and health care equipment shall be kept either in a locked cabinet or in an area that is inaccessible to the children. i. All medication shall be kept in its original container. ii. Medication shall be refrigerated if so indicated on the label. iii. 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. 4. All prescription medication for a child shall be: i. Prescribed in the name of and specifically for the child; and ii. Stored in its prescription container, which has been labeled with the child's name, the name and expiration date of the medication, the date it was prescribed or updated and directions for its administration. 5. The center shall limit the dispensing of non-prescription over-the-counter medication to the following types of medicines, which shall be dispensed in accordance with the recommended dosage for the age and weight of the child, as indicated on the label: i. Antihistamines; ii. Cough suppressants'. Decongestants; iv. Non-aspirin fever reducers and pain relievers; and v. Topical preparations, such as sunscreen and diaper rash preparations. 6. The center may permit the dispensing of non-prescription medication other than those listed in (b)5 above, or according to instructions other than those indicated on the label, if the child's health care provider authorizes it in writing. 8. If a child has a chronic health condition requiring the administration of prescription or non-prescription medication or health care procedures on a long-term basis, the center shall obtain from the child’s parent a written statement from a health care provider, indicating: i. The name of the child; ii. The name of the medication or procedure; iii The condition or indications for administration of the medication or procedure; iv. The instructions for administration of the medication or procedure; and v. The name and telephone number of the health care provider. 11. The center shall inform the child’s parent immediately if a child exhibits any adverse effect of a medication or health care procedure. (c) For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: 1. The center shall ensure that all medication and health care procedures are administered by designated staff. (d) For school-age child care programs, the following shall apply: 1. Before the center administers or permits a child to self-administer medication or health care procedures, the center shall: i. Obtain written authorization for self-administration from the child's parent, if applicable; and ii. Ensure that the medication or health care procedure is administered by or under the supervision of authorized staff.

Ensure inhaler for 1 named child is stored in the original box or is accompanied with a prescription label.

Corrected by Jun 29, 2026

View state record

3A:52-7.5(b)(7) · 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 maintain on file a record of the following: the child's name and parental authorization for the center to administer medication or health care procedures; the name of the medication or health care procedure; the condition for which the medication or health care procedure is being used; the instructions for administration, including the dosage and frequency; the date and time medication or a health care procedure was administered to a child and the name or initials of the staff member who administered it; and any adverse effect the medication can have or has had on the child.

Ensure 1 named child has an asthma treatment plan accompanying the inhaler medication. 6/29/2026- Child no longer enrolled.

Corrected by Jun 29, 2026

View state record

3A:52-4.6(d) · For school-age child care programs the program supervisor shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the applicable options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(d) for education, training, and experience, based on the center's licensed capacity.

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

Corrected by Mar 4, 2025

View state record

3A:52-4.11(b) · 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). Within two weeks after a new staff member begins working at the center, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that the new staff member 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, 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.

Provide CHRIs for all staff. 2/20/25: 3 Received, 3 outstanding 3/4/25: 2 Received, 1 outstanding 5/19/2025: 3 outstanding 9/19/2025: 2 staff no longer employed, 1 outstanding

Corrected by Mar 9, 2026

View state record

3A:52-4.5(c)(2) · 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 and shall complete staff development in understanding licensing rules as provided by the Office of Licensing.

Ensure center director and director designee completes their Understanding Licensing training provided by OOL within 90 days of hire.

Corrected by Mar 4, 2025

View state record

3A:52-4.5(a)(3) · 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; and job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff.

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

Corrected by Nov 10, 2025

View state record

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. At the time of the inspection, one staff member said she had 21 children in her care when there were 22 children present.

Corrected by Jun 16, 2025

View 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.

Submit a copy of the public school's drinking water test results.

Corrected by Nov 10, 2025

View state record

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 Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan that includes procedures for contacting parents and emergency medical services.

Corrected by Nov 10, 2025

View state record

3A:52-6.8(k) · The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the use of social media including, but not limited to the use of social networking sites and other websites; the use of e-mail, text messages, and other electronic means of communication with staff and parents; the types of social media that the center uses, the methods and devices the staff use to communicate with the parent, the guidelines for appropriate conduct by staff members, and the guidelines for parents, including but not limited to, prohibiting the posting of photographs or videos of any child other than their own.

Ensure the center's social media policy includes all required components. Add guidelines for parents.

Corrected by Nov 10, 2025

View state record

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; the name(s), home and work address(es), home and work telephone number(s) and signature(s) of the parent(s); the name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of any person(s) authorized by the parent(s) to visit the child at the center and/or take the child from the center, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5(a)1; and the name, address, and telephone number of the child's health care provider; signed authorization from the parent(s) for emergency medical treatment; the parent’s signature attesting to the receipt of the Information to Parents document, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b); the parent’s signature attesting to the receipt of the Information to Parents document, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b).; health information for each child, as follows: for early childhood programs, a record of the child’s health examination and immunizations, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a); and for school-age child care programs, a record of the parent’s statement concerning the child’s health, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(b).

Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL. Children's files not available for review.

Corrected by Nov 10, 2025

View 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. 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.

Corrected by Nov 10, 2025

View 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.

Corrected by Dec 11, 2025

View state record

3A:52-4.10(a) · 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 consent to a CARI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediately 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 for the center's license renewal. All staff missing renewal CARI's.

Corrected by Nov 10, 2025

View state record

3A:52-4.1(d) · 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.

Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.

Corrected by Jan 5, 2026

View state record

3A:52-7.9(a)(1) · 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 child's name; the date and time the illness, symptoms of illness or diseases were observed at the center; a description of the symptoms of illness manifested by the child; the action taken by the center to assist: the child who is demonstrating symptoms of illness; and the director in determining if exclusion of the child from the center is necessary; any significant change in the child's symptoms of illness; the date, if applicable, that: the child was removed from the center; the child returned to the center with a note from a health care provider attesting to the child's admissibility to the center and recovery from a reportable disease, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:57; the child returned to the center with a parent’s note attesting that six days have elapsed since the onset of chicken pox, or that all chicken pox sores have dried and crusted; or the child returned to the center symptom-free.

Maintain an illness log on file at the center that includes: the child's name; symptoms of illness; actions taken by the center; and dates of exclusion and return.

Corrected by Nov 10, 2025

View state record

3A:52-7.6(b)(6) · (b) The center shall maintain on file a written record of each incident resulting in an injury as specified in (a) above. These records shall include the following: 1. The name of the injured child; 2. The date, time and location of the incident; 3. The name and address of the center; 4. The name of the person completing the report; 5. The date the report was completed; and 6. A written description of the following: i. The incident; ii. The injury to the child; iii. The names of witnesses to the incident; and iv. The follow-up action taken by the center, including: (1) Application of first aid; and (2) Consultation or treatment by a licensed physician or other health care provider, if applicable. (d) Upon request of the child's parent, the center shall provide a written description of the incident by the end of the next operating day.

Ensure accident reports are completed as required including all required components. Parent notification time missing & director signature on accident reports.

Corrected by Nov 10, 2025

View state record

3A:52-4.6(d) · For school-age child care programs the program supervisor shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the applicable options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(d) for education, training, and experience, based on the center's licensed capacity.

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

Corrected by Jan 5, 2026

View state record

3A:52-7.5(b) · 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: Administration and control of prescription and non-prescription medicines and health care procedures (a) The center shall inform each child’s parent upon enrollment of its policy on administering medication and health care procedures to children, including the provisions specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b) to (d). The policy shall indicate: 1. Whether the center will administer non-prescription medication or a non-prescribed health care procedure to a child; 2. Whether the center will administer prescription medication or a prescribed health care procedure to a child with a short-term illness; and 3. That the center will provide reasonable accommodations for the administration of medication or health care procedures to a child with special needs, if failure to administer the medication or health care procedure would jeopardize the health of the child or prevent the child from attending the center. 1. Medication and health care procedures shall be administered only after receipt of written approval from the child's parent(s). 2. The center shall: i. Designate those staff members who are trained as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a)8 and authorized to administer medication or health care procedures to, or to supervise self-administration of medication or health care procedures by, those children whose parents authorize it; and ii. Ensure that each staff member designated to administer medication and health care procedures is informed of each child's medication and health care needs. 3. All medication and health care equipment shall be kept either in a locked cabinet or in an area that is inaccessible to the children. i. All medication shall be kept in its original container. ii. Medication shall be refrigerated if so indicated on the label. iii. 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. 4. All prescription medication for a child shall be: i. Prescribed in the name of and specifically for the child; and ii. Stored in its prescription container, which has been labeled with the child's name, the name and expiration date of the medication, the date it was prescribed or updated and directions for its administration. 5. The center shall limit the dispensing of non-prescription over-the-counter medication to the following types of medicines, which shall be dispensed in accordance with the recommended dosage for the age and weight of the child, as indicated on the label: i. Antihistamines; ii. Cough suppressants'. Decongestants; iv. Non-aspirin fever reducers and pain relievers; and v. Topical preparations, such as sunscreen and diaper rash preparations. 6. The center may permit the dispensing of non-prescription medication other than those listed in (b)5 above, or according to instructions other than those indicated on the label, if the child's health care provider authorizes it in writing. 8. If a child has a chronic health condition requiring the administration of prescription or non-prescription medication or health care procedures on a long-term basis, the center shall obtain from the child’s parent a written statement from a health care provider, indicating: i. The name of the child; ii. The name of the medication or procedure; iii The condition or indications for administration of the medication or procedure; iv. The instructions for administration of the medication or procedure; and v. The name and telephone number of the health care provider. 11. The center shall inform the child’s parent immediately if a child exhibits any adverse effect of a medication or health care procedure. (c) For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: 1. The center shall ensure that all medication and health care procedures are administered by designated staff. (d) For school-age child care programs, the following shall apply: 1. Before the center administers or permits a child to self-administer medication or health care procedures, the center shall: i. Obtain written authorization for self-administration from the child's parent, if applicable; and ii. Ensure that the medication or health care procedure is administered by or under the supervision of authorized staff.

Return expired Epi- Pen medication from one named child.

Corrected by Nov 10, 2025

View state record

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 Application for the center's license renewal.

Corrected by Nov 10, 2025

View state record

3A:52-6.5(a) · (a) The center shall maintain on file and follow a written policy on the release of children, which shall include: 1. The provision that each child may be released only to the child's parent(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s), as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(a)3, to take the child from the center and to assume responsibility for the child in an emergency if the parent(s) cannot be reached; 61 2. The provision that, if a particular non-custodial parent has been denied access, or granted limited access, to the child by a court order, the center shall secure documentation to this effect, maintain a copy on file, and comply with the terms of the court order; 3. Written procedures to be followed by staff member(s) if the parent(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s), as specified in (a)1 above, fails to pick up a child at the time of the center's daily closing. The procedures shall require that: i. The child is supervised at all times; ii. Staff members attempt to contact the parent(s) or person(s) authorized by the parents; and iii. An hour or more after closing time, and provided that other arrangements for releasing the child to his or her parent(s) or authorized person(s) have failed and the staff member(s) cannot continue to supervise the child at the center, the staff member shall call the Department's State Central Registry Hotline (1-877 NJ ABUSE/1-877-652-2873) to seek assistance in caring for the child until the parent(s) or person(s) authorized by the child's parent(s) is able to pick up the child; and 4. Written procedures to be followed by a staff member(s) if the parent(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s), as specified in (a)1 above, appear to be physically or emotionally impaired to the extent that, in the judgment of the director or staff member, the child would be placed at risk of harm if released to such an individual. The procedures shall require that: i. The child shall not be released to such an impaired individual; ii. Staff members attempt to contact the child's other parent or an alternative person(s) authorized by the parent(s); and iii. If the center is unable to make alternative arrangements, as noted in (a)3ii above, a staff member shall call the Department's State Central Registry Hotline (1-877 NJ ABUSE/1-877-652-2873) to seek assistance in caring for the child.

Maintain at the center and distribute to all families, a written policy on the release of children that includes all required components.

Corrected by Nov 10, 2025

View state record

3A:52-5.3(l) · (l) Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: 1. The center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating: i. The location of the first aid kit and any additional first aid supplies; ii. The name, address and telephone number of the physician retained by the center or of the health facility to be used in emergencies; iii. An alternate indoor location that operates during the same operating hours as the center. The center shall: (1) Select an alternate indoor location within safe walking distance; or (2) Develop a written procedure for obtaining emergency transportation to the alternate location; iv. The hospital or clinic to which injured or ill children will be taken; v. The telephone numbers for obtaining police, fire, ambulance and poison control services, including the National Poison Emergency Hotline at (800) 222-1222; vi. The location of written authorization from parent(s) for emergency medical care for each child; vii. A diagram showing how the center is to be evacuated in case of emergency from each classroom and the outdoor play area; viii. The location of fire alarms and fire extinguishers; and ix. Procedures for ensuring children’s safety and communicating with parents in the event of evacuation, lockdown, natural or civil disaster, and other emergencies. The procedures shall indicate: (1) The plan for informing parents of their children’s whereabouts; and (2) The local law enforcement agency or emergency management office that has been notified of the center’s identifying information, as specified in (l)3 below. 2. The emergency procedures shall be readily accessible in a designated location within the center. 3. The center shall ensure that the appropriate local law enforcement agency or emergency management office is notified of: i. The center’s name and location; ii. The number, ages, and special needs of children enrolled; iii. The number of staff; iv. The need for emergency transportation; v. The location to which children will be evacuated; vi. The plan for a lockdown; and vii. The plan for reuniting children with their parents.

Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes all required components.

Corrected by Nov 10, 2025

View state record

3A:52-4.8(d) · 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. 1 staff member missing 20 hr. training log. 9/19/2025: 1 staff no longer employed.

Corrected by Sep 19, 2025

View state record

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. 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 12 hours of staff development annually. 1 staff missing 12 hr. training log. 9/19/2025: 1 staff no longer employed.

Corrected by Sep 19, 2025

View state record

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.

Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually. 2 staff members missing orientation logs. 9/19/2025: 2 staff no longer employed.

Corrected by Sep 19, 2025

View state record

3A:52-2.2(e) · The license shall be posted in a prominent location within the center and in each building associated with the center.

Post the center's license in a prominent location in each building.

Corrected by Nov 10, 2025

View state record

3A:52-4.3(c) · (c) The following staff/child ratios shall apply, except as specified in (d) through (f) below: 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 (d) The following staff/child ratios shall apply during rest or sleep, when the criteria listed in (d) 1, 2, and 3 below are met: Under 18 months 18 months to under 2 ½ years 2 ½ years and above 1:10 1:12 1:20 2. A sufficient number of staff members shall be in the facility and readily accessible to ensure compliance with the awake staff/child ratios specified in (c) above.

Based on complaint #24838, ensure adequate ratios are maintained at all times.

Corrected by Feb 2, 2026

View state record

3A:52-4.11(b) · 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). Within two weeks after a new staff member begins working at the center, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that the new staff member 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, 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 a named staff member without a cleared CHRI is supervised at all times. At the time of the inspection, a staff member without a cleared CHRI was briefly left alone to supervise children.

Corrected by Feb 2, 2026

View 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 by Feb 20, 2025

View state record

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 Feb 20, 2025

View 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 by Feb 20, 2025

View state record

3A:52-4.6(d)(1) · For school-age child care programs the program supervisor shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the applicable options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(d) for education, training, and experience, based on the center's licensed capacity.

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

Corrected by Feb 24, 2025

View 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.

Provide CHRIs for all staff. 2/20/25: 3 Received, 3 outstanding

Corrected by Feb 24, 2025

View state record

3A:52-4.8(e) · Directors shall complete staff development in understanding licensing regulations as provided by the Office of Licensing within 90 days of hire. Such staff development may be included in the required 20 hours of staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(d).

Ensure center director and director designee completes their Understanding Licensing training provided by OOL within 90 days of hire.

Corrected by Feb 24, 2025

View 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 by Feb 20, 2025

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

Corrected by Feb 20, 2025

View 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.

Conduct and document fire drills at least once per month during each session provided at the center.

Corrected by Feb 20, 2025

View state record

3A:52-4.8(a)(1) · Topics of orientation training shall include supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a).

Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually.

Corrected by Nov 13, 2023

View 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 after 1/1/21. 11/13/23: 4 Received, 1 outstanding.

Corrected by Dec 15, 2023

View 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 by Nov 13, 2023

View 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 3 named staff. 11/13/23: 2 Received, 1 outstanding.

Corrected by Dec 15, 2023

View 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 there are at least two staff members present at the center at all times who have current first aid and CPR certifications.

Corrected by Nov 13, 2023

View 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 by Dec 15, 2023

View state record

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.

Corrected by Feb 22, 2023

View 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.

Corrected by Dec 13, 2022

View 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 by Jan 13, 2023

View 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. 1/13/23: Received 5, 1 remaining 7/5/23: Staff member is no longer employed.

Corrected by Jul 5, 2023

View 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.

Submit a copy of the public school's drinking water test results.

Corrected by Feb 22, 2023

View 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 by Jun 13, 2023

View state record

3A:52-4.8(a)(1) · Topics of orientation training shall include supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a).

Provide annual orientation logs for all staff. 12/27/21: 1 Orientation outstanding.

Corrected by Jan 13, 2022

View 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.

Provide CHRI clearances for all staff. 12/27/21: 1 CHRI outstanding.

Corrected by Jan 13, 2022

View state record

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 a copy of the staff records be maintained on file at the center.

Corrected by Jan 13, 2022

View 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.

Provide the center's current liability insurance.

Corrected by Dec 27, 2021

View 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.

Corrected by Aug 8, 2019

View 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.

Corrected by Aug 8, 2019

View 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.

Corrected by Sep 10, 2019

View state record

3A:52-6.1(g)(3) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: centers serving children 18 months of age and older shall provide at least five types of children's daily activities including, but not limited to, language; science and mathematics; manipulative; large muscle; building; art; music; drama; or other comparable activities; and at least five types of supplies and equipment for each daily activity chosen by the center.

Throughout the center

Corrected by Sep 10, 2019

View 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.

Provide renewal CARIs for all staff.

Corrected by Oct 10, 2019

View 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.

Corrected by Oct 10, 2019

View 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).

Corrected by Oct 10, 2019

View 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.

Provide the CHRI clearances for all staff.

Corrected by Oct 10, 2019

View state record

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.

Corrected by Oct 10, 2019

View state record

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.

Corrected by Oct 10, 2019

View state record

3A:52-4.8(f)(1) · The staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) through (d) shall be clock hours of staff development.

Provide the annual orientation log for all staff.

Corrected by Oct 10, 2019

View 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.

Corrected by Oct 10, 2019

View state record

3A:52-6.7(a) · Staff members shall not use hitting, shaking or any other form of corporal punishment of children.

Based on information, ensure that the staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline at all times throughout the center. A named staff aggressively grabbed a named child by the neck, shirt and arms while being reprimanded.

Corrected by Oct 10, 2019

View state record

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 has the most updated Information to Parents document.

Corrected by Nov 22, 2019

View state record

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 background checks are maintained on site for all staff.

Corrected by Nov 22, 2019

View state record

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 the background checks are maintained on site.

Corrected by Nov 22, 2019

View 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.

Corrected by Nov 22, 2019

View state record

3A:52-6.6(e)(1) · The center shall maintain on file a written policy on the disciplining of children by staff members. The policy shall reflect the provisions specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6(a) through (c) and include the acceptable actions that a staff member may take when disciplining a child (that is, discussion with the child, time-out, etc.).

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

Corrected by Nov 22, 2019

View state record

3A:52-4.8(a)(7) · Topics of orientation training shall include implementing the center's statement of policy on the disciplining of children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6.

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

Corrected by Nov 22, 2019

View state record