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Home › NJ › Metuchen › DaySpring Child Care Center
130 Whitman Avenue, Metuchen NJ 08840 · License #12DAY0001 · Center · Child Care Center
When they operate
Schedule type not published.
Ages served
Ages not published.
3A:52-5.3(b)(7) · Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall comply with the Playground Safety Subcode of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23-11.
Provide additional mulch to all climber fall zones in the outdoor playground.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2025
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.3(b)(1) · Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: 1. The building, land, walkways, and outdoor play area shall be free from hazards to the health, safety or well-being of the children. 2. The outdoor play area shall be graded or provided with drains to dispose of surface water.
Cut back and remove the large tree branch that is broken and hanging over the rear of the playground.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2025
Category: health medication. 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.
Provide documentation that the center has current comprehensive general liability insurance coverage.
Corrected Corrected by Jan 28, 2026
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
Data synced from New Jersey DCF, Office of Licensing on Jul 9, 2026 · Source records · Report an error
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 that Universal Health records are obtained upon enrollment and updated annually.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 19, 2025
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the 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. 1/28/26-note, one CARI outstanding.
Corrected Corrected by Mar 4, 2026
Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the 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.
Ensure all staff files contain all requirements listed on the Staff Records Checklist, including criminal disclosure statement and staff medical. 1/28/26-Note, criminal disclosures observed, staff medicals still outstanding.
Corrected Corrected by Jun 9, 2026
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
Ensure that the center prevents co-mingling by keeping licensed space separate from the K-8 program occupying the second floor. All bathrooms used towards the center's licensed capacity must be solely for the use of the child care center during operating hours. Shared space, including the gym and outdoor playground, must have a schedule for use to ensure separate use times. Center must submit a Memorandum of Understanding detailing steps that the center will take to ensure that the center spaces are secured and separate from other building uses.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2025
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the 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 that all medications listed on a child's Special Needs Care Plan are maintained on site for one named child.
Corrected Corrected by Jan 28, 2026
Category: ratio. 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. 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 at least once a month. Fire drill log was missing several months of drills.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 19, 2025
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.3(k)(5) · Swimming pool requirements are as follows: wading pools that are 24 inches or less, are filled as needed, are portable, and do not have a filtration system are prohibited.
Cease the use of wading pools.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2025
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.3(a)(17) · 17. All televisions and computers shall be secured on a stable surface and shelving shall be secured and not be overloaded. 18. Ensure that microwave ovens, toaster ovens, and other portable devices used to heat or prepare food are out of children's reach, secured on a stable surface, and not in use when children are in the area in order to ensure the safety of children.
Ensure microwave and toaster ovens are secured out of the reach of children throughout the center classrooms.
Corrected Corrected by Jan 28, 2026
Category: nutrition. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.3(a)(1) · (a) Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: 1. The center shall be free of moisture resulting from water leaks or seepage. 2. Floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair. 4. Carpeting shall be securely fastened to the floor. 9. Toilets, wash basins, kitchen sinks, and other plumbing shall be maintained in good operating and sanitary condition.
Repair toilet that is out of order in the women's bathroom.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2025
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-4.6(c)(1) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: or 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.
Provide documentation that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 19, 2025
Category: recordkeeping. 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 Protection.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2025
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.3(r) · The center shall take any steps required by the Office of Licensing to correct conditions in the building or center that may endanger the health, safety, and well-being of the children served.
Ensure all kitchen knives are stored out of the reach of children throughout the classrooms. All knives located in drawers were removed and stored out of the reach of children during inspection.
Corrected Corrected by Jul 11, 2025
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.6(b) · Doors in all interior rooms designated for use by children shall remain unlocked.
Classroom doors are equipped with panic type door knobs. Some were locked during inspection and some left open. Center must draft a door lock policy, submit a copy to OOL and ensure that all staff are trained on the door lock policy.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2025
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 Oct 27, 2023
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the 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 Corrected by Oct 13, 2022
Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the 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 Attestation and all required documents.
Corrected Corrected by Oct 13, 2022
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 1, 2022
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
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 Corrected by Oct 3, 2022
Category: physical safety. 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 Protection.
Corrected Corrected by Apr 5, 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 Oct 3, 2022
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 Apr 5, 2023
Category: physical safety. 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.
Email CHRI's for all staff.
Corrected Corrected by Dec 6, 2021
Category: background checks. 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.
Email or upload to NJCCIS file cabinet the new center director credentials.
Corrected Corrected by Dec 6, 2021
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.
Email CARI's for all staff.
Corrected Corrected by Dec 6, 2021
Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the 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.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2019
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2019
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-4.6(c)(3)(i) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the group teacher shall meet the requirements for experience and education one year of teaching experience in a group program for children under six years of age, which may include supervised practice teaching and/or student teaching.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2019
Category: supervision. 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.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 12, 2019
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the 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.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2019
Category: supervision. 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.
Secure the street car rug in room 1.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2019
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-6.1(b)(6)(iii) · 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 provided with daily structured and unstructured developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor energetic physical activity as follows whenever feasible, and unless the child is eating, sleeping, needs to complete a seated activity, or is ill, children shall not be inactive for more than 30 minutes.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2019
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
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:
Replace all the flat mats throughout the center.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2019
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-6.5(b) · The center shall distribute a copy of the release policy to the parent of each enrolled child and each staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s and staff member’s signature attesting to receipt of the policy.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2019
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-6.8(j)(3) · The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the expulsion of children from enrollment at the center. The center shall distribute a copy of the expulsion policy to the parent of each enrolled child and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s signature attesting to receipt of the policy.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2019
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2019
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-6.8(l) · The center shall distribute a copy of the social media policy to the parent of each enrolled child and to each staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s signature and each staff member’s signature attesting to the receipt of the policy.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2019
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-7.11(b) · The center shall distribute a copy of the communicable disease policy to the parent of each enrolled child and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s signature attesting to receipt of the policy.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2019
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the 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.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 25, 2020
Category: ratio. 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.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 25, 2020
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.2(d) · An applicant seeking the renewal of a license or of a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval to continue operating a center shall obtain and maintain on file a fire safety inspection certificate for the building based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months. If the center prepares meals, the applicant seeking renewal shall obtain and maintain on file a satisfactory Sanitary Inspection Certificate, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:24, indicating that the kitchen is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the State Sanitary Code, based on a sanitary inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 25, 2020
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.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 25, 2020
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.