The Berry Patch Early Learning Center

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable. There was 1 exit blocked with snow and ice. It was cleared during the inspection.

Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable. There was 1 exit blocked with snow and ice. It was cleared during the inspection. Regulation: Supplemental evacuation requirements are as follows: cribs, beds, playpens, and cots used for rest or sleep shall be arranged so as to provide access to a three-foot-wide aisle that leads to an unobstructed exit.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) — Provide documentation from the manufacturer or a certified playground inspector indicating that the playground equipment meets ASTM F1487.

Provide documentation from the manufacturer or a certified playground inspector indicating that the playground equipment meets ASTM F1487. Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(c)(1) — Ensure that the director is at the center at least 50% 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. Regulation: The director shall be scheduled to work at the center at least 50 percent of the center’s daily operating hours.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) — Repair or replace the play equipment in the play area.

Repair or replace the play equipment in the play area. Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) — Replenish resilient surfacing as required in all play equipment use zones in accordance with ASTM F1292.

Replenish resilient surfacing as required in all play equipment use zones in accordance with ASTM F1292. Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b) — Based on complaint 24206, the center needs to ensure that parents are allowed in the center as required by the Information to Parents document.

Based on complaint 24206, the center needs to ensure that parents are allowed in the center as required by the Information to Parents document. Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6(a) — Based on complaint 24206, the center needs to ensure that the policy on discipline is followed as required.

Based on complaint 24206, the center needs to ensure that the policy on discipline is followed as required. Regulation: (a) The methods of guidance and discipline used shall: 1. Be positive; 2. Be consistent with the age and developmental needs of the children; and 3. Lead to the child's ability to develop and maintain self-control. (b) Staff members shall not discipline children for failing to eat or sleep or for soiling themselves. (c) Staff shall not withhold active play time as a means of discipline unless the child's actions or behavior present a danger to themselves or others. (d) Children may be removed from a group activity to another area, provided that the child so removed is either under the supervision of another staff member or continuously visible to a staff member.

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 in classroom 1.

Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care in classroom 1. 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:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, as required.

Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, as required. Regulation: (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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(c) — Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually.

Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually. Regulation: 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).

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(d) — Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually. 1/12/2026- There is 1 staff missing training hours.

Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually. 1/12/2026- There is 1 staff missing training hours. Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(f) — Ensure that sleeping equipment is stored separately for each child in classroom 4 as required.

Ensure that sleeping equipment is stored separately for each child in classroom 4 as required. Regulation: When cribs, playpens, cots, mats or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment are stored with sheets, blankets, or other coverings as single units, at least one item of each unit shall be labeled with child-identifying information. (g) When sheets, blankets and other coverings are not stored with sleeping equipment, each of these items shall be: 1. Labeled for each child; and 2. Stored separately for each child.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(c)(2) — The director shall not have full-time classroom responsibilities as required.

The director shall not have full-time classroom responsibilities as required. Regulation: 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 not have full-time classroom responsibilities during the times when the director is not present at the center and shall complete staff development in understanding licensing rules as provided by the Office of Licensing.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.2(a)(8) — Provide a current life/hazard use registration certificate applicable to the center's licensed capacity and ages served.

Provide a current life/hazard use registration certificate applicable to the center's licensed capacity and ages served. Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure classroom 1 is set up as required or request to remove classroom 1 from the license capacity.

Ensure classroom 1 is set up as required or request to remove classroom 1 from the license capacity. Regulation: (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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(17) — Ensure shelving is not overloaded in classroom 4.

Ensure shelving is not overloaded in classroom 4. Regulation: 17. All televisions and computers shall be secured on a stable surface and shelving shall be secured and not be overloaded. 18. Ensure that microwave ovens, toaster ovens, and other portable devices used to heat or prepare food are out of children's reach, secured on a stable surface, and not in use when children are in the area in order to ensure the safety of children.

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:52-5.3(q)(2)(i) — Operate within each room's capacity, classroom 4 is licensed for 13 children and 14 children were observed in the classroom.

Operate within each room's capacity, classroom 4 is licensed for 13 children and 14 children were observed in the classroom. Regulation: At no time shall a center: i. Allow more children in attendance than the licensed capacity as specified on the license or the Certificate of Life/Safety Approval; ii. Allow more children in attendance than the licensed room capacity;

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.4(a) — Provide documentation that the center has current comprehensive general liability insurance coverage.

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

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:52-4.3(c) — Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times including, when staff leaves the classroom. Maintain ratios at all times in classroom 4.

Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times including, when staff leaves the classroom. Maintain ratios at all times in classroom 4. 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:52-4.11(b) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for all staff members. 9/30/2025- There are 7 CHRIs missing.

Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for all staff members. 9/30/2025- There are 7 CHRIs missing. 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:52-4.10(a) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff at the center.

Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff at the center. 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:52-4.1(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:52-6.4(b)(2) — Ensure that toys are not stored on top on the children's cots in classroom 4.

Ensure that toys are not stored on top on the children's cots in classroom 4. Regulation: i. Each cot used for children between 13 and 18 months of age shall not exceed 14 inches above the floor level. ii. Each cot or mat used for rest and sleep shall be covered with a sheet, blanket or other covering. An additional covering shall be provided for use as a covering for each child. iii. Each mat used for rest and sleep shall be:(1) Placed on a surface that is warm, dry, clean and draft-free; (2) Water-repellent; (3) At least one inch thick; and (4) Stored so that there is no contact with the sleeping surface of another mat, or disinfected after each use, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)1.