Stepping Stones Child Development Centers

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b) — Ensure inhaler for 1 named child is stored in the original box or is accompanied with a prescription label.

Ensure inhaler for 1 named child is stored in the original box or is accompanied with a prescription label. Regulation: The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: Administration and control of prescription and non-prescription medicines and health care procedures (a) The center shall inform each child’s parent upon enrollment of its policy on administering medication and health care procedures to children, including the provisions specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b) to (d). The policy shall indicate: 1. Whether the center will administer non-prescription medication or a non-prescribed health care procedure to a child; 2. Whether the center will administer prescription medication or a prescribed health care procedure to a child with a short-term illness; and 3. That the center will provide reasonable accommodations for the administration of medication or health care procedures to a child with special needs, if failure to administer the medication or health care procedure would jeopardize the health of the child or prevent the child from attending the center. 1. Medication and health care procedures shall be administered only after receipt of written approval from the child's parent(s). 2. The center shall: i. Designate those staff members who are trained as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a)8 and authorized to administer medication or health care procedures to, or to supervise self-administration of medication or health care procedures by, those children whose parents authorize it; and ii. Ensure that each staff member designated to administer medication and health care procedures is informed of each child's medication and health care needs. 3. All medication and health care equipment shall be kept either in a locked cabinet or in an area that is inaccessible to the children. i. All medication shall be kept in its original container. ii. Medicati

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b) — Ensure all medication is kept at the center at all times for 3 named children. 6/29/2026:1 received, 1 child no longer enrolled, 1 child outstanding.

Ensure all medication is kept at the center at all times for 3 named children. 6/29/2026:1 received, 1 child no longer enrolled, 1 child outstanding. Regulation: The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: Administration and control of prescription and non-prescription medicines and health care procedures (a) The center shall inform each child’s parent upon enrollment of its policy on administering medication and health care procedures to children, including the provisions specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b) to (d). The policy shall indicate: 1. Whether the center will administer non-prescription medication or a non-prescribed health care procedure to a child; 2. Whether the center will administer prescription medication or a prescribed health care procedure to a child with a short-term illness; and 3. That the center will provide reasonable accommodations for the administration of medication or health care procedures to a child with special needs, if failure to administer the medication or health care procedure would jeopardize the health of the child or prevent the child from attending the center. 1. Medication and health care procedures shall be administered only after receipt of written approval from the child's parent(s). 2. The center shall: i. Designate those staff members who are trained as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a)8 and authorized to administer medication or health care procedures to, or to supervise self-administration of medication or health care procedures by, those children whose parents authorize it; and ii. Ensure that each staff member designated to administer medication and health care procedures is informed of each child's medication and health care needs. 3. All medication and health care equipment shall be kept either in a locked cabinet or in an area that is inaccessible to the children. i. All medication shall be ke

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(d) — Provide documentation that the program supervisor meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

Provide documentation that the program supervisor meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(b)(6) — Ensure accident reports are completed as required including all required components. Ensure that parents are notified of injuries that require immediate notification.

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

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Ensure 1 named child has an Epi-Pen and Benadryl as per the special care plan.

Ensure 1 named child has an Epi-Pen and Benadryl as per the special care plan. Regulation: (9) The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: before administering a health care procedure associated with a child’s health condition, such as the use of a blood glucose monitor, nebulizer, or epinephrine pen, the center shall ensure that all staff members who administer the procedure are taught to do so by the child’s parent or another appropriately-trained person. There shall be at least two staff members present at the center who are trained in such health care procedures. 10. The center shall store prescribed epinephrine pens in their original boxes with the child’s name and prescription. A special care plan or other documentation from a health care provider shall accompany the epinephrine pen. If two epinephrine pens are required, both shall be available. Each center under the jurisdiction of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5 shall store back-up epinephrine pens on site consistent with the requirements stated at N.J.S.A. 18A:40- 12.5.e(1).

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(7) — Ensure 1 named child has an asthma treatment plan accompanying the inhaler medication. 6/29/2026- Child no longer enrolled.

Ensure 1 named child has an asthma treatment plan accompanying the inhaler medication. 6/29/2026- Child no longer enrolled. Regulation: The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: the center shall maintain on file a record of the following: the child's name and parental authorization for the center to administer medication or health care procedures; the name of the medication or health care procedure; the condition for which the medication or health care procedure is being used; the instructions for administration, including the dosage and frequency; the date and time medication or a health care procedure was administered to a child and the name or initials of the staff member who administered it; and any adverse effect the medication can have or has had on the child.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. 3 staff members missing CHRI clearances. Files not available for review.

Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. 3 staff members missing CHRI clearances. Files not available for review. Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(b) — Ensure a named staff member without a cleared CHRI is supervised at all times. At the time of the inspection, a staff member without a cleared CHRI was briefly left alone to supervise children.

Ensure a named staff member without a cleared CHRI is supervised at all times. At the time of the inspection, a staff member without a cleared CHRI was briefly left alone to supervise children. Regulation: When the center applies for a new license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that each staff member at least 18 years of age who is or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis completes the CHRI fingerprinting process specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a). Within two weeks after a new staff member begins working at the center, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that the new staff member completes the CHRI fingerprinting process specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a). Until the center receives the results of the CHRI background check for a new staff member, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that the person is not alone to supervise a child or group of children.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(c) — Based on complaint #24838, ensure adequate ratios are maintained at all times.

Based on complaint #24838, ensure adequate ratios are maintained at all times. Regulation: (c) The following staff/child ratios shall apply, except as specified in (d) through (f) below: 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 (d) The following staff/child ratios shall apply during rest or sleep, when the criteria listed in (d) 1, 2, and 3 below are met: Under 18 months 18 months to under 2 ½ years 2 ½ years and above 1:10 1:12 1:20 2. A sufficient number of staff members shall be in the facility and readily accessible to ensure compliance with the awake staff/child ratios specified in (c) above.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. 3 staff missing completed applications. 9/19/2025:2 staff no longer employed, 1 outstanding

Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. 3 staff missing completed applications. 9/19/2025:2 staff no longer employed, 1 outstanding Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. 6 staff missing medical clearances. 9/19/2025: 3 staff no longer employed, 3 outstanding. 11/10/2025: 1 staff resigned, 2 outstanding.

Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. 6 staff missing medical clearances. 9/19/2025: 3 staff no longer employed, 3 outstanding. 11/10/2025: 1 staff resigned, 2 outstanding. Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.

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

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(a) — 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. All staff missing renewal CARI's.

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. All staff missing renewal CARI's. Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Ensure Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan that includes procedures for contacting parents and emergency medical services.

Ensure Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan that includes procedures for contacting parents and emergency medical services. Regulation: (9) The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: before administering a health care procedure associated with a child’s health condition, such as the use of a blood glucose monitor, nebulizer, or epinephrine pen, the center shall ensure that all staff members who administer the procedure are taught to do so by the child’s parent or another appropriately-trained person. There shall be at least two staff members present at the center who are trained in such health care procedures. 10. The center shall store prescribed epinephrine pens in their original boxes with the child’s name and prescription. A special care plan or other documentation from a health care provider shall accompany the epinephrine pen. If two epinephrine pens are required, both shall be available. Each center under the jurisdiction of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5 shall store back-up epinephrine pens on site consistent with the requirements stated at N.J.S.A. 18A:40- 12.5.e(1).

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(b)(6) — Ensure accident reports are completed as required including all required components. Parent notification time missing & director signature on accident reports.

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

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l)(4) — Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually.

Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually. Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(n)(1) — 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

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. Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(a)(1) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL. Children's files not available for review.

Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL. Children's files not available for review. Regulation: The center shall complete and maintain on file for each enrolled child a Children’s Records Checklist, signed by the director, sponsor, or sponsor representative and designated by the Office of Licensing, indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the child's name, address, birth date, and date of enrollment; the name(s), home and work address(es), home and work telephone number(s) and signature(s) of the parent(s); the name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of any person(s) authorized by the parent(s) to visit the child at the center and/or take the child from the center, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5(a)1; and the name, address, and telephone number of the child's health care provider; signed authorization from the parent(s) for emergency medical treatment; the parent’s signature attesting to the receipt of the Information to Parents document, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b); the parent’s signature attesting to the receipt of the Information to Parents document, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b).; health information for each child, as follows: for early childhood programs, a record of the child’s health examination and immunizations, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a); and for school-age child care programs, a record of the parent’s statement concerning the child’s health, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(b).

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(k) — Ensure the center's social media policy includes all required components. Add guidelines for parents.

Ensure the center's social media policy includes all required components. Add guidelines for parents. Regulation: The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the use of social media including, but not limited to the use of social networking sites and other websites; the use of e-mail, text messages, and other electronic means of communication with staff and parents; the types of social media that the center uses, the methods and devices the staff use to communicate with the parent, the guidelines for appropriate conduct by staff members, and the guidelines for parents, including but not limited to, prohibiting the posting of photographs or videos of any child other than their own.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(i) — Submit a copy of the public school's drinking water test results.

Submit a copy of the public school's drinking water test results. Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a)(1) — Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. At the time of the inspection, one staff member said she had 21 children in her care when there were 22 childr

Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. At the time of the inspection, one staff member said she had 21 children in her care when there were 22 children present. Regulation: The center shall develop and implement an Office of Licensing-approved method to keep track of the location and ensure the safety of all children at all times when under the center’s supervision, including the transfer of supervision from and to parents during arrival and departure and the utilization of off-site locations, including playgrounds and field trips.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(a)(3) — Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility, and job descriptions.

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

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. 5 staff missing TB results. 9/19/2025: 3 staff no longer employed, 2 outstanding.

Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. 5 staff missing TB results. 9/19/2025: 3 staff no longer employed, 2 outstanding. Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-2.2(e) — Post the center's license in a prominent location in each building.

Post the center's license in a prominent location in each building. Regulation: The license shall be posted in a prominent location within the center and in each building associated with the center.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-2.1(b) — Complete and submit a DCF Renewal Application for the center's license renewal.

Complete and submit a DCF Renewal Application for the center's license renewal. Regulation: 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.