Home NJ Ridgewood Friends Neighborhood Nursery School

Friends Neighborhood Nursery School

224 Highwood Ave, Ridgewood NJ 07450 · License #02FRI0002 · Child Care Center

Pending
Last inspected Feb 5, 2026
Are you the owner of Friends Neighborhood Nursery School?

Claim this profile to add your website, a description, and keep hours & contact details current.

Sign up to claim

Contact

Director
Amanda Marchesani
Website
Add via profile claim
Address
224 Highwood Ave, Ridgewood NJ 07450 · Directions

Hours

Mon09:00 AM–03:00 PM
Tue09:00 AM–03:00 PM
Wed09:00 AM–03:00 PM
Thu09:00 AM–03:00 PM
Fri09:00 AM–03:00 PM
SatClosed
SunClosed

Care & schedule

When they operate

Schedule type not published.

Ages served

Ages not published.

  • Does not accept child care subsidy (CCDF)
17
Violations, past 3 yrs
From inspections (not complaints)
0
High-risk violations
Serious / high-risk non-compliance
0
Substantiated complaints
Published by New Jersey DCF
2
Inspections, past 3 yrs
Monitoring & assessments

How this facility compares

Violations per inspection, 3-yr
This facility
8.5
New Jersey average
9.1

Inspection history & violations

Source: New Jersey DCF, Office of Licensing
Feb 5, 2026 — Renewal
9 violations cited · view state record
9 violations
  • Violation

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

    Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal. 3-6-2026 Missing CARI background check for 2 named staff and Sponsor Rep.

    Corrected by Apr 13, 2026

    View state record

  • Violation

    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 Mar 6, 2026

    View state record

  • Violation

    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.

    Repair bottom of building block shelf in Room 1.

    Corrected by Mar 6, 2026

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-2.1(b) · A person applying for an initial license or renewal license to operate a center or relocation of a center shall submit a completed application to the Office of Licensing at least 45 days prior to the anticipated opening of the center or to the expiration of its existing regular license.

    Complete and submit a DCF Renewal Attestation for the center's license renewal.

    Corrected by Mar 6, 2026

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-3.6(b) · The center shall distribute a copy of the Information to Parents document to each child’s parent(s) upon enrollment and to every person upon becoming a staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s and staff member’s signature attesting to receipt of the document.

    Maintain at the center a copy of all OOL policies signed by staff.

    Corrected by Mar 6, 2026

    View state record

  • Violation

    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 door jam is free from rust in the girl's bathroom.

    Corrected by Mar 6, 2026

    View state record

  • Violation

    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.

    Provide record of physical and Mantoux for 3 named staff members.

    Corrected by Apr 13, 2026

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.4(a)(4) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, a supply of hot tap water not exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit and cold running water shall be provided.

    Ensure that hot tap water does not exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the boy's bathroom sink.

    Corrected by Mar 6, 2026

    View state record

  • Violation

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

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

    Corrected by Mar 6, 2026

    View state record

Feb 24, 2025 — Other
8 violations cited · view state record
8 violations
  • Violation

    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 adequate surfacing under the swings on the playground.

    Corrected by Jun 3, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(i)(8) · at the time of the initial application, any renewal application, relocation of an existing licensed center, and, as determined by the Office of Licensing, on a case-by-case basis, the facility operator shall submit to the Office of Licensing a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the Department of Health that indicates that no further remediation is needed for the interior of the building in which the center is located. the Office of Licensing shall not issue licenses or renewals to child care centers that are co-located in a building or other structure that contains a dry cleaner or nail salon unless the applicant obtains indoor air sampling that demonstrates that there is no impact to the child care center.

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

    Corrected by Jun 12, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.5(b)(2) · The director shall have the authority and responsibility for the implementation of policies and procedures for the day-to-day operation of the center, including maintenance of staff attendance records indicating daily hours worked and maintenance of children's daily attendance records, including the daily time of arrival and departure.

    Complete and maintain daily time sheets with arrival and departure times for children.

    Corrected by Mar 17, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.5(a)(3) · The sponsor or sponsor representative shall designate individuals with the authority and responsibility to develop and implement written policies and procedures for the operation of the center, including a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility and communication; and job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff.

    Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility, and job descriptions.

    Corrected by Mar 17, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    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.

    Corrected by Jun 3, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    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.

    Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.

    Corrected by Mar 17, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-3.4(a) · The sponsor or sponsor representative shall secure comprehensive general liability insurance coverage for the center and shall maintain on file a copy of the insurance policy or documentation of current insurance coverage.

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

    Corrected by Mar 17, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

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

    Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. 3 staff missing CHRI's.

    Corrected by May 1, 2025

    View state record

Apr 11, 2023 — Renewal
18 violations cited · view state record
18 violations
  • Violation

    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.

    Corrected by May 11, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.11(a)(1) · As a condition of securing a license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) fingerprint background check is completed for himself or herself, and for all staff members at least 18 years of age who are or will be working at the center on a regularly- scheduled basis, to determine whether any such person has been convicted of a crime, as specified in P.L. 2000, c. 77 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-6.10 to 6.17). The sponsor or sponsor representative and each staff member shall complete the electronic fingerprinting process through the vendor authorized by the State to conduct CHRI background checks through the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    Obtain 2 CHRI clearances for new staff members.

    Corrected by May 9, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    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 the center completes and maintains on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.

    Corrected by May 11, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    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).

    Provide documentation of annual orientation training for 1 staff member.

    Corrected by May 11, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    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.

    Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually.

    Corrected by May 11, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

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

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

    Corrected by Feb 24, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(l)(4) · Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall conduct two lockdown drills per year and maintain on file a record of each lockdown drill. The center shall ensure that lockdown drills are conducted during each session provided at the center.

    Ensure that the center conducts at least two lockdown drills per year during each session provided at the center and maintains records of the drills on file.

    Corrected by May 9, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    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 May 9, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    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.

    Corrected by May 11, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.2(c) · If the center prepares meals, the center shall obtain a satisfactory Sanitary Inspection Certificate, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:24, indicating that the kitchen is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the State Sanitary Code. The center shall maintain on file the Sanitary Inspection Certificate.

    Provide a current health certificate as required.

    Corrected by Apr 28, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(a)(19) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall test for the presence of radon gas in each classroom on the lowest floor level used by children at least once every five years and shall post the test results in a prominent location in all buildings at the center, as specified in N.J.S.A. 30:5B-5.2.

    Complete radon testing in every room on the lowest floor used by children and post the results in a prominent location.

    Corrected by Apr 28, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    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 Jul 10, 2024

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-3.4(a) · The sponsor or sponsor representative shall secure comprehensive general liability insurance coverage for the center and shall maintain on file a copy of the insurance policy or documentation of current insurance coverage.

    Ensure that the center has a current comprehensive general liability insurance policy and maintains the documentation on file.

    Corrected by May 9, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-6.8(k)(6) · The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the use of social media including, but not limited to the guidelines for parents, including but not limited to, prohibiting the posting of photographs or videos of any child other than their own.

    Ensure that the center's social media policy includes guidelines for parents including prohibiting the posting of photographs or videos of any chills other than their own.

    Corrected by May 1, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-7.3(a)(2) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: for each child not enrolled in a public or private school, upon admission, the center shall maintain on file at the center a Universal Child Health Record (Department of Health Form CH-14) or its equivalent, updated annually, along with an immunization record, and a special care plan, if applicable. A 30-day grace period is permitted in N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.5(e)

    Ensure that a Universal Health Record is completed upon enrollment and updated annually.

    Corrected by May 11, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    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 all medications required by the special care plan are present at the center.

    Corrected by May 11, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    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 on file at the center and ensure that it contains all of the required components.

    Corrected by May 11, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.10(b)(1) · When the center applies for a new or renewal license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall submit to the Department the completed CARI consent forms for all staff members who are or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis. Within two weeks after a new staff member begins working at the center, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall submit to the Department a completed CARI consent form for the new staff member.

    Ensure that all staff submit a CARI background check upon renewal. Center has submitted the CARI clearances and is awaiting the results.

    Corrected by May 11, 2023

    View state record

Feb 11, 2022 — Monitoring
3 violations cited · view state record
3 violations
  • Violation

    3A:52-3.4(a) · The sponsor or sponsor representative shall secure comprehensive general liability insurance coverage for the center and shall maintain on file a copy of the insurance policy or documentation of current insurance coverage.

    Ensure that the center has a current comprehensive general liability insurance policy and maintains the documentation on file.

    Corrected by Mar 11, 2022

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(b)(7) · Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall comply with the Playground Safety Subcode of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23-11.

    Provide and maintain the resilient surfacing and use zones under all play equipment as required. Center is scheduled to receive new woodchips this Saturday.

    Corrected by Mar 11, 2022

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.11(a)(1) · As a condition of securing a license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) fingerprint background check is completed for himself or herself, and for all staff members at least 18 years of age who are or will be working at the center on a regularly- scheduled basis, to determine whether any such person has been convicted of a crime, as specified in P.L. 2000, c. 77 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-6.10 to 6.17). The sponsor or sponsor representative and each staff member shall complete the electronic fingerprinting process through the vendor authorized by the State to conduct CHRI background checks through the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    Ensure that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required. Upload the sponsor CHRI to the NJCCIS fil cabinet.

    Corrected by Mar 11, 2022

    View state record

Apr 13, 2021 — Renewal
6 violations cited · view state record
6 violations
  • Violation

    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.

    Obtain a current Life Hazard Use Registration certificate.

    Corrected by Jun 3, 2021

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.11(a)(1) · As a condition of securing a license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) fingerprint background check is completed for himself or herself, and for all staff members at least 18 years of age who are or will be working at the center on a regularly- scheduled basis, to determine whether any such person has been convicted of a crime, as specified in P.L. 2000, c. 77 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-6.10 to 6.17). The sponsor or sponsor representative and each staff member shall complete the electronic fingerprinting process through the vendor authorized by the State to conduct CHRI background checks through the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    Submit all staff CHRI clearances. 6/3/21 - Need 1 CHRI clearance.

    Corrected by Jun 3, 2021

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(i) · Environmental condition precautions are as follows: at the time of the initial application, any renewal application, relocation of an existing licensed center and, in the discretion of the Office of Licensing, any other time, the applicant or facility operator shall certify in writing that the center provides a potable water supply provided by a public community water system. If the facility is supplied by a public community water system, the applicant or facility operator shall provide documentation of water testing conducted by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protection for water testing for lead and copper from all faucets and other sources used for drinking water or food preparation and at least 50 percent of all indoor water faucets utilized by the center.

    Submit water testing results, statement of assurance and water testing checklist to OOL.

    Corrected by Jun 3, 2021

    View state record

  • Violation

    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.

    Per the NJ Department of Health COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations pursuant to Executive Order No. 149, ensure during entrance screenings, the center has a physical barrier, such as a face shield and staff wear gloves.

    Corrected by Apr 13, 2021

    View state record

  • Violation

    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 on file.

    Corrected by Apr 13, 2021

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-3.4(a) · The sponsor or sponsor representative shall secure comprehensive general liability insurance coverage for the center and shall maintain on file a copy of the insurance policy or documentation of current insurance coverage.

    Provide documentation of general liability insurance.

    Corrected by Jun 3, 2021

    View state record

Questions to ask on your tour

Generated from this facility's specific inspection record

  1. 1The Feb 5, 2026 inspection noted: “Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for the center's license r…” — what has changed since then?
  2. 2The Feb 24, 2025 inspection noted: “Ensure adequate surfacing under the swings on the playground.” — what has changed since then?
  3. 3The Apr 11, 2023 inspection noted: “Ensure that staff wash their hands immediately before preparing or serving food.” — what has changed since then?

Data synced from New Jersey DCF, Office of Licensing · Source records · Report an error