MEL, Inc.

2026

1. Medium-High risk7/7/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) — Ensure diapering surfaces are washed and disinfected after each use in room A-1.

   Ensure diapering surfaces are washed and disinfected after each use in room A-1. Regulation: In addition to the items specified in (a)3 above, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use: iii. Diapering surfaces;

   Not corrected
2. Medium risk7/7/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) — Ensure tables are washed and disinfected before each meal in room A-2.

   Ensure tables are washed and disinfected before each meal in room A-2. Regulation: Tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal.

   Not corrected
3. Medium-High risk7/7/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the tour children's couches throughout the center.

   Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the tour children's couches throughout the center. 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.

   Not corrected
4. Medium risk7/7/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(b)(1)(i) — Ensure that all cribs have a firm, waterproof, snugly fitting mattress and clean snugly fitting sheet in room A-1.

   Ensure that all cribs have a firm, waterproof, snugly fitting mattress and clean snugly fitting sheet in room A-1. Regulation: Each crib or playpen shall be equipped with: a firm, waterproof, snugly fitting mattress; a clean, snugly fitting sheet; top rails that are at least 19 inches above the mattress and slats that are not more than 2 3/8 inches apart.

   Not corrected
5. Medium-High risk7/7/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.3(a)(12)(ii) — Ensure that each child's sippy cup is labeled with the child's name throughout the center.

   Ensure that each child's sippy cup is labeled with the child's name throughout the center. Regulation: center shall ensure that these safety and sanitation practices are followed: sippy cups shall be labeled with the child’s name.

   Not corrected
6. Medium-Low risk7/7/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(b)(7)(ii) — Develop a written policy for the use of television, computers and other technology.

   Develop a written policy for the use of television, computers and other technology. Regulation: ii. Centers shall develop a written policy regarding the use of television, computers, and other equipment for children over the age of two and maintain on file written plans for such use and the length of time for their use. In addition, centers shall develop a written policy for the use of such equipment as it pertains to children in care less than four hours and children in care more than four hours. iii. Centers shall develop written plans for children with special needs who may benefit from the educational or instruction use of a television, computer, or other video equipment.

   Not corrected
7. High risk7/7/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(i) — Complete and submit a DCF Drinking Water Testing Checklist and Statement of Assurance and a copy of the center's water testing completed by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protection.

   Complete and submit a DCF Drinking Water Testing Checklist and Statement of Assurance and a copy of the center's water testing completed by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protection. 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.

   Not corrected
8. Medium risk7/7/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(4) — Ensure that formula or breast milk that is served but not completely consumed is discarded immediately, or refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours in room A-1.

   Ensure that formula or breast milk that is served but not completely consumed is discarded immediately, or refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours in room A-1. Regulation: Feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: for bottles, refrigerated breast milk shall be used within 24 hours. formula or breast milk that is served, but not completely consumed or refrigerated, shall be discarded.

   Not corrected
9. High risk7/7/2026

   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.

   Not corrected
10. Medium-High risk7/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including broken floor tiles in room A-4.

    Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including broken floor tiles in room A-4. 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.

    Not corrected
11. Medium-High risk7/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including missing baseboards in room A-4.

    Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including missing baseboards in room A-4. 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.

    Not corrected
12. Medium-High risk7/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the baseboards in room A-3.

    Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the baseboards in room A-3. 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.

    Not corrected
13. Medium-High risk7/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(5) — Ensure garbage receptacles are securely covered if used for diapers or food throughout the center.

    Ensure garbage receptacles are securely covered if used for diapers or food throughout the center. Regulation: garbage receptacles shall be: made of durable, leak-proof and nonabsorbent materials; covered in a secure manner; emptied to the outdoor garbage receptacle when filled; maintained in a sanitary manner.

    Not corrected
14. Medium-High risk7/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Ensure that all outdoor equipment is sturdy, safe, free of hazards by properly securing the outdoor play area that is not in use.

    Ensure that all outdoor equipment is sturdy, safe, free of hazards by properly securing the outdoor play area that is not in use. Regulation: Play equipment, materials, and furniture for indoor and outdoor use shall be of sturdy and safe construction, non-toxic, free of hazards, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The center may not use play equipment intended for outdoor use indoors.

    Not corrected
15. Medium-High risk7/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(o)(1) — 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.

    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. Regulation: 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.

    Not corrected
16. Medium-High risk7/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(n)(3) — Ensure the center maintains on file, a record of each fire drill which includes all required components.

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

    Not corrected
17. High risk7/7/2026

    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 in room A-1.

    Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable in room A-1. 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.

    Not corrected
18. Medium risk7/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(g)(3) — Provide at least five different activity areas with at least five different types of supplies and equipment for children over 18 months of age in room A-2.

    Provide at least five different activity areas with at least five different types of supplies and equipment for children over 18 months of age in room A-2. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: centers serving children 18 months of age and older shall provide at least five types of children's daily activities including, but not limited to, language; science and mathematics; manipulative; large muscle; building; art; music; drama; or other comparable activities; and at least five types of supplies and equipment for each daily activity chosen by the center.

    Not corrected
19. Medium-Low risk7/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(j)(3) — Maintain on file a record of parental receipt of the center's expulsion policy.

    Maintain on file a record of parental receipt of the center's expulsion policy. Regulation: The center shall distribute a copy of the expulsion policy to the parent of each enrolled child and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s signature attesting to receipt of the policy.

    Not corrected
20. Medium-High risk7/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(a)(1) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL.

    Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL. 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).

    Not corrected
21. High risk7/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually.

    Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually. 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.

    Not corrected
22. Medium-Low risk7/7/2026

    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).

    Not corrected
23. High risk7/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(d) — Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually.

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

    Not corrected
24. High risk7/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a) — Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times including walking through the hallway to the bathroom in room A-4.

    Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times including walking through the hallway to the bathroom in room A-4. Regulation: 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. 1. At least one staff member shall be physically present in the room or area in which children are napping and shall be able to summon other staff members without leaving the room or area. 3. Naptime preparations shall have been completed and all children 18 months or above are resting or sleeping, while all children under 18 months of age are sleeping.

    Not corrected
25. High risk7/7/2026

    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.

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

    Not corrected