Project TEACH - Mercer

3A:52-5.3(a)(16) · Walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of: i. Excessive peeling or chipped paint; or ii. Heavily soiled conditions.

Repair and/or paint surfaces including the bathroom shelves.

Corrected by Oct 16, 2025

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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 Sep 18, 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 staff complete the requierd orientation training annually.

Corrected by Sep 17, 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.

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

Corrected by Sep 17, 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 Sep 17, 2025

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3A:52-5.3(n)(3) · Fire prevention requirements are as follows: the center shall maintain on file a record of each fire drill, as specified in the NJUFC, which record shall include: the date and time of day of the drill; the weather condition at the time of evacuation; the number of participating children and staff members; and the total amount of time taken to evacuate the center.

Ensure the center maintains on file, a record of each fire drill which includes all required components.

Corrected by Sep 17, 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 Sep 17, 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 that the classroom bathroom vents are in operable condition.

Corrected by Oct 16, 2025

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3A:52-6.1(g)(2)(iv) · iv. The use of infant equipment including swings, exersaucers, and bouncers shall be limited to periods of 30 minutes at a time.

Ensure that the use of infant equipment, including exersaucers and bouncers, is limited to 30 minutes at a time and children are placed in their cribs upon falling asleep.

Corrected by Oct 16, 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 date.

Corrected by Oct 16, 2025

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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 2 named staff complete orientation training which may be included for six of the required annual training hours.

Corrected by Dec 5, 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 staff in room 104 washes and disinfects the tables used by the children for eating before each meal.

Corrected by Nov 29, 2023

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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 in room 104 wash their hands before the intake of food.

Corrected by Nov 29, 2023

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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 Nov 29, 2023

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

Ensure that all staff submit a CARI background check upon renewal.

Corrected by Jan 11, 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 during feeding time.

Corrected by Jan 20, 2023

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3A:52-7.7(a)(1) · 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

Ensure that center follow the 2 step process for washing and disinfecting diapering surfaces as required.

Corrected by Jan 20, 2023

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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.

Corrected by Jan 6, 2022

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3A:52-6.6(e)(1) · The center shall maintain on file a written policy on the disciplining of children by staff members. The policy shall reflect the provisions specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6(a) through (c) and include the acceptable actions that a staff member may take when disciplining a child (that is, discussion with the child, time-out, etc.).

Prepare a discipline policy that includes the acceptable actions staff members may take when disciplining a child. POST

Corrected by Jan 13, 2022

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3A:52-7.11(a)(1) · Each center shall develop a written policy on the management of communicable diseases. This policy shall include the following: the list of illnesses and symptoms of illness for which a child will be separated from the group and possibly sent home, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1©.

Ensure that the center maintains and distributes to all families the center's communicable disease policy and that it includes the list of symptoms for which a child will be excluded from the center.

Corrected by Jan 14, 2022

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

Ensure that all staff submit a CARI background check upon renewal.

Corrected by Dec 15, 2022

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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.

Corrected by Dec 15, 2022

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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 Jan 6, 2022

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3A:52-4.8(a)(1) · Topics of orientation training shall include supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a).

Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, including topics 1-12

Corrected by Dec 15, 2022

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3A:52-4.8(d)(1) · In lieu of the child care staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(b), 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.

Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually.

Corrected by Dec 15, 2022

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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.

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

Corrected by Dec 15, 2022

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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 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 Nov 10, 2022

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

Ensure that the center conducts fire drills at least once per month during each session provided at the center, including one fire drill annually that is conducted during nap time.

Corrected by Jan 6, 2022

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3A:52-5.2(a)(5) · The center shall be permitted to obtain a valid fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, and submit a copy of the certificate to the Office of Licensing in lieu of a CO or CCO, if the center serves only children 2 ½ years of age or older and is located in a public school building that is used as a public school.

Provide a current fire certificate as required.

Corrected by Nov 28, 2022

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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 Nov 28, 2022

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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 Nov 28, 2022

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

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

Corrected by Jan 7, 2022

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3A:52-4.8(d)(1) · In lieu of the child care staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(b), 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.

Provide documentation that the director, head teacher, and group teacher have completed annual training hours.

Corrected by Sep 14, 2021

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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 all staff have completed annual orientation training as required.

Corrected by Sep 14, 2021

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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.

Repair or replace the gate latch in the outdoor play area. Ensure the fence is free of rust along the back section of the play area.

Corrected by Sep 14, 2021

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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.

Ensure the large concrete blocks that secure the fence posts are not exposed to children.

Corrected by Sep 14, 2021

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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.

Provide documentation of all staff completing annual training hours.

Corrected by Sep 14, 2021

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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).

Maintain and complete an updated staff records checklist.

Corrected by Sep 14, 2021

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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 all staff have completed CARI checks as required.

Corrected by Sep 14, 2021

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

Provide documentation of general liability insurance.

Corrected by Sep 14, 2021

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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.

Provide documentation of all staff completing annual training hours.

Corrected by Feb 9, 2021

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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.

Ensure the large concrete blocks that secure the fence posts are not exposed to children.

Corrected by Feb 9, 2021

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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.

Repair or replace the gate latch in the outdoor play area. Ensure the fence is free of rust along the back section of the play area.

Corrected by Feb 9, 2021

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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 windows screens are cleaned in room 104. Ensure the floors around the bases of the air conditioners are cleaned.

Corrected by Oct 28, 2019

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

Obtain a current Safe Buildings Interior certificate from DOH.

Corrected by Oct 28, 2019

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

Provide documentation of general liability insurance.

Corrected by Feb 9, 2021

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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 CHRI checks are completed as required for staff.

Corrected by Dec 3, 2019

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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 the emergency procedures includes an alternate indoor location.

Corrected by Jan 13, 2020

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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 each child's bottle has both a name and date.

Corrected by Jan 13, 2020

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3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(iv)(1) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: diapering requirements for centers serving children who are not toilet trained are as follows, soiled diapers shall be disposed of as follows, soiled disposable diapers shall be placed in a closed container that is lined with a leakproof or impervious lining. Such diapers shall be removed from the center daily and placed in a closed garbage receptacle outside the building.

Ensure soiled diapers are disposed of in closed garbage receptacle in the Toddler room.

Corrected by Jan 13, 2020

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3A:52-4.8(d)(1) · In lieu of the child care staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(b), 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.

Provide documentation that the director, head teacher, and group teacher have completed annual training hours.

Corrected by Nov 17, 2020

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3A:52-4.5(e)(2)(i) · For early childhood programs the head teacher shall be scheduled to work at the center for at least 75 percent of the center's daily operating hours or at least six hours a day, whichever is less.

Ensure the head teacher is scheduled to work at the center for 75% of the daily operating hours. The head teacher is not currently onsite daily.

Corrected by Nov 17, 2020

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3A:52-5.2(a)(5) · The center shall be permitted to obtain a valid fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, and submit a copy of the certificate to the Office of Licensing in lieu of a CO or CCO, if the center serves only children 2 ½ years of age or older and is located in a public school building that is used as a public school.

Provide a current fire inspection certificate wherein the certificate was issued in 10/16/2019 however the center's fire inspection was completed in 3/2018.

Corrected by Jan 5, 2021

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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 all staff have completed CARI checks as required.

Corrected by Feb 9, 2021

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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).

Maintain and complete an updated staff records checklist.

Corrected by Feb 9, 2021

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3A:52-4.8(a)(1) · Topics of orientation training shall include supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a).

Ensure all staff have completed annual orientation training as required.

Corrected by Feb 9, 2021

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