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 Jan 16, 2024

Category: ratio. 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 2 named staff complete a CHRI background check as required. 1/16/24: 1 CHRI background check outstanding. 10/23/24: 1 staff outstanding. 1/24/25: Staff no longer employed.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 24, 2025

Category: background checks. 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 27 named staff submit a CARI background check upon renewal.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 16, 2024

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

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

Repair and/or paint the windowsills in rooms 2 and 3 that are chipping.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 16, 2024

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 Feb 16, 2024

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-7.5(b)(10) · The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: the center shall store prescribed epinephrine pens in their original boxes with the child’s name and prescription. A special care plan or other documentation from a health care provider shall accompany the epinephrine pen. If two epinephrine pens are required, both shall be available. Each center under the jurisdiction of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5 shall store back-up epinephrine pens on site consistent with the requirements stated at N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5.e(1).

Ensure that 5 named children's special care plans are updated annually as required. 1/16/24: 4 special care plans received, 1 updated special care plan still needed.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 16, 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.

Ensure that the emergency lighting in room 5 is operable at all times.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 16, 2024

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

3A:52-4.8(g)(3) · The center shall maintain on file documentation of the date, time, topic, presenter, and attendance for all staff development and orientation completed by center staff members. The center shall record each staff member’s completion of staff development and orientation on the Staff Records Checklist, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(b).

Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually and that the completion of the training is documented on the Staff Records Checklist.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 5, 2023

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(b)(1) · Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the building, land, walkways, and outdoor play area shall be free from hazards to the health, safety or well-being of the children.

Ensure that the spikes at the bottom of the slide are secure and flush to the base of the slide.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 15, 2023

Category: health medication. 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.

Ensure that the emergency lighting in room 5 is operable at all times.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 15, 2023

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

3A:52-5.3(a)(9) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: toilets, wash basins, kitchen sinks, and other plumbing shall be maintained in good operating and sanitary condition.

Repair broken flush handles on toilets in rooms 6 and 9 and maintain in good operating condition.

Corrected Corrected by Oct 3, 2023

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(ii) · Space and room requirements are as follows: at no time shall a center allow more children in attendance than the licensed room capacity.

Ensure that the center complies with the licensed capacity of the classrooms at all times throughout the center, whereas in room 8, 20 children were present in a room with a capacity of 19.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 15, 2023

Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: in addition to the items specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)3, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use, diapering surfaces.

Ensure that rooms 1 and 2 wash and disinfect diapering surfaces after each use.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 15, 2023

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-7.5(b)(10) · The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: the center shall store prescribed epinephrine pens in their original boxes with the child’s name and prescription. A special care plan or other documentation from a health care provider shall accompany the epinephrine pen. If two epinephrine pens are required, both shall be available. Each center under the jurisdiction of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5 shall store back-up epinephrine pens on site consistent with the requirements stated at N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5.e(1).

Ensure that one named child's Epi-pens are stored in the original box with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan and that two are present.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 15, 2023

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the 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 adequate procedures for tracking children are adhered to at all times. In room 7, a staff stated that 17 children were present, when 18 children between the ages of 3 to 4 years of age were in their care.

Corrected Corrected by Oct 3, 2023

Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(b)(1) · Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the building, land, walkways, and outdoor play area shall be free from hazards to the health, safety or well-being of the children.

Repair or replace the missing/broken red circle buttons on the treehouse structure, ensuring there are no sharp edges.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 9, 2022

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: for bottles, each child's bottle(s) shall be labeled with the child's name and dated.

Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date, whereas some dates were missing from bottles in Room 2.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 4, 2022

Marked corrected in the state record.

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 Corrected by Dec 28, 2022

Category: health medication. 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.

Maintain the refrigerators and freezers in a sanitary manner.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 4, 2022

Category: physical safety. 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.

Ensure that all illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting are operable at all times throughout the center. Repair or replace the non-working emergency lights in Rooms 2, 4 and 7.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 4, 2022

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

3A:52-5.3(a)(9) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: toilets, wash basins, kitchen sinks, and other plumbing shall be maintained in good operating and sanitary condition.

Repair or replace the broken toilet tank lid in Room 5.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 28, 2022

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.2(c) · If the center prepares meals, the center shall obtain 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. The center shall maintain on file the Sanitary Inspection Certificate.

Provide a current health certificate for the two outside food vendors who provide meals to the center as required.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 4, 2022

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(a)(10) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all corrosive agents, insecticides, bleaches, detergents, polishes, any products under pressure in an aerosol spray can, and any toxic substance shall be stored in a locked cabinet or in an enclosure located in an area not accessible to the children.

Ensure that all toxic substances and cleaning supplies are inaccessible to the children. There were bottles of vinegar, borax and cleaning supplies accessible to the children in Rooms 5, 6, 9 and 12.

Corrected Corrected by Aug 29, 2022

Category: physical safety. 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.

Clean the mechanical ventilation and surrounding ceiling tiles throughout the center.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 4, 2022

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.

Ensure that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required. Pertains to 3 staff.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 4, 2022

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

3A:52-7.5(b)(10) · The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: the center shall store prescribed epinephrine pens in their original boxes with the child’s name and prescription. A special care plan or other documentation from a health care provider shall accompany the epinephrine pen. If two epinephrine pens are required, both shall be available. Each center under the jurisdiction of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5 shall store back-up epinephrine pens on site consistent with the requirements stated at N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5.e(1).

Maintain on file an updated Special Care Plan signed by a Health Care Professional for a named child in Room 7 who requires an Epi-Pen. 11/4/22: Maintain on file an updated Special Care Plan signed by a Health Care Professional for a named child in Room 7, and maintain on file the required medication per the Special Care Plan for a second named child in Room 7.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 28, 2022

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the 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

Ensure that medication and creams are discarded or sent home when no longer needed to be used at the center.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 4, 2022

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(i) · The schedule for disinfecting shall be as follows: the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use,

Ensure that the center washes and disinfects the diaper changing pads after each use, whereas a two step process was not used in Room 3.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 4, 2022

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

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

Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water immediately after each diaper change, whereas a staff did not wash their hands after removing their gloves after changing a diaper in Room 3.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 4, 2022

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: diapering requirements for centers serving children who are not toilet trained are as follows, diapering area and surface requirements are as follows, the diapering surface shall be flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent, and in good repair.

Clean the diaper changing pad and surrounding area in Room 5.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 4, 2022

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-4.3(a) · The children shall be supervised directly by a staff member at all times, including during outdoor activities, rest and sleep, and walking through hallways. Toileting procedures shall be supervised by a staff member as appropriate for the ages and developmental needs of the children.

Ensure that adequate supervision is maintained at all times throughout the center. Staff was unable to maintain adequate supervision as they had their back turned and a child was sleeping on a cot behind a diaper changing table out of view in Room 5.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 28, 2022

Category: supervision. 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.

Submit an updated water testing report, Drinking Water Testing Checklist and Drinking Water Testing Statement of Assurance for lead and copper from all faucets and other sources used for drinking water or food preparation and at least 50% of all indoor water faucets utilized by the center.

Corrected Corrected by Jun 10, 2021

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-5.3(i)(8) · Environmental condition precautions are as follows: at the time of the initial application, any renewal application, relocation of an existing licensed center, and, as determined by the Office of Licensing, on a case-by-case basis, the facility operator shall submit to the Office of Licensing a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the Department of Health that indicates that no further remediation is needed for the interior of the building in which the center is located.

Submit an updated NJDOH Safe Building Interior Certificate.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 14, 2021

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

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.

Based on complaint #19014: retrain all staff and management in the following categories, providing documentation of training completion to the OOL: 1) NJ Department of Health Executive Directive on COVID-19 Childcare Standards 2) Health and Safety Procedures during the COVID-19 Health Emergency 3) Cleaning and Disinfecting Procedures

Corrected Corrected by Mar 2, 2021

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.

Based on complaint 19014 and the COVID-19 Child Care Standards Pursuant to Executive Order No. 149: the same staff shall be assigned to care for each group of 15 children each day. Whereas, the center assigned a named staff to work in both rooms 6 and 7 within the same day leading to a confirmed exposure of COVID-19 in both classrooms.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 2, 2021

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

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

Maintain adequate staff/child ratios. There were 8 awake and 2 sleeping children, 12-18 months old, with 2 staff in room 3. An additional staff was required.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 11, 2019

Category: ratio. 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.

Complete and maintain on file the CARI check for 1 named staff.

Corrected Corrected by Jul 26, 2019

Category: background checks. 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).

Update the staff records checklist to include all current staff.

Corrected Corrected by Jul 26, 2019

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: for bottles, each child's bottle(s) shall be labeled with the child's name and dated.

Ensure all bottles are dated.

Corrected Corrected by Jul 26, 2019

Marked corrected in the state record.

3A:52-7.7(e)(1) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: in addition to the items specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)3, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use,

Wash and disinfect the diapering surface after each use in Room 6.

Corrected Corrected by Jul 26, 2019

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

3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(ii) · Handwashing requirements are as follows: the center shall ensure that children three months of age and older wash their hands with soap and running water immediately after using the toilet or having diapers changed.

Ensure children's hands are washed with soap and running water after each diaper change in Room 6.

Corrected Corrected by Jul 26, 2019

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

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

Ensure staff wash their hands after changing a diaper in Room 6.

Corrected Corrected by Jul 26, 2019

Category: health medication. 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.

Complete and maintain on file the CHRI clearances for 7 named staff. 7/26/19: 1 outstanding.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 12, 2019

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

3A:52-4.8(g)(2) · The center shall maintain on file documentation of the date, time, topic, presenter, and attendance for all staff development and orientation completed by center staff members. For staff development provided by another source, the center shall maintain on file documentation of the name of the person or organization that provided the staff development.

Ensure the orientation logs are fully completed.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 15, 2019

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.