Tots & Blocks Academy

3A:52-6.1(a) · (a) The center shall develop and provide a variety of children's planned activities, geared to the ages and developmental levels of the children served, that: 1. Promote the development of language, thinking and problem-solving skills, curiosity, exploration, large and small muscles, coordination and movement skills, social competence, self-esteem, and positive self-identity; and 2. Are relevant to the cultural background of the children and foster intercultural awareness. (b) 1. Time frames for each activity are geared to the age and developmental level of each child served and are flexible enough to accommodate spontaneous occurrences or children's suggestions and inquiries; 2. Children have opportunities to choose materials freely and materials are accessible at all times except during lunch and nap time; 3. Children are presented with and encouraged to participate in a mixture of active and quiet experiences; 4. Both staff-directed and child-selected activities are provided; 5. Children are: i. Encouraged, but not required, to participate in every group activity; and ii. Provided with the time and space within the area to be apart from the group and to participate in an alternate activity if they choose to do so;

Ensure that children's activities are accessible at all times in room 8.

Corrected by Jan 14, 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 Jan 14, 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 annually.

Corrected by Jan 14, 2026

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3A:52-6.2(a)(1) · The center shall provide a supply of age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program equipment including play equipment, child-size furniture and supplies that are sufficient to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program.

Ensure that room 1 has an adequate supply of materials to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program and ensure all materials used by the children are age-appropriate, non-toxic, and safe for use by children.

Corrected by Jan 14, 2026

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3A:52-5.3(f)(1) · Toilet facility requirements are as follows: a supply of soap, toilet paper, and individual hand towels or disposable paper towels shall be provided.

Provide disposable paper towels in classroom bathrooms throughout the center.

Corrected by Jan 14, 2026

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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 the non-compliant slide from the small outdoor play area.

Corrected by Jan 14, 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.

Ensure that bathroom vents are operable at all times throughout the center.

Corrected by Jan 14, 2026

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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

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

Corrected by Mar 19, 2026

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3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iv) · In addition to the items specified in (a)3 above, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use: i. Toilet training chairs and potty seats that have first been emptied into a toilet; ii Sinks and faucets used for rinsing a toilet training chair; iv. Toys mouthed by infants and toddlers before being given to another child; and

Ensure mouthed toys are washed and sanitized before being given to another child.

Corrected by Jan 14, 2026

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3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) · Tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal.

Ensure tables in room 5 are washed and disinfected before each meal.

Corrected by Jan 14, 2026

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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.

Corrected by Sep 12, 2024

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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 surfaces are cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfecting. Implement a two step cleaning and disinfecting procedure on the changing table after every diaper change.

Corrected by Sep 12, 2024

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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.

Ensure that classrooms that care for children over 18 months of age provide at least five different activity areas and that each area contains at least five different types of supplies and equipment.

Corrected by Sep 12, 2024

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3A:52-6.4(b)(1) · The center shall provide sleeping equipment for children 12 months of age and younger, the center shall provide for each child a crib, that complies with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) Federal Safety Standards for Full- Size and Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs; 16 CFR 1219 and 1220, which is incorporated herein by reference, and can be obtained through the CPSC's website at https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety- Education-Centers/cribs , playpen, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment that meets the following requirement that

Ensure that all cribs meet CPSC standards and that the CPSC documentation is maintained on file at the center. Provide at least two evacuation cribs in the infant room.

Corrected by Sep 16, 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.

Ensure feeding chairs have safety straps and are used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Corrected by Sep 12, 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 or repair stained ceiling tiles in room 1 and 9. Clean and maintain crock pot in infant room. Clean and maintain Little Tykes tables and chairs and toy changing table in room 8. Clean and maintain walls behind garbage cans in room 4. Repair corner wall near sink in room 8. Repair torn corner wall in room 9. Repair countertop edge in room 9. Replace cove base molding in room 9. Clean and maintain soiled yellow door in room 7.

Corrected by Sep 12, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(a)(11) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all windows and other glass surfaces that are not made of safety glass and that are located within 36 inches above the floor shall have protective guards.

Clean and maintain interior windows to classrooms.

Corrected by Sep 12, 2024

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3A:52-4.10(a)(2) · As a condition of securing a new or renewal license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall provide for himself or herself, and shall obtain from all staff members who are or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis, written consent for the Department to conduct a Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) background check to determine whether an incident of child abuse or neglect has been substantiated against any such person. If a staff member refused to conset to a CARI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediation terminate the staff member's employment at the center.

Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff.

Corrected by Sep 12, 2024

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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 the center washes and disinfects diapering surfaces after each use.

Corrected by Sep 12, 2024

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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 Epi-pens 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.

Corrected by Sep 12, 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.

Corrected by Sep 12, 2024

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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: excessive peeling or chipped paint; or heavily soiled conditions.

Repair and/or paint soiled/chipped yellow walls throughout center. Touch up chipped paint in rooms 7, 4, 8, 6. and throughout center.

Corrected by Sep 12, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(a)(5) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: garbage receptacles shall be: made of durable, leak-proof and nonabsorbent materials; covered in a secure manner; emptied to the outdoor garbage receptacle when filled; maintained in a sanitary manner.

Clean and maintain garbage receptacles are as required.

Corrected by Sep 12, 2024

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3A:52-4.11(a)(5) · 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). 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 that all therapists who work with the children and are not required to complete a CARI and CHRI background check are directly supervised by a cleared staff member and not left alone with the children in Room 8. Center took an immediate action to ensure that therapist is not left alone with the child in Room 8.

Corrected by Sep 12, 2024

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3A:52-7.10(b)(4) · The director, sponsor, or sponsor representative shall report the following occurrences to the Office of Licensing by the next working day after the center learns of the occurrence and shall submit documentation to the Office of Licensing within one week of the occurrence of the incident, the occurrence of an injury or illness that results in a call to 911, on-site medical or transported emergency care, or urgent care.

Ensure that the center notifies the OOL by the next working day of any injuries or illnesses that occur at the center that results in a call to 911, on-site medical or transported emergency care or urgent care and provides documentation to OOL within one week and provides documentation to OOL within one week.

Corrected by Jan 22, 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.

Corrected by Jun 6, 2022

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3A:52-5.3(a)(5)(iv) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: garbage receptacles shall be maintained in a sanitary manner.

Ensure that garbage receptacles are maintained in a sanitary manner.

Corrected by Jul 8, 2022

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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 ceiling tiles are kept clean and in good repair. Repair or replace ceiling tiles (4) in room #6.

Corrected by Jul 8, 2022

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

Repair and/or paint the walls and other surfaces as required. Touch up chipping paint in doorways to classrooms throughout center.

Corrected by May 3, 2022

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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.

Ensure that all playground equipment meets public playground design standards (ASTM F-1487). Remove or repair broken step 2 play house.

Corrected by Jul 8, 2022

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

Clean and/or paint the walls and other surfaces as required. Clean and maintain or paint the hallway walls next to the preschool classroom (room # 6).

Corrected by Jul 8, 2022

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

Repair and/or paint the walls and other surfaces as required, in rooms 10, 3, 4.

Corrected by Aug 10, 2022

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3A:52-4.9(a) · The sponsor, sponsor representative, director, or any staff member shall verbally notify the State Central Registry Hotline (1-877 NJ ABUSE/1-877-652-2873) immediately whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect by a staff member, or any other adult, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.9, 8.10, 8.13 and 8.14.

Per the Updated COVID-19 Standards Child Care Centers, issued 5.26.2021, ensure all staff are wearing masks unless precluded from doing so by a medical or developmental condition documented in a letter from the staff member’s treating physician. At the time of the investigation, 2 staff were observed without masks on.

Corrected by Aug 30, 2021

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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 children are directly supervised at all times. Staff in room 8 were on one side of the room unable to directly supervise 2 children sleeping in cribs in the corner of the other side of the room.

Corrected by Aug 30, 2021

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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 Renewal CARI clearances for all staff.

Corrected by Jun 1, 2021

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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.

Conduct water testing for Renewal and provide documentation.

Corrected by May 17, 2021

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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

Based on complaint, ensure staff/child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the center.

Corrected by Jan 30, 2020

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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 the rugs are clean in the infant and toddler rooms.

Corrected by Mar 4, 2020

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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 the stained ceiling tiles in room 1.

Corrected by Mar 4, 2020

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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.

Ensure the tarp that is sticking up from under the mulch is covered so it is not a tripping hazard. 5/28/2020 Abated based on photos.

Corrected by May 28, 2020

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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 CARI clearance for 1 staff.

Corrected by May 12, 2020

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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 parents are notified immediately when a child has a head injury. 5/28/2020 Abated based on MOU.

Corrected by May 28, 2020

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3A:52-7.9(a)(1) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: 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

Maintain an illness log. 5/28/2020 Abated based on MOU.

Corrected by May 28, 2020

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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

(93)

Corrected by Sep 23, 2019

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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 Room 9 does not exceed its licensed capacity of 11; 12 children were observed present in that classroom. (12)

Corrected by Jun 18, 2019

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3A:52-5.6(a) · At least five foot-candles of natural or artificial light shall be provided in all rooms used by children during naptime. The illumination shall be measured three feet above the floor at the farthest point from the light source.

Ensure there is enough light in Rooms 7 and 8, during nap time. (54)

Corrected by Jun 18, 2019

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3A:52-6.4(b)(1) · The center shall provide sleeping equipment for children 12 months of age and younger, the center shall provide for each child a crib, that complies with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) Federal Safety Standards for Full- Size and Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs; 16 CFR 1219 and 1220, which is incorporated herein by reference, and can be obtained through the CPSC's website at https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety- Education-Centers/cribs , playpen, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment that meets the following requirement that

Ensure that all crib sheets are made for the respective mattress; they should be tight fitting. (54)

Corrected by Jun 18, 2019

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

(93)

Corrected by Sep 23, 2019

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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.

(103)

Corrected by Sep 23, 2019

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3A:52-4.6(c)(1) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: for all centers, the head teacher or consulting head teacher shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the seven options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(c) for education and experience.

(93

Corrected by Jan 10, 2020

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3A:52-4.6(c)(3)(i) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the group teacher shall meet the requirements for experience and education one year of teaching experience in a group program for children under six years of age, which may include supervised practice teaching and/or student teaching.

(93)

Corrected by Jan 10, 2020

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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.

(123)

Corrected by Jan 10, 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.

(89) 9/23/2019 CARI clearances needed for 4 new staff.

Corrected by Jan 10, 2020

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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.

(97)

Corrected by Jan 10, 2020

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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).

Provide medical exam and mantoux information on the staff records checklist. (88) 9/23/2019 Provide documentation for physical for 1 staff.

Corrected by Jan 27, 2020

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