3A:52-7.3(a) · (a) For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: 1. Each child not enrolled in a public or private school shall have had a health examination performed by a health care provider within: i. Six months prior to admission, for children who are 2½ years of age or younger; or ii. One year prior to admission, for children above 2½ years of age. 2. 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): i. For children coming from other states or countries in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.6 and 4.7; and ii. For children who are in foster care or experiencing homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11434a(2). 3. For children enrolled in a public or private school, the center shall obtain a written statement from each child's parent indicating: I. That the child is in good health and can participate in the normal activities of the program; and ii. Any conditions or specific needs that may require special accommodations. 4. If immunizations are contraindicated for medical reasons, the center may choose to admit the child, provided that the parent submits to the center a written statement from a health care provider attesting to the following: i. The reason the immunization is medically contraindicated; and ii. The specific time period that the immunization is medically contraindicated. 5. A child shall be exempted from a physical examination, immunization, or medical treatment if the parent objects thereto in a written statement submitted to the center, signed by the parent, explaining how the examination, immunization, or medical treatment conflicts with the child’s exercise of bona fide religious tenets or practices. i. Religiously-affiliated centers shall have the authority to withhold or grant a religious exemption from the required immunization for children entering or attending their centers without challenge by any secular health authority, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.4. ii. The center shall maintain the parent’s written statement on file as part of the child’s record. 6. Those children with immunization exemptions may be excluded from the center by the Office of Licensing or the Department of Health during a vaccine-preventable disease outbreak or threatened outbreak, as determined by the State Commissioner of Health.

Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including the universals.

Corrected Corrected by Oct 23, 2025

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the 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.

Complete and submit a DCF Drinking Water Testing Checklist and Statement of Assurance and a copy of the center's water testing completed by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protectio

Corrected Corrected by Sep 5, 2025

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-6.3(a)(12)(ii) · All centers shall comply with the following requirements, the center shall ensure that these safety and sanitation practices are followed: sippy cups shall be labeled with the child’s name.

Ensure that each child's sippy cup is labeled with the child's name, throughout the center.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 2, 2024

Marked corrected in the 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; special needs programming and program development; social-emotional and behavioral development for young children; legal issues, including ADA guidelines and leadership and advocacy.

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

Corrected Corrected by Dec 2, 2024

Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the 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.

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

Corrected Corrected by Dec 2, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

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.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 2, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

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 classroom 4 bathroom.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 2, 2024

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.6(b)(1) · The director shall meet the following qualification requirements for early childhood programs licensed to serve more than 30 children, the director shall meet the qualification requirements as specified in N.J.A.C 3A:52-4.6(b) for education and experience.

Ensure that the director meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 13, 2022

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

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.

Ensure that all flooring and carpeting are kept clean and in good repair.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 13, 2022

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

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

Label all rooms approved by the OOL for the children's use.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 13, 2022

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-6.3(a)(12)(ii) · All centers shall comply with the following requirements, the center shall ensure that these safety and sanitation practices are followed: sippy cups shall be labeled with the child’s name.

Ensure that each child's sippy cup is labeled with the child's name.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 13, 2022

Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-6.4(b)(2)(ii) · 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: each cot or mat used for rest and sleep shall be covered with a sheet, blanket or other covering. An additional covering shall be provided for use as a covering for each child.

Ensure that each cot or mat used for rest and sleep is covered with a sheet, blanket or other covering. Ensure that an additional covering is provided for use as a covering for each child throughout the center.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 13, 2023

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the 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 Corrected by Jan 13, 2023

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.2(a)(8) · The center shall obtain a Life Hazard Use Registration certificate applicable to the center’s licensed capacity and ages served pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq. The center shall post this document in a prominent location within the center.

Provide a current life/hazard use registration certificate applicable to the center's licensed capacity and ages served.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 13, 2023

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the 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 Corrected by Jan 13, 2023

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

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.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 13, 2023

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

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.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 13, 2023

Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the 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. Ensure that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required for the center's license renewal.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 13, 2023

Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.

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

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

Corrected Corrected by Jan 26, 2023

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the 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).

Provide record of Mantoux Results and physical form for the named staff.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 26, 2023

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.2(a)(1)(ii) · For newly-constructed buildings, for existing buildings whose construction code group classification would change from that which it had been, or for existing buildings that require major alteration or renovation, the center shall obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) issued by the municipality in which it is located, reflecting the center's compliance with the provisions of the NJUCC, and submit a copy of the CO to the Office of Licensing, for the following group classification: I-4 (Institutional) for buildings accommodating one or more children less than 2 ½ years of age.

Submit a copy of the final Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Continued Occupancy that indicates an I-4 use group for buildings accommodating children less than 2.5 years of age. CO will expires on 5/31/2023.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 11, 2024

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.2(a)(5) · The center shall be permitted to obtain a valid fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, and submit a copy of the certificate to the Office of Licensing in lieu of a CO or CCO, if the center serves only children 2 ½ years of age or older and is located in a public school building that is used as a public school.

Provide a current fire certificate as required.

Corrected Corrected by Jul 31, 2024

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the 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.

Ensure that all staff orientation training is documented as clock hours of staff development.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 17, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

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

Ensure that all playground equipment meets public playground design standards (ASTM F-1487).

Corrected Corrected by Jan 17, 2024

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the 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 Corrected by Jan 17, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the 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, including one fire drill annually that is conducted during nap time.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 17, 2024

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the 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 have current first aid and CPR certifications and are present at all times at the center.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 17, 2024

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the 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.

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

Corrected Corrected by Jan 17, 2024

Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the 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.

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

Corrected Corrected by Jan 17, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.