Precious Steps

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(c) — Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times.

Ensure that adequate staff/child 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:52-7.8(a)(1) — Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required including after their diaper changed.

Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required including after their diaper changed. Regulation: 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; immediately after using the toilet or having diapers changed; immediately after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, or other body fluids or secretions; immediately after coming in contact with an animal's body secretions; and immediately after outdoor play. (2)for children under three months of age or for those children three months of age and older wherein hand washing with soap and running water may not be developmentally appropriate, the center may use an alternate means for hand washing, including but not limited to disposable baby wipes.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(iii)(4) — Ensure that staff wash their hands after each diaper change.

Ensure that staff wash their hands after each diaper change. Regulation: Staff members who use disposable gloves during a diaper change shall dispose of these gloves after each use and shall wash their hands.

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. 1 pending renewal CARI.

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. 1 pending renewal CARI. 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:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) — Ensure diapering surfaces are washed and disinfected after each use.

Ensure diapering surfaces are washed and disinfected after each use. 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;

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 (or ASTM F2373 for children under 2.5 years of age).

Provide documentation from the manufacturer or a certified playground inspector indicating that the playground equipment meets ASTM F1487 (or ASTM F2373 for children under 2.5 years of age). 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)(1) — Take necessary action to eliminate outdoor hazards including over grown vegetation.

Take necessary action to eliminate outdoor hazards including over grown vegetation. Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) — Ensure all outdoor hazards are removed from the outdoor play area as required including loose turf.

Ensure all outdoor hazards are removed from the outdoor play area as required including loose turf. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: 1. The building, land, walkways, and outdoor play area shall be free from hazards to the health, safety or well-being of the children. 2. The outdoor play area shall be graded or provided with drains to dispose of surface water.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(13) — Ensure that electrical cords are inaccessible to the children.

Ensure that electrical cords are inaccessible to the children. Regulation: the center shall ensure that window blind cords and other cords and ropes that present risk of harm are inaccessible to children.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure carpets are secured to the ground and do not cause a tripping hazard.

Ensure carpets are secured to the ground and do not cause a tripping hazard. 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(n)(1) — Ensure fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center, one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time and all children are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill.

Ensure fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center, one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time 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:52-5.3(m)(2) — Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable and not blocked by trash cans.

Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable and not blocked by trash cans. 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:52-4.6(c)(1) — Provide documentation that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

Provide documentation that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: or 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.2(d) — Provide a current fire certificate as required.

Provide a current fire certificate as required. Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l) — Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes all required components including an alternate indoor location.

Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes all required components including an alternate indoor location. Regulation: (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

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

Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, including director. 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:52-7.7(e)(2) — Ensure diaper pails have lids and are washed and disinfected on a daily basis.

Ensure diaper pails have lids and are washed and disinfected on a daily basis. Regulation: 2. All diaper pails and lids shall be disinfected daily.

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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(n)(4) — Ensure that all fire extinguishers are serviced and tagged annually and recharged if necessary.

Ensure that all fire extinguishers are serviced and tagged annually and recharged if necessary. Regulation: Fire prevention requirements are as follows: all fire extinguishers shall be visually inspected once a month, and serviced and tagged at least once a year and recharged, if necessary, as specified in the NJUFC.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(i)(8) — Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH.

Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH. Regulation: 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. the Office of Licensing shall not issue licenses or renewals to child care centers that are co-located in a building or other structure that contains a dry cleaner or nail salon unless the applicant obtains indoor air sampling that demonstrates that there is no impact to the child care center.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)(2) — Complete and maintain daily time sheets with arrival and departure times for staff including director.

Complete and maintain daily time sheets with arrival and departure times for staff including director. Regulation: The director shall have the authority and responsibility for the implementation of policies and procedures for the day-to-day operation of the center, including maintenance of staff attendance records indicating daily hours worked and maintenance of children's daily attendance records, including the daily time of arrival and departure.

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:52-4.4(a)(2) — Ensure that a primary caregiver is assigned to each group of four infants or six toddlers.

Ensure that a primary caregiver is assigned to each group of four infants or six toddlers. Regulation: 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a)(5) — Ensure staff without a cleared CHRI are not left alone to supervise children at any time.

Ensure staff without a cleared CHRI are not left alone to supervise children at any time. Regulation: When a person who is not required to complete a CHRI background check is working with children at the center, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that the person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(1)(ii) — Ensure a self-made solution of bleach and water is made daily and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Ensure a self-made solution of bleach and water is made daily and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Regulation: 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 a self-made solution consisting of one-quarter cup of household bleach to each gallon of water (one tablespoon per quart), which shall be prepared daily and placed in a labeled, sealed container.