Growing and Learning Academy

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 all freestanding cubbies.

Corrected by May 19, 2025

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3A:52-6.1(a) · (a) The center shall develop and provide a variety of children's planned activities, geared to the ages and developmental levels of the children served, that: 1. Promote the development of language, thinking and problem-solving skills, curiosity, exploration, large and small muscles, coordination and movement skills, social competence, self-esteem, and positive self-identity; and 2. Are relevant to the cultural background of the children and foster intercultural awareness. (b) 1. Time frames for each activity are geared to the age and developmental level of each child served and are flexible enough to accommodate spontaneous occurrences or children's suggestions and inquiries; 2. Children have opportunities to choose materials freely and materials are accessible at all times except during lunch and nap time; 3. Children are presented with and encouraged to participate in a mixture of active and quiet experiences; 4. Both staff-directed and child-selected activities are provided; 5. Children are: i. Encouraged, but not required, to participate in every group activity; and ii. Provided with the time and space within the area to be apart from the group and to participate in an alternate activity if they choose to do so;

Ensure that materials used by the children are age appropriate, non-toxic and safe for use by children. The table and seating is not age appropriate for all school aged children.

Corrected by Mar 18, 2025

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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.

Corrected by May 6, 2025

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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. Update when renewal clearances are received.

Corrected by May 6, 2025

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3A:52-2.3(d) · The requirements for co-location of a center within a multi-use building are as follows, during operating hours, the Office of Licensing may require the center to operate in a separate room, floor, or section of the building; have or use a separate entrance or toilet facility; meet any other physical plant, staffing, program, or other operational requirements that are deemed necessary to protect the children from serious risk of harm stemming from the co-location; not share common areas, such as hallways, gyms, or bathrooms; and have a schedule for outdoor time, if the outdoor play area is shared.

The tenants dispose of their trash haphazardly causing excess debris to gather outside of the shared exit. Provide documentation showing the issue is addressed with the landlord.

Corrected by Mar 18, 2025

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

Complete and maintain at the center daily time sheets for children with arrival and departure times. 12 children present, 10 signed into the center.

Corrected by Mar 18, 2025

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3A:52-2.3(d)(3)(iii) · The requirements for co-location of a center within a multi-use building are as follows, during operating hours, the Office of Licensing may require the center to meet any other physical plant, staffing, program, or other operational requirements that are deemed necessary to protect the children from serious risk of harm stemming from the co-location.

Ensure that the center adheres to all requirements to prevent comingling in multi-use buildings. The tenant (s) disposes of the trash haphazardly causes excess debris to be gathered outside of the exit. Provide documentation showing that the issue is addressed with the landlord.

Corrected by Feb 24, 2025

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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).

Complete and maintain on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. Update when renewal clearances are received.

Corrected by Feb 24, 2025

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

Complete and maintain at the center daily time sheets for children with arrival and departure times. 12 children present, 10 signed into the center.

Corrected by Feb 24, 2025

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

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

Corrected by Feb 24, 2025

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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 shelving is secure and not overloaded, and appliances, computers, and televisions are secured to a stable surface.

Corrected by Feb 24, 2025

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

Secure all freestanding cubbies.

Corrected by Feb 24, 2025

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3A:52-6.2(a)(2) · The center shall provide a supply of age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program equipment including play equipment, child-size furniture and supplies that are non-toxic and safe for use by children in the age groups served.

Ensure that all materials used by the children are age appropriate, non-toxic and safe for use by children. The table and seating is not age appropriate for all school aged children.

Corrected by Feb 24, 2025

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

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

Corrected by Nov 16, 2023

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

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

Corrected by Nov 16, 2023

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3A:52-5.3(b)(7)(i) · 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. centers that take children to a community playground shall ensure that the playground surfacing and all other elements comply with the Playground Safety Subcode before being used by the children.

Ensure that all community playground equipment meets public playground design standards (ASTM F-1487). The surfacing on the younger playground equipment has holes which pose a tripping hazard. 7/17/2024-MOU received concerning playground due to town refusing to repair surfacing.

Corrected by Jul 17, 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 Nov 16, 2023

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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 an operating condition.

Corrected by Nov 16, 2023

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

Clean and/or paint the walls in the SACC classroom.

Corrected by Sep 5, 2024

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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.

Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, including understanding center operations, policies and procedures.

Corrected by Nov 16, 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. 2/20/2024-Consulting Head Teacher credentialed.

Corrected by Feb 20, 2024

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3A:52-5.4(a)(1) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, all electrical outlets that are accessible to the children shall have protective covers.

Ensure that all electrical outlets accessible to the children in the SACC classroom have protective coverings.

Corrected by Nov 16, 2023

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

Ensure that a Universal Health Record is completed upon enrollment and updated annually, including the immunization records and special care plans as required.

Corrected by Feb 29, 2024

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3A:52-4.8(d)(1) · In lieu of the child care staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(b), the director, head teacher(s), group teacher(s), and program supervisor(s) shall each complete 20 hours of staff development each year. Recommended topics of training for these staff include educational and physical activity.

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

Corrected by Nov 16, 2023

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3A:52-4.5(c)(1) · The director shall be scheduled to work at the center at least 50 percent of the center’s daily operating hours.

Based on a complaint, ensure that the director is at the center at least 50% of the center's daily operating hours.

Corrected by Sep 22, 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 all staff on the center's screening policy.

Corrected by Jun 24, 2022

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

Ensure that all staff complete orientation training which may be included for six of the required annual training hours. There is 1 staff's orientation missing.

Corrected by Jun 24, 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. There is 1 staff missing.

Corrected by May 27, 2022

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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 May 27, 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. Submit renewal CHRIs for all staff.

Corrected by May 27, 2022

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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.

Per the NJ Department of Health COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations pursuant to Executive Order No. 149, ensure that all health and safety guidelines are adhered to as required. Submit a copy of the center's COVID-19 vaccination/testing policy. As per the March 7, 2022 COVID-19 Updated regulations, this violation is no longer applicable.

Corrected by Apr 12, 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 that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable. In classroom 3, there was a table blocking the exit door from opening completely. It was moved during the inspection.

Corrected by Feb 28, 2022

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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 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 Apr 12, 2022

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3A:52-5.3(a)(19) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall test for the presence of radon gas in each classroom on the lowest floor level used by children at least once every five years and shall post the test results in a prominent location in all buildings at the center, as specified in N.J.S.A. 30:5B-5.2.

Complete radon testing in every room on the lowest floor used by children and post the results in a prominent location.

Corrected by Apr 12, 2022

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

Ensure that the center maintains and distributes to all families the center's communicable disease policy and that it includes the list of symptoms for which a child will be excluded from the center.

Corrected by May 16, 2022

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3A:52-5.3(h)(2) · Lead paint precautions are as follows: the center shall comply with the lead paint inspection requirements specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(h)3, unless the center

Submit a lead paint risk assessment as required.

Corrected by Mar 29, 2022

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3A:52-6.4(b)(2) · The center shall provide sleeping equipment for children over the age of 12 months and under the age of five years, the center shall provide for each child a crib that complies with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC), Federal Safety Standards for Full-Size and Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs; 16 CRF 1219 and 1220, which is incorporated herein by reference, and can be obtained through the CPSC's website at http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/frnotices/fr11/cribfinal.pdf, playpen, cot, mat, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment that meets the following requirements:

Repair and/or replace sleeping equipment that is in disrepair. There are several torn mats.

Corrected by Apr 12, 2022

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

Based on a complaint, ensure that parents are notified immediately when a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head.

Corrected by Aug 23, 2022

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3A:52-6.1(b)(7) · The staff member(s) specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5 who are responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of the center's daily activities shall ensure that the use of a television, computers, and other video equipment shall be limited to educational and instructional use, shall be age and developmentally appropriate, and shall not be used as a substitute for planned activities or for passive viewing.

Ensure that the use of television, computers, and other video equipment is for educational and instructional use, is age and developmentally appropriate, is not used as a substitute for planned activities, and is not used for passive viewing.

Corrected by Jun 24, 2022

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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.

Complete for all staff.

Corrected by Jan 7, 2020

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3A:52-4.8(a)(8) · Topics of orientation training shall include 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.

Complete for all staff.

Corrected by Jan 7, 2020

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3A:52-4.8(a)(3) · Topics of orientation training shall include implementing group size limits and primary caregiver responsibilities, as applicable, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.4.

Complete for all staff.

Corrected by Jan 7, 2020

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3A:52-4.8(a)(4) · Topics of orientation training shall include recognizing and reporting child abuse or neglect, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.9.

Complete for all staff.

Corrected by Jan 7, 2020

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3A:52-4.8(a)(5) · Topics of orientation training shall include evacuating the center and using the fire alarms, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l).

Complete for all staff.

Corrected by Jan 7, 2020

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3A:52-4.8(a)(6) · Topics of orientation training shall include implementing the center’s release policy, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5.

Complete for all staff.

Corrected by Jan 7, 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 the computer screen in classroom 1. 7/3/19- Secure the computer in classroom 2. Secure the wires near the smart board in classroom 1.

Corrected by Jul 3, 2019

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3A:52-5.3(a)(19) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall test for the presence of radon gas in each classroom on the lowest floor level used by children at least once every five years and shall post the test results in a prominent location in all buildings at the center, as specified in N.J.S.A. 30:5B-5.2.

Corrected by Jul 3, 2019

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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.

Corrected by Jul 3, 2019

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

Corrected by Jul 3, 2019

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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.

Ensure that the wires for the smart board are secured and out of reach of children in classroom 1.

Corrected by Jan 7, 2020

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3A:52-6.8(k)(1) · 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.

Update the social media policy to comply with OOL requirements.

Corrected by Jan 7, 2020

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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).

Complete for all staff.

Corrected by Jan 7, 2020

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3A:52-4.8(a)(11) · Topics of orientation training shall include recognizing and responding to injuries and emergencies, including the prevention of and response to emergencies due to food-related allergies and other allergic reactions.

Complete for all staff.

Corrected by Jan 7, 2020

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3A:52-4.8(a)(12) · Topics of orientation training shall include including children with special needs in the center’s program.

Complete for all staff.

Corrected by Jan 7, 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.

Complete for all staff.

Corrected by Jan 7, 2020

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

Ensure that there are at least 2 people on staff at all times with CPR and First Aid Training.

Corrected by Apr 16, 2020

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3A:52-7.8(a)(4)(iii) · Handwashing requirements are as follows: staff members shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately after assisting a child in toileting.

Ensure that the staff are washing their hands with soap and water immediately after helping a child with toileting. The staff changed her gloves but didn't wash her hands.

Corrected by Apr 16, 2020

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