A Learning Adventure

2026

1. High risk7/6/2026

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

   Complete and submit a DCF Renewal Attestation 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.

   Not corrected
2. Medium-High risk4/9/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition.

   Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ventilation outlets shall be clean and free from obstructions, and filters shall be replaced when saturated.

   Corrected 5/13/2026
3. Medium-High risk4/9/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces of the ceiling tiles are clean including around the vents.

   Ensure all surfaces of the ceiling tiles are clean including around the vents. 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.

   Corrected 5/13/2026
4. Medium-High risk4/9/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Secure carpets in rooms 1 and 2.

   Secure carpets in rooms 1 and 2. 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.

   Corrected 5/13/2026
5. Medium-High risk4/9/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) — Ensure diapering surfaces are washed and disinfected after each use in room 5.

   Ensure diapering surfaces are washed and disinfected after each use in room 5. 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;

   Corrected 7/6/2026
6. Medium risk4/9/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) — Ensure tables are washed and disinfected before each meal in room 4.

   Ensure tables are washed and disinfected before each meal in room 4. Regulation: Tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal.

   Corrected 7/6/2026
7. Medium risk4/9/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(b)(7)(i) — Cease the use of television, computers, and other video equipment for children under the age of two in room 2.

   Cease the use of television, computers, and other video equipment for children under the age of two in room 2. Regulation: i. Centers shall prohibit the use of television, computers, and other video equipment for children under the age of two.

   Corrected 5/13/2026
8. High risk4/9/2026

   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.

   Corrected 7/6/2026
9. High risk4/9/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(2) — Ensure that the diapering area is within 15 feet of a sink that is not used for food preparation in room 5.

   Ensure that the diapering area is within 15 feet of a sink that is not used for food preparation in room 5. Regulation: diapering requirements for centers serving children who are not toilet trained are as follows, diapering area and surface requirements are as follows, the diapering area shall be within 15 feet of a sink that is not used for food preparation.

   Corrected 7/6/2026
10. Medium risk4/9/2026

    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 5.

    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 5. 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.

    Corrected 7/6/2026
11. High risk4/9/2026

    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 5. Center took immediate action to remove the car seats near one of the egress of the room.

    Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable in room 5. Center took immediate action to remove the car seats near one of the egress of the room. 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.

    Corrected 5/13/2026
12. Medium-High risk4/9/2026

    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.

    Corrected 5/13/2026
13. Medium-High risk4/9/2026

    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 diaper change in room 5.

    Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required including after diaper change in room 5. 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.

    Corrected 7/6/2026
14. Medium-High risk4/9/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1) — Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required including before the intake of food in room 4.

    Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required including before the intake of food in room 4. 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.

    Corrected 7/6/2026
15. Medium-High risk4/9/2026

    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).

    Corrected 5/13/2026
16. High risk4/9/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(a)(1) — Ensure children under 12 months of age are initially placed in a face-up sleeping position.

    Ensure children under 12 months of age are initially placed in a face-up sleeping position. Regulation: 1. For children 12 months of age and younger, the center shall ensure that each child is initially placed in a face-up sleeping position unless a different position is indicated in writing by the child's health care provider.

    Corrected 5/13/2026
17. Medium-High risk4/9/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.2(a)(1) — Ensure all materials used by the children are age-appropriate, non-toxic, and safe for use by children in room 2.

    Ensure all materials used by the children are age-appropriate, non-toxic, and safe for use by children in room 2. Regulation: The center shall provide a supply of age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program equipment including play equipment, child-size furniture and supplies that are sufficient to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program.

    Corrected 5/13/2026
18. Medium-High risk4/9/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(4) — Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water as required including after changing a diaper in room 5.

    Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water as required including after changing a diaper in room 5. Regulation: Handwashing requirements are as follows: staff members shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately before preparing or serving food; after toileting; after assisting a child in toileting; after caring for a child who appears to be sick; after coming in contact with an animal's body secretions; and after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, or other body fluids or secretions. 7.8(d)3- Staff members hands are washed after changing each diaper.

    Corrected 7/6/2026
19. Medium-Low risk4/9/2026

    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.

    Corrected 5/13/2026
20. High risk4/9/2026

    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.

    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. 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.

    Corrected 7/6/2026
21. High risk4/9/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(b) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 3 named staff.

    Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 3 named staff. 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.

    Corrected 5/13/2026
22. High risk4/9/2026

    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.

    Corrected 5/13/2026
23. Medium-High risk4/9/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a) — Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including universal child health records.

    Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including universal child health records. Regulation: (a) For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: 1. Each child not enrolled in a public or private school shall have had a health examination performed by a health care provider within: i. Six months prior to admission, for children who are 2½ years of age or younger; or ii. One year prior to admission, for children above 2½ years of age. 2. For each child not enrolled in a public or private school, upon admission, the center shall maintain on file at the center a Universal Child Health Record (Department of Health Form CH-14) or its equivalent, updated annually, along with an immunization record , and a special care plan, if applicable. A 30-day grace period is permitted in N.J.A.C. 8:57- 4.5(e): i. For children coming from other states or countries in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.6 and 4.7; and ii. For children who are in foster care or experiencing homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11434a(2). 3. For children enrolled in a public or private school, the center shall obtain a written statement from each child's parent indicating: I. That the child is in good health and can participate in the normal activities of the program; and ii. Any conditions or specific needs that may require special accommodations. 4. If immunizations are contraindicated for medical reasons, the center may choose to admit the child, provided that the parent submits to the center a written statement from a health care provider attesting to the following: i. The reason the immunization is medically contraindicated; and ii. The specific time period that the immunization is medically contraindicated. 5. A child shall be exempted from a physical examination, immunization, or medical treatment if the parent objects thereto in a written statement submitted to the center, signed by the parent, explaining how the examination, immunization, or medica

    Corrected 5/13/2026
24. High risk4/9/2026

    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.

    Corrected 5/13/2026
25. Medium-Low risk4/9/2026

    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).

    Corrected 5/13/2026