Somerset Montessori

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 Apr 9, 2026

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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 Apr 9, 2026

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

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

Corrected by Apr 9, 2026

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3A:52-5.2(d) · An applicant seeking the renewal of a license or of a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval to continue operating a center shall obtain and maintain on file a fire safety inspection certificate for the building based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months. If the center prepares meals, the applicant seeking renewal shall obtain and maintain on file a satisfactory Sanitary Inspection Certificate, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:24, indicating that the kitchen is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the State Sanitary Code, based on a sanitary inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months.

Provide a current fire certificate as required.

Corrected by Jun 3, 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 all surfaces are clean and in good repair.

Corrected by Aug 12, 2025

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3A:52-5.2(a) · A person seeking a license or a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval to operate a center shall comply with all applicable provisions of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23 (hereinafter referred to as the “NJUCC”).

Submit a copy of the final Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Continued Occupancy that indicates the correct use group for the children served. The TCO will expire on 3/6/2024. Received a new TCO on 2/22/24 with a new expiration date of 5/21/2024. Received a new TCO which will expire on 8/5/2024. Received a new TCO which will expire on 10/25/24.

Corrected by Jan 10, 2025

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3A:52-5.6(b) · Doors in all interior rooms designated for use by children shall remain unlocked.

Ensure that the children cannot lock themselves in the bathrooms in the activity area. The bathroom is being used for children and staff and lock needs to be removed. A lock needs to be installed that only the staff can use.

Corrected by Sep 6, 2024

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3A:52-5.6(d)(2)(ii) · Toilet facility requirements are as follows: for existing centers that have an additional toilet facility that has not been counted in determining the maximum number of children who can be served per session and for centers to be located in newly constructed buildings, the center shall ensure that this designated toilet facility is identified by a sign located on the exterior of its door, indicating that this toilet facility is for the exclusive use of staff members and other adults.

Identify the bathroom that is for staff/adult use and provide a label. The bathroom needs to be labeled with child/Adult use.

Corrected by Sep 6, 2024

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3A:52-6.3(b)(1) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, centers operating for more than three consecutive hours shall have a working refrigerator.

Ensure that the center has a working refrigerator. Provide a thermometer in 1B.

Corrected by Apr 30, 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. Ensure that the feeding plans are signed and dated by the parents.

Corrected by Jun 18, 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. the accident report was missing the last name of the staff and the year was missing on the date of the accident.

Corrected by Jun 18, 2024

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3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(vi) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: a child who, because of age or developmental readiness, no longer needs to be held for feeding shall be provided with an infant seat, high chair with safety strap, or other age-appropriate seating apparatus, which meets the standards of a recognized safety organization (such as the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, the American Society for Testing and Materials, or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission).

Ensure that age and developmentally appropriate seating is provided for all children who no longer need to be held for feeding. the children in room 1A were using chairs that were too small and their legs were not able to get under the table.

Corrected by Jun 18, 2024

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3A:52-6.4(b)(1)(ii) · 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 sleeping equipment shall be free of pillows and soft bedding, including, but not limited to bumper pads, when occupied by a sleeping child.

Ensure that sleeping equipment is free of pillows, soft bedding, bumpers and other hazards when occupied by a sleeping child. The crib sheets are loose which can pose a hazard for a sleeping child in room B.

Corrected by Jun 18, 2024

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3A:52-6.5(a)(1) · The center shall maintain on file and follow a written policy on the release of children, which shall include the provision that each child may be released only to the child's parent(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s), as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(a)3, to take the child from the center and to assume responsibility for the child in an emergency if the parent(s) cannot be reached.

Ensure that the center maintains and distributes to all families and staff the center's policy on the release of children, including a provision that children can only be released to the parent or other authorized individuals. At the time of the inspection, the center could not provide the release policy.

Corrected by Apr 30, 2024

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3A:52-6.6(e)(3) · The center shall maintain on file a written policy on the disciplining of children by staff members. The policy shall be posted in a prominent location within the center.

Post the center's discipline policy in a prominent location.

Corrected by Apr 30, 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. At the time of the inspection the center did not have a children's checklist.

Corrected by Feb 5, 2025

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3A:52-6.8(e)(1) · The center may utilize a blanket permission slip for taking children on walks only if walks are within the center's neighborhood.

Ensure that walking trips are within the center's neighborhood. At the time of the inspection, the center could not provide a walk policy.

Corrected by Oct 7, 2024

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3A:52-6.8(j)(1) · The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the expulsion of children from enrollment at the center. The expulsion policy shall include

Develop and maintain on file an expulsion policy. At the time of the inspection, the center could not provide an expulsion policy.

Corrected by Apr 30, 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. The staff used wipes to disinfect the tables for snack and omitted the washing of the tables with soap and water in room 1A

Corrected by Jun 18, 2024

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3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) · The schedule for disinfecting shall be as follows: tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal.

Ensure that the center washes and disinfects the tables used by the children for eating before each meal. The children went from the rug to the table to eat then washed their hands then sat at a table that was not washed and disinfected in room 1A.

Corrected by Jun 18, 2024

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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 on file at the center and ensure that it contains all of the required components. The illness log is missing the action taken by the center and what date the child was removed.

Corrected by Sep 6, 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 Jan 9, 2025

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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 Jan 9, 2025

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3A:52-2.3(d)(2) · The requirements for co-location of a center within a multi-use building are as follows, prior to approving the site, the Office of Licensing shall determine that the multiuse site does not pose a serious risk to the health, safety or well-being of the children.

Ensure that the center adheres to all requirements to prevent comingling in multi-use buildings. The door located near the rehab center of the senior living facility was propped open leading to the hallway to the child care center.

Corrected by Apr 30, 2024

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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.

Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 2 staff within two weeks of hire including the sponsor rep.

Corrected by Apr 30, 2024

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

Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. Cleaning supplies were located under the sink in an unlocked cabinet in room 1B. At the time of the inspection, the items were removed.

Corrected by Mar 27, 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.

Ensure that all ceiling tiles are kept clean and in good repair. There is a stained ceiling tile in the multipurpose room.

Corrected by Apr 30, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(b)(6) · Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: centers that provide outdoor space shall maintain all fencing in proper condition.

Ensure that the fence surrounding the outdoor play area is maintained in good condition. The exit gate on the playground could not open.

Corrected by Apr 30, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(l)(1)(iii) · Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating an alternate indoor location that operates during the same operating hours as the center. The center shall

Ensure that the center's evacuation procedures include an alternate indoor location that operates during the same operating hours as the center.

Corrected by Sep 6, 2024

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

Ensure that the center conducts fire drills at least once per month during each session provided at the center, including one fire drill annually that is conducted during nap time. The center has been open for one month and a fire drill has not been conducted.

Corrected by Apr 30, 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 Sep 6, 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 the health, safety, and well-being of the children served. Ensure that the bracelet and beads are removed for the safety of the children in room 1B.

Corrected by Apr 30, 2024

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

Ensure that 3 staff complete a CHRI background check as required including the sponsor rep.

Corrected by Sep 6, 2024

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

Ensure that adequate supervision is maintained at all times in the multipurpose room. The staff member left 4 children alone to go to room 1B.

Corrected by Apr 30, 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 in room 1B.

Corrected by Apr 30, 2024

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3A:52-4.5(a)(3)(i)(1) · 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.

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

Corrected by Apr 30, 2024

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3A:52-4.5(a)(3)(i)(2) · 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 job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff.

Ensure that the center develops and implements job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff.

Corrected by Feb 5, 2025

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3A:52-4.5(c)(1) · The director shall be scheduled to work at the center at least 50 percent of the center’s daily operating hours.

Ensure that the director is at the center at least 50% of the center's daily operating hours. The staff stated that the director is present at the center 1 day a week.

Corrected by Jul 31, 2024

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3A:52-4.5(c)(2)(ii) · The director or his or her designee(s) shall be on the premises at all times when the center is operating and the designee shall complete staff development in understanding licensing rules as provided by the Office.

Ensure that the director designee completes the Understanding Licensing training provided by OOL.

Corrected by Feb 5, 2025

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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 the center completes and maintains on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. The center did not have staff files for all staff members. The files were missing; application, physical, Mantoux, policies, criminal disclosure and discipline policy.

Corrected by Feb 5, 2025

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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.

Ensure that the director meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

Corrected by Apr 30, 2024

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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.

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

Corrected by Apr 30, 2024

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3A:52-4.6(d)(1) · For school-age child care programs the program supervisor shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the applicable options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(d) for education, training, and experience, based on the center's licensed capacity.

Ensure that the program supervisor meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

Corrected by Apr 30, 2024

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3A:52-4.7(a)(1) · The center shall meet the following requirements for orientation training: the center shall ensure that all newly-hired staff receive orientation training within two weeks of hire and that no individual is left alone to supervise a child or group of children until orientation training is completed.

Ensure that all staff who have not completed the required orientation training are directly supervised by another staff member. There was one staff member alone with 4 children in room 1B who does not have a CARI and CHRI clearance.

Corrected by Sep 6, 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 which may be included for six of the required annual training hours.

Corrected by Jan 9, 2025

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3A:52-4.8(e) · Directors shall complete staff development in understanding licensing regulations as provided by the Office of Licensing within 90 days of hire. Such staff development may be included in the required 20 hours of staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(d).

Ensure that the director completes the Understanding Licensing training provided by OOL within 90 days of hire.

Corrected by Jul 31, 2024

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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.

Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 2 new staff within two weeks of hire.

Corrected by Jul 31, 2024

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3A:52-5.3(k)(5) · Swimming pool requirements are as follows: wading pools that are 24 inches or less, are filled as needed, are portable, and do not have a filtration system are prohibited.

Cease the use of wading pools. Remove the small water equipment from the playground.

Corrected by Sep 6, 2024

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3A:52-6.4(b)(1)(ii) · 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 sleeping equipment shall be free of pillows and soft bedding, including, but not limited to bumper pads, when occupied by a sleeping child.

Ensure that sleeping equipment is free of pillows, soft bedding, bumpers and other hazards when occupied by a sleeping child. An eleven month old child was sleeping in a crib with a blanket. The blanket was immediately removed at the time of the inspection.

Corrected by Jul 31, 2024

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

Ensure that 1 new staff completes a CHRI background check as required.

Corrected by Oct 7, 2024

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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.

Ensure that CARI background checks is completed as required for 1 new staff within two weeks of hire.

Corrected by Oct 25, 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 staff who do not have a completed CARI background check are directly supervised by another staff member in the infant room. A staff member was in the infant with 3 sleeping children and does not have a CARI clearance.

Corrected by Oct 25, 2024

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