Watchung Cooperative Preschool

3A:52-4.10(b)(1) · 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. Until the results of the CARI background check for a new staff member have been received from the Department, the center shall ensure oversight of the new staff member by another staff member, and ensure that person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children.

Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/ sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal. All staff need to update CARI's. 6/23/2025: 2 staff missing CARI's. 8/27/2025: 1 staff missing CARI.

Corrected by Nov 3, 2025

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3A:52-4.11(a) · As a condition of securing a license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) fingerprint background check is completed for himself or herself, and for all staff members at least 18 years of age who are or will be working at the center on a regularly- scheduled basis, to determine whether any such person has been convicted of a crime, as specified in P.L. 2000, c. 77 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-6.10 to 6.17). If a staff member refuses to consent to a CHRI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediately terminate the staff member’s employment at the center.

Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. 7 staff missing CHRI's. UPATE 9.29.25: Three staff are missing their CHRI's. Update: 11.3.25: Two staff members are missing their CHRIs. The 3rd staff member is no longer employed at this center.

Corrected by Nov 12, 2025

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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.

Provide documentation that the center has current comprehensive general liability insurance coverage.

Corrected by Nov 3, 2025

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3A:52-4.11(a) · As a condition of securing a license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) fingerprint background check is completed for himself or herself, and for all staff members at least 18 years of age who are or will be working at the center on a regularly- scheduled basis, to determine whether any such person has been convicted of a crime, as specified in P.L. 2000, c. 77 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-6.10 to 6.17). If a staff member refuses to consent to a CHRI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediately terminate the staff member’s employment at the center.

Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 2 new staff members.

Corrected by Jan 5, 2026

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3A:52-5.3(n)(1) · Fire prevention requirements are as follows: the center shall conduct fire drills at least once a month, as specified in the NJUFC. The center shall ensure that fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center and that one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time, if applicable. The center shall ensure that all children present are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill.

Ensure fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center, one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time, if applicable, and all children are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill.

Corrected by Jan 5, 2026

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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.

Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually.

Corrected by Jan 5, 2026

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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.

Ensure that all surfaces including flooring, carpeting and ceiling tiles are kept clean and in good repair.

Corrected by Dec 3, 2024

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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: is located in a building constructed after 1978; submits documentation to the Office of Licensing of a previous lead paint inspection conducted by a Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor, who is certified and employed as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(h)3, indicating the center is free of lead-based paint hazards; or submits documentation to the Office of Licensing and the local department of health of; a lead paint inspection and risk assessment conducted by a Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor, who is certified and employed as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(h)3, within the previous 12 months indicating the presence of lead; and a lead paint risk management plan currently in progress at the center.

Submit a lead paint risk assessment and a lead paint risk management plan as required.

Corrected by Jan 7, 2025

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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 a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH.

Corrected by Feb 24, 2025

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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 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 by Jan 7, 2025

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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 Oct 31, 2024

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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 by Oct 1, 2024

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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 by Oct 31, 2024

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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.

Provide a current fire certificate as required.

Corrected by Jan 7, 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. All staff need to update CARI's .

Corrected by Feb 24, 2025

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3A:52-4.11(a)(3) · As a condition of securing a license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) fingerprint background check is completed for himself or herself, and for all staff members at least 18 years of age who are or will be working at the center on a regularly- scheduled basis, to determine whether any such person has been convicted of a crime, as specified in P.L. 2000, c. 77 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-6.10 to 6.17). If a staff member refuses to consent to a CHRI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediately terminate the staff member’s employment at the center.

Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. Seven staff missing CHRI's.

Corrected by Feb 24, 2025

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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 children are directly supervised walking from the building to the playground. At the time of the inspection, one child walked unsupervised from the building to the playground.

Corrected by Oct 31, 2024

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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 all staff know how many children are in their care at all times. At the time of the inspection, one staff member did not know how many children were present in her care and the other staff member needed to count the children.

Corrected by Oct 31, 2024

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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).

Ensure that all staff complete orientation training annually.

Corrected by Jan 10, 2024

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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 by Jan 10, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(l)(1)(vii) · Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating a diagram showing how the center is to be evacuated in case of emergency from each classroom and the outdoor play area.

Post a diagram showing how the center is to be evacuated from each classroom and the outdoor play area.

Corrected by Jan 10, 2024

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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 Dec 15, 2023

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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 Jan 10, 2024

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

Corrected by Jan 12, 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 Mar 10, 2023

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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 by Mar 10, 2023

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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 3 named staff complete a CHRI background check as required.

Corrected by Jan 17, 2023

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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.

Ensure that all fire extinguishers are tagged annually.

Corrected by Dec 27, 2021

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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.

Provide the center's current fire certificate.

Corrected by Feb 17, 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.

Provide the CHRI clearances for 4 named staff. 2/17/22: Received 2 and 2 remain outstanding.

Corrected by Jul 21, 2022

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3A:52-5.3(n)(1) · Fire prevention requirements are as follows: the center shall conduct fire drills at least once a month, as specified in the NJUFC. The center shall ensure that fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center and that one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time, if applicable.

Conduct and document monthly fire drills.

Corrected by Feb 17, 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.

Provide the center's radon test results.

Corrected by Feb 17, 2022

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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 monthly fire drills are conducted and documented.

Corrected by Jan 9, 2020

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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 the puppet theatre/grocery store front is secure.

Corrected by Jan 9, 2020

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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 the book nook in Room 3 provides a 3 foot aisle to the exit.

Corrected by Jan 9, 2020

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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.

Ensure that the fire extinguishers are tagged and serviced annually.

Corrected by Jan 9, 2020

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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).

Provide annual orientation training for all staff.

Corrected by Jan 16, 2020

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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.

Provide the CHRI clearance for 1 named staff. 5/27/2020: Staff is no longer employed.

Corrected by May 27, 2020

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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.

Transferred: ensure that one staff member receives a CARI check and maintain the clearance letter on file.

Corrected by Jun 27, 2019

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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.

Transferred: Ensure that 10 staff members receive a CHRI check and maintain the clearances letters on file at the center. 9/12/18: Provide the CHRI clearances for 8 outstanding staff. 1/4/19: provide the CHRI clearances for 5 outstanding staff.

Corrected by Jun 27, 2019

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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.

Provide the required renewal CARI check for 1 named staff.

Corrected by Jun 27, 2019

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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.

Corrected by Jun 27, 2019

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