First Steps Early Childhood Center

3A:52-6.4(e) · Sheets, blankets and other coverings shall be: 1. Changed when wet, soiled or damaged; and 2. Changed before use by another child.

Ensure sheets are changed when soiled in Room 5.

Corrected by Jun 12, 2026

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3A:52-6.4(i) · Children shall not use pacifiers with straps or other types of attachment devices.

Cease the use of pacifier straps or other types of attachment devices. 1 child in Room 4 had a pacifier strap. The center took immediate action to remove the strap.

Corrected by May 11, 2026

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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. 1. At least one staff member shall be physically present in the room or area in which children are napping and shall be able to summon other staff members without leaving the room or area. 3. Naptime preparations shall have been completed and all children 18 months or above are resting or sleeping, while all children under 18 months of age are sleeping.

Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times. At the time of the inspection, one child under 2.5 years old walked into Room 1 unsupervised while the rest of the children were playing in the indoor play area. Staff was unaware the child was missing for 2-3 minutes.

Corrected by Jun 12, 2026

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3A:52-7.9(a)(1) · The center shall maintain on file a log of the initial illnesses, symptoms of illness, or diseases that are exhibited by each child while in the center’s care, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1(c) and (d). This illness log shall include: the child's name; the date and time the illness, symptoms of illness or diseases were observed at the center; a description of the symptoms of illness manifested by the child; the action taken by the center to assist: the child who is demonstrating symptoms of illness; and the director in determining if exclusion of the child from the center is necessary; any significant change in the child's symptoms of illness; the date, if applicable, that: the child was removed from the center; the child returned to the center with a note from a health care provider attesting to the child's admissibility to the center and recovery from a reportable disease, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:57; the child returned to the center with a parent’s note attesting that six days have elapsed since the onset of chicken pox, or that all chicken pox sores have dried and crusted; or the child returned to the center symptom-free.

Maintain an illness log on file at the center that includes: the child's name; symptoms of illness; actions taken by the center; and dates of exclusion and return.

Corrected by Jun 12, 2026

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3A:52-4.8(d) · 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. 2 staff members missing 20 hour training logs.

Corrected by Jun 12, 2026

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3A:52-5.3(l) · (l) Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: 1. The center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating: i. The location of the first aid kit and any additional first aid supplies; ii. The name, address and telephone number of the physician retained by the center or of the health facility to be used in emergencies; iii. An alternate indoor location that operates during the same operating hours as the center. The center shall: (1) Select an alternate indoor location within safe walking distance; or (2) Develop a written procedure for obtaining emergency transportation to the alternate location; iv. The hospital or clinic to which injured or ill children will be taken; v. The telephone numbers for obtaining police, fire, ambulance and poison control services, including the National Poison Emergency Hotline at (800) 222-1222; vi. The location of written authorization from parent(s) for emergency medical care for each child; vii. A diagram showing how the center is to be evacuated in case of emergency from each classroom and the outdoor play area; viii. The location of fire alarms and fire extinguishers; and ix. Procedures for ensuring children’s safety and communicating with parents in the event of evacuation, lockdown, natural or civil disaster, and other emergencies. The procedures shall indicate: (1) The plan for informing parents of their children’s whereabouts; and (2) The local law enforcement agency or emergency management office that has been notified of the center’s identifying information, as specified in (l)3 below. 2. The emergency procedures shall be readily accessible in a designated location within the center. 3. The center shall ensure that the appropriate local law enforcement agency or emergency management office is notified of: i. The center’s name and location; ii. The number, ages, and special needs of children enrolled; iii. The number of staff; iv. The need for emergency transportation; v. The location to which children will be evacuated; vi. The plan for a lockdown; and vii. The plan for reuniting children with their parents.

Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes all required components.

Corrected by Jun 12, 2026

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3A:52-7.5(b) · 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: Administration and control of prescription and non-prescription medicines and health care procedures (a) The center shall inform each child’s parent upon enrollment of its policy on administering medication and health care procedures to children, including the provisions specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b) to (d). The policy shall indicate: 1. Whether the center will administer non-prescription medication or a non-prescribed health care procedure to a child; 2. Whether the center will administer prescription medication or a prescribed health care procedure to a child with a short-term illness; and 3. That the center will provide reasonable accommodations for the administration of medication or health care procedures to a child with special needs, if failure to administer the medication or health care procedure would jeopardize the health of the child or prevent the child from attending the center. 1. Medication and health care procedures shall be administered only after receipt of written approval from the child's parent(s). 2. The center shall: i. Designate those staff members who are trained as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a)8 and authorized to administer medication or health care procedures to, or to supervise self-administration of medication or health care procedures by, those children whose parents authorize it; and ii. Ensure that each staff member designated to administer medication and health care procedures is informed of each child's medication and health care needs. 3. All medication and health care equipment shall be kept either in a locked cabinet or in an area that is inaccessible to the children. i. All medication shall be kept in its original container. ii. Medication shall be refrigerated if so indicated on the label. iii. Unused or expired medication and health care equipment shall be returned to the child’s parent or disposed of safely in a child-resistant waste receptacle when no longer being administered. 4. All prescription medication for a child shall be: i. Prescribed in the name of and specifically for the child; and ii. Stored in its prescription container, which has been labeled with the child's name, the name and expiration date of the medication, the date it was prescribed or updated and directions for its administration. 5. The center shall limit the dispensing of non-prescription over-the-counter medication to the following types of medicines, which shall be dispensed in accordance with the recommended dosage for the age and weight of the child, as indicated on the label: i. Antihistamines; ii. Cough suppressants'. Decongestants; iv. Non-aspirin fever reducers and pain relievers; and v. Topical preparations, such as sunscreen and diaper rash preparations. 6. The center may permit the dispensing of non-prescription medication other than those listed in (b)5 above, or according to instructions other than those indicated on the label, if the child's health care provider authorizes it in writing. 8. If a child has a chronic health condition requiring the administration of prescription or non-prescription medication or health care procedures on a long-term basis, the center shall obtain from the child’s parent a written statement from a health care provider, indicating: i. The name of the child; ii. The name of the medication or procedure; iii The condition or indications for administration of the medication or procedure; iv. The instructions for administration of the medication or procedure; and v. The name and telephone number of the health care provider. 11. The center shall inform the child’s parent immediately if a child exhibits any adverse effect of a medication or health care procedure. (c) For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: 1. The center shall ensure that all medication and health care procedures are administered by designated staff. (d) For school-age child care programs, the following shall apply: 1. Before the center administers or permits a child to self-administer medication or health care procedures, the center shall: i. Obtain written authorization for self-administration from the child's parent, if applicable; and ii. Ensure that the medication or health care procedure is administered by or under the supervision of authorized staff.

Ensure 2 named children have an asthma treatment plan for albuterol.

Corrected by Jun 12, 2026

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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 serviced and tagged annually and recharged if necessary throughout the center.

Corrected by Jun 12, 2026

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3A:52-5.3(d)(3) · Heating requirements are as follows: the center shall not use portable liquid fuel-burning or wood-burning heating appliances or electric space heaters.

Ensure gas stove in the basement classroom is disconnected.

Corrected by Jun 12, 2026

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3A:52-5.3(d)(1) · a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit shall be maintained in all areas used by children, including, but not limited to, classrooms and bathrooms.

Ensure that a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit is maintained in all areas used by the children. At the time of the inspection, the thermostat in Room 5 read 66 degrees. The center took immediate action to raise the temperature to 68 degrees.

Corrected by May 11, 2026

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3A:52-5.3(m)(2) · Supplemental evacuation requirements are as follows: cribs, beds, playpens, and cots used for rest or sleep shall be arranged so as to provide access to a three-foot-wide aisle that leads to an unobstructed exit.

Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable. At the time of the inspection, a rocking chair in Room 1 was blocking an emergency exit. The center took immediate action to move the rocking chair.

Corrected by May 11, 2026

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

Provide protective coverings for all electrical outlets accessible to the children in the basement classroom.

Corrected by Jun 12, 2026

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3A:52-6.8(a)(1) · The center shall complete and maintain on file for each enrolled child a Children’s Records Checklist, signed by the director, sponsor, or sponsor representative and designated by the Office of Licensing, indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the child's name, address, birth date, and date of enrollment; the name(s), home and work address(es), home and work telephone number(s) and signature(s) of the parent(s); the name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of any person(s) authorized by the parent(s) to visit the child at the center and/or take the child from the center, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5(a)1; and the name, address, and telephone number of the child's health care provider; signed authorization from the parent(s) for emergency medical treatment; the parent’s signature attesting to the receipt of the Information to Parents document, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b); the parent’s signature attesting to the receipt of the Information to Parents document, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b).; health information for each child, as follows: for early childhood programs, a record of the child’s health examination and immunizations, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a); and for school-age child care programs, a record of the parent’s statement concerning the child’s health, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(b).

Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL.

Corrected by Jun 12, 2026

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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 children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. At the time of the inspection, 1 staff member was unaware of how many children were in her care in Room 2.

Corrected by Jun 12, 2026

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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 loose molding in Room 5 near the gate entrance.

Corrected by Jun 12, 2026

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3A:52-6.4(b)(1)(i) · Each crib or playpen shall be equipped with: a firm, waterproof, snugly fitting mattress; a clean, snugly fitting sheet; top rails that are at least 19 inches above the mattress and slats that are not more than 2 3/8 inches apart.

Ensure that all cribs have a firm, waterproof, snugly fitting mattress and clean snugly fitting sheets in Room 5.

Corrected by Jun 12, 2026

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3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) · In addition to the items specified in (a)3 above, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use: iii. Diapering surfaces;

Ensure diapering surfaces are washed and disinfected after each use in Room 4.

Corrected by Jun 12, 2026

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3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(iii)(4) · Staff members who use disposable gloves during a diaper change shall dispose of these gloves after each use and shall wash their hands.

Ensure that staff using disposable gloves for diaper changes dispose of the gloves after each use. At the time of the inspection, 1 staff member used the same gloves from a diaper change to apply Aquaphor on a child in Room 5.

Corrected by Jun 12, 2026

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3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3) · the diapering surface shall be flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent, and in good repair.

Ensure that diapering surfaces are flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent and in good repair in Room 5.

Corrected by Jun 12, 2026

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3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) · 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 in Room 4.

Corrected by Jun 12, 2026

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3A:52-4.10(a)(4) · When a person who is not required to complete a CARI background check is working with children at the center, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children.

Ensure staff without a cleared CARI are not left alone to supervise children at any time. At the time of the inspection, 2 therapists were working alone with children in Room 8 and Room 6. Obtain CARI's for therapists or ensure they are not left alone with children.

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3A:52-4.11(a)(5) · When a person who is not required to complete a CHRI background check is working with children at the center, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that the person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children.

Ensure staff without a cleared CHRI are not left alone to supervise children at any time. At the time of the inspection, 2 therapists were working alone with children in Room 8 and Room 6. Obtain CHRI's for therapists or ensure they are not left alone with children.

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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 children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. At the time of the inspection, 1 staff member said she had 13 children in her care when only 11 children were present in Room 3.

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3A:52-6.4(i) · Children shall not use pacifiers with straps or other types of attachment devices.

Cease the use of pacifier straps or other types of attachment devices. 1 child in Room 3 had a pacifier strap.

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3A:52-7.7(a)(1)(ii) · Disinfectants shall be used as follows: the center shall disinfect those items specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)3 with a solution that shall be a self-made solution consisting of one-quarter cup of household bleach to each gallon of water (one tablespoon per quart), which shall be prepared daily and placed in a labeled, sealed container.

Ensure a self-made solution of bleach and water is made daily and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in Room 5.

Corrected by Nov 24, 2025

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3A:52-5.3(m)(2) · Supplemental evacuation requirements are as follows: cribs, beds, playpens, and cots used for rest or sleep shall be arranged so as to provide access to a three-foot-wide aisle that leads to an unobstructed exit.

Staff took immediate action to ensure that all egress areas are unobstructed in the hallway near Room 5.

Corrected by Sep 2, 2025

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3A:52-7.7(a)(2) · All areas to be disinfected shall first be washed with soap and water.

Ensure that all diaper surfaces are washed and disinfected with a two-step process after each use.

Corrected by Jan 5, 2026

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3A:52-7.8(a)(1) · 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 before intake of food; immediately after using the toilet or having diapers changed; immediately after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, or other body fluids or secretions; immediately after coming in contact with an animal's body secretions; and immediately after outdoor play. (2)for children under three months of age or for those children three months of age and older wherein hand washing with soap and running water may not be developmentally appropriate, the center may use an alternate means for hand washing, including but not limited to disposable baby wipes.

Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water after a diaper change in Room 1.

Corrected by Jan 5, 2026

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3A:52-4.8(a) · (a) Topics of orientation training shall include all of the following: 1. Supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a); 2. Understanding center operations, policies and procedures, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)3; 3. Implementing group size limits and primary caregiver responsibilities, as applicable, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.4; 4. Recognizing and reporting child abuse or neglect, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.9; 5. Evacuating the center and using the fire alarms, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l); 6.Implementing the center’s release policy, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5; 7. Implementing the center's statement of policy on the disciplining of children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6; 8. Implementing health practices, including medication administration and responding to symptoms of illness, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1 through 7.11; 9. Implementing safe sleep practices to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; 10. Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma; 11. Recognizing and responding to injuries and emergencies, including the prevention of and response to emergencies due to food-related allergies and other allergic reactions; and 12. Including children with special needs in the center’s program.

Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually.

Corrected by Nov 24, 2025

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3A:52-6.1(g)(2) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply:centers serving children less than 18 months of age shall provide at least four types of children's daily activities including, but not limited to, sensory; language and dramatic play; manipulative; building; large muscle; music; or other comparable activities; and at least four types of supplies and equipment for each activity area chosen by the center.

Provide at least four different activity areas with at least four types of supplies and equipment for children under 18 months in room 4.

Corrected by Jul 15, 2025

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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 3 staff members. 3/5/2025 Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 2 staff members.

Corrected by Jul 15, 2025

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3A:52-7.5(b) · 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: Administration and control of prescription and non-prescription medicines and health care procedures (a) The center shall inform each child’s parent upon enrollment of its policy on administering medication and health care procedures to children, including the provisions specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b) to (d). The policy shall indicate: 1. Whether the center will administer non-prescription medication or a non-prescribed health care procedure to a child; 2. Whether the center will administer prescription medication or a prescribed health care procedure to a child with a short-term illness; and 3. That the center will provide reasonable accommodations for the administration of medication or health care procedures to a child with special needs, if failure to administer the medication or health care procedure would jeopardize the health of the child or prevent the child from attending the center. 1. Medication and health care procedures shall be administered only after receipt of written approval from the child's parent(s). 2. The center shall: i. Designate those staff members who are trained as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a)8 and authorized to administer medication or health care procedures to, or to supervise self-administration of medication or health care procedures by, those children whose parents authorize it; and ii. Ensure that each staff member designated to administer medication and health care procedures is informed of each child's medication and health care needs. 3. All medication and health care equipment shall be kept either in a locked cabinet or in an area that is inaccessible to the children. i. All medication shall be kept in its original container. ii. Medication shall be refrigerated if so indicated on the label. iii. Unused or expired medication and health care equipment shall be returned to the child’s parent or disposed of safely in a child-resistant waste receptacle when no longer being administered. 4. All prescription medication for a child shall be: i. Prescribed in the name of and specifically for the child; and ii. Stored in its prescription container, which has been labeled with the child's name, the name and expiration date of the medication, the date it was prescribed or updated and directions for its administration. 5. The center shall limit the dispensing of non-prescription over-the-counter medication to the following types of medicines, which shall be dispensed in accordance with the recommended dosage for the age and weight of the child, as indicated on the label: i. Antihistamines; ii. Cough suppressants'. Decongestants; iv. Non-aspirin fever reducers and pain relievers; and v. Topical preparations, such as sunscreen and diaper rash preparations. 6. The center may permit the dispensing of non-prescription medication other than those listed in (b)5 above, or according to instructions other than those indicated on the label, if the child's health care provider authorizes it in writing. 8. If a child has a chronic health condition requiring the administration of prescription or non-prescription medication or health care procedures on a long-term basis, the center shall obtain from the child’s parent a written statement from a health care provider, indicating: i. The name of the child; ii. The name of the medication or procedure; iii The condition or indications for administration of the medication or procedure; iv. The instructions for administration of the medication or procedure; and v. The name and telephone number of the health care provider. 11. The center shall inform the child’s parent immediately if a child exhibits any adverse effect of a medication or health care procedure. (c) For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: 1. The center shall ensure that all medication and health care procedures are administered by designated staff. (d) For school-age child care programs, the following shall apply: 1. Before the center administers or permits a child to self-administer medication or health care procedures, the center shall: i. Obtain written authorization for self-administration from the child's parent, if applicable; and ii. Ensure that the medication or health care procedure is administered by or under the supervision of authorized staff.

Ensure required inhaler medication are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan or other equivalent documentation from a healthcare provider, and that two are present when two are required by the plan for 1 named child in room 7.

Corrected by Jul 15, 2025

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3A:52-4.8(d) · 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 by Mar 5, 2025

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

Corrected by Mar 5, 2025

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3A:52-4.8(a) · (a) Topics of orientation training shall include all of the following: 1. Supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a); 2. Understanding center operations, policies and procedures, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)3; 3. Implementing group size limits and primary caregiver responsibilities, as applicable, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.4; 4. Recognizing and reporting child abuse or neglect, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.9; 5. Evacuating the center and using the fire alarms, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l); 6.Implementing the center’s release policy, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5; 7. Implementing the center's statement of policy on the disciplining of children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6; 8. Implementing health practices, including medication administration and responding to symptoms of illness, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1 through 7.11; 9. Implementing safe sleep practices to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; 10. Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma; 11. Recognizing and responding to injuries and emergencies, including the prevention of and response to emergencies due to food-related allergies and other allergic reactions; and 12. Including children with special needs in the center’s program.

Ensure that all new staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire, all regular staff complete annual orientation training, and that documentation is maintained on file at the center and includes the name of the person or organization that provided the training.

Corrected by Mar 5, 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 25 staff members. 3/5/2025 Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 6 staff members.

Corrected by Jul 15, 2025

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3A:52-4.1(d) · the Staff Records Checklist for the current director and all staff members currently working at the center shall be maintained on file at the center.

Submit to the OOL the center’s current staff records checklist that includes all current staff and sponsor representative. Ensure that all staff and sponsor representative submitted a CARI / CHRI for the center and indicate the date cleared (or date submitted if not yet cleared) and that orientation training dates recorded have been conducted within the preceding 12 months for each staff member.

Corrected by Jul 15, 2025

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3A:52-7.8(a)(4) · Handwashing requirements are as follows: staff members shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately before preparing or serving food; after toileting; after assisting a child in toileting; after caring for a child who appears to be sick; after coming in contact with an animal's body secretions; and after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, or other body fluids or secretions. 7.8(d)3- Staff members hands are washed after changing each diaper.

Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water as required including, after assisting a child in toileting in room 5.

Corrected by Jul 15, 2025

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3A:52-7.6(b)(6) · (b) The center shall maintain on file a written record of each incident resulting in an injury as specified in (a) above. These records shall include the following: 1. The name of the injured child; 2. The date, time and location of the incident; 3. The name and address of the center; 4. The name of the person completing the report; 5. The date the report was completed; and 6. A written description of the following: i. The incident; ii. The injury to the child; iii. The names of witnesses to the incident; and iv. The follow-up action taken by the center, including: (1) Application of first aid; and (2) Consultation or treatment by a licensed physician or other health care provider, if applicable. (d) Upon request of the child's parent, the center shall provide a written description of the incident by the end of the next operating day.

Ensure accident reports are completed as required including all required components.

Corrected by Jul 15, 2025

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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 Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan that includes procedures for contacting parents and emergency medical services, and both epi-pens are present when two are required for 1 named child in room 4.

Corrected by Jul 15, 2025

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3A:52-6.1(g)(3) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: centers serving children 18 months of age and older shall provide at least five types of children's daily activities including, but not limited to, language; science and mathematics; manipulative; large muscle; building; art; music; drama; or other comparable activities; and at least five types of supplies and equipment for each daily activity chosen by the center.

Provide at least five different activity areas with at least five different types of supplies and equipment for children over 18 months of age in room 3.

Corrected by Mar 5, 2025

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3A:52-7.8(a)(1) · 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 before intake of food; immediately after using the toilet or having diapers changed; immediately after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, or other body fluids or secretions; immediately after coming in contact with an animal's body secretions; and immediately after outdoor play. (2)for children under three months of age or for those children three months of age and older wherein hand washing with soap and running water may not be developmentally appropriate, the center may use an alternate means for hand washing, including but not limited to disposable baby wipes.

Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water immediately after having their diaper changed in room 5..

Corrected by Jul 15, 2025

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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. The first aid and CPR training shall include a hands-on training component in addition to any online training coursework.

Ensure that at least two staff members who have current pediatric first aid and CPR certifications are present at the center at all times and that the training includes a hands-on component in addition to any online training.

Corrected by Jul 15, 2025

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3A:52-5.3(m)(2) · Supplemental evacuation requirements are as follows: cribs, beds, playpens, and cots used for rest or sleep shall be arranged so as to provide access to a three-foot-wide aisle that leads to an unobstructed exit.

Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable in rooms 3, 6 , and outdoor play area.

Corrected by Mar 5, 2025

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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 Jul 15, 2025

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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.

Remove slide in the outdoor play area.

Corrected by Mar 5, 2025

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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.

Ensure all sinks in room 3 are in good operating conditions.

Corrected by Mar 5, 2025

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3A:52-4.11(a)(5) · When a person who is not required to complete a CHRI background check is working with children at the center, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that the person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children.

Ensure outside vendors without a cleared CHRI are not left alone to supervise children at any time.

Corrected by Mar 5, 2025

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3A:52-4.10(a)(4) · When a person who is not required to complete a CARI background check is working with children at the center, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children.

Ensure outside vendors without a cleared CARI are not left alone to supervise children at any time.

Corrected by Mar 5, 2025

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3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) · In addition to the items specified in (a)3 above, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use: iii. Diapering surfaces;

Ensure diapering surfaces are washed and disinfected after each use in room 1 and 5.

Corrected by Jul 15, 2025

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3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(i) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: the center shall develop mutually with each child's parent(s) and follow a feeding plan regarding the feeding schedule, specific formula, breastfeeding arrangements and accommodations, and/or expressed breast milk, nutritional needs, and introduction of new food for each child. For children less than 12 months of age, the feeding plan shall be: documented in writing; maintained on file.

Develop and follow a feeding plan for each child under 18 months of age and ensure that each child under 12 months of age has a written feeding plan maintained on file in room 5.

Corrected by Jul 15, 2025

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3A:52-6.3(a)(12)(ii) · 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 in room 8.

Corrected by Jul 15, 2025

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3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) · 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 in room 5 and 8.

Corrected by Jul 15, 2025

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3A:52-4.6(c)(3) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the group teacher shall meet the requirements for experience and education

Ensure that the group teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

Corrected by Jun 4, 2024

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

Ensure that staff wash their hands immediately after assisting a child in toileting in room 5.

Corrected by Apr 16, 2024

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3A:52-6.4(a)(1) · For early childhood programs, the center shall provide opportunities for daily rest and sleep as follows: for children 12 months of age and younger, the center shall ensure that each child is initially placed in a face-up sleeping position unless a different position is indicated in writing by the child's health care provider.

Ensure that children under 12 months of age are placed in a face-up position in their sleeping equipment, unless it is contraindicated in writing by the child's health care provider in room 4.

Corrected by Apr 16, 2024

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3A:52-6.4(f) · When cribs, playpens, cots, mats or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment are stored with sheets, blankets, or other coverings as single units, at least one item of each unit shall be labeled with child-identifying information.

Ensure that each child's sleeping equipment are labeled with the child's name in room 4.

Corrected by Apr 16, 2024

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3A:52-6.4(i) · Children shall not use pacifiers with straps or other types of attachment devices.

Cease the use of pacifier straps or other types of attachment devices in rooms 4 and 5.

Corrected by Apr 16, 2024

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3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(i) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: the center shall develop mutually with each child's parent(s) and follow a feeding plan regarding the feeding schedule, specific formula, breastfeeding arrangements and accommodations, and/or expressed breast milk, nutritional needs, and introduction of new food for each child.

Ensure that each child under 12 months of age has a written feeding plan.

Corrected by Apr 16, 2024

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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 that children wash their hands immediately after using the toilet or having their diaper changed in room 5.

Corrected by Apr 16, 2024

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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 a named child in room 4 obtains a special care plan by the child's health care provider for required medical equipment..

Corrected by May 31, 2024

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3A:52-4.4(a)(2) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply for infants (under 18 months of age) and toddlers (18 months to 2½ years of age): a group shall consist of four infants or six toddlers to whom a primary caregiver has been assigned.

Ensure that a primary caregiver is assigned to each group of four infants or six toddlers.

Corrected by May 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 Sep 20, 2024

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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.

Ensure that all outside vendors who do not have a completed CARI background check are directly supervised by another staff member.

Corrected by Apr 16, 2024

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3A:52-4.11(b)(2) · When the center applies for a new license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that each staff member at least 18 years of age who is or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis completes the CHRI fingerprinting process specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a). Until the center receives the results of the CHRI background check for a new staff member from the Department of Human Services, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that the person is not alone to supervise a child or group of children.

Ensure that all outside vendors who do not have a completed CHRI background check are directly supervised by another staff member.

Corrected by Apr 16, 2024

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3A:52-4.3(a)(2) · The center shall ensure that all staff members are trained in the method of keeping track of children and know how many children are in their care at all times.

Ensure that staff knows the number of children in their care at all times wherein staff in room 1 stated there were 10 children wherein 10 children were present.

Corrected by May 1, 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).

Retrain all staff on supervision of children.

Corrected by Mar 26, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(r) · The center shall take any steps required by the Office of Licensing to correct conditions in the building or center that may endanger the health, safety, and well-being of the children served.

Ensure that children's faces are cleaned. Children were observed with wet and dry nasal secretion in room 6.

Corrected by Jan 3, 2024

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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.

Remove debris from the outdoor play area.

Corrected by Nov 29, 2023

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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 Mar 26, 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 Feb 26, 2024

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

Ensure that all staff complete orientation training,, and secure and maintain on file, each staff member's signature attesting to the review of the orientation training.

Corrected by Feb 26, 2024

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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 by Feb 26, 2024

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3A:52-4.6(a) · The center shall maintain on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by the Office of Licensing, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(b), indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the applicable staff education and experience, as specified in 3A:52-4.6(b) through (d).

Ensure that all staff have record of the mantoux result on file. 1/23/2024 Ensure that 2 staff have record of the mantoux result on file.

Corrected by Feb 26, 2024

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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.

Replace stained ceiling tiles in room 2.

Corrected by Jan 23, 2024

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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.

Ensure that wash basins are maintained in operating condition in room 1.

Corrected by Jan 3, 2024

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3A:52-6.1(b)(4) · 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 both staff-directed and child-selected activities are provided.

Ensure that both staff-directed and child-selected activities are provided in room 6.

Corrected by Jan 3, 2024

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3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(ii)(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 children less than 12 months of age, the feeding plan shall be documented in writing.

Ensure that each child under 12 months of age has a feeding plan documented in writing.

Corrected by Jan 3, 2024

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3A:52-6.8(a)(1) · The center shall complete and maintain on file for each enrolled child a Children’s Records Checklist, signed by the director, sponsor, or sponsor representative and designated by the Office of Licensing, indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the child's name, address, birth date, and date of enrollment.

Ensure that the center completes and maintains on file a children's records checklist.

Corrected by Feb 26, 2024

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

Ensure that parents are notified immediately when a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head.

Corrected by Jan 3, 2024

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3A:52-7.6(b)(1) · The center shall maintain on file a written record of each incident resulting in an injury as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(a). These records shall include the following: the name of the injured child.

Complete accident reports as required, including the name of the injured child.

Corrected by Feb 26, 2024

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3A:52-7.6(b)(6)(ii) · The center shall maintain on file a written record of each incident resulting in an injury as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(a). These records shall include the following: a written description of the injury to the child.

Complete accident reports as required.

Corrected by Feb 26, 2024

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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,

Ensure that the center washes and disinfects surfaces as required in room 6.

Corrected by Jan 3, 2024

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3A:52-7.8(a)(4)(vi) · Handwashing requirements are as follows: staff members shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, or other body fluids or secretions.

Ensure that staff wash their hands after coming into contact with nasal excretions.

Corrected by Jan 3, 2024

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3A:52-4.3(d)(1) · At least one staff member shall be physically present in the room or area in which children are napping and shall be able to summon other staff members without leaving the room or area.

Ensure that there is at least one staff physically present in the room or area where children are napping and they are able to summon additional staff members without leaving the room. At the time of the inspection a named staff exited the room wherein 1 named child was left alone in room 1.

Corrected by Jan 23, 2024

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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.

Provide barrier for fire extinguisher located in room 6. At the time of the inspection a named child was playing with the hose.

Corrected by Feb 26, 2024

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3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iv) · 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, toys mouthed by infants and toddlers before being given to another child.

Ensure that the center washes and disinfects toys mouthed by infants and toddlers before being given to another child in room 6.

Corrected by Feb 26, 2024

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3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(i) · 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 before intake of food.

Ensure that children wash their hands before the intake of food in room 6.

Corrected by Feb 26, 2024

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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 in room 6.

Corrected by Feb 26, 2024

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3A:52-133 · Remove excess storage and/or combustibles from the furnace room.

Remove any excess storage and/or combustibles from the furnace room in room 4.

Corrected by Feb 26, 2024

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

Ensure that staff wash their hands immediately before preparing or serving food in room 6.

Corrected by Jan 3, 2024

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