Acorn Montessori School

2025

1. Medium-High risk7/30/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(b)(2) — Ensure that all sand used in the outdoor play areas is maintained in a sanitary manner, remove the vegetation in the sandbox and provide covers for the sandbox as required.

   Ensure that all sand used in the outdoor play areas is maintained in a sanitary manner, remove the vegetation in the sandbox and provide covers for the sandbox as required. Regulation: Centers that maintain outside sandboxes or play areas containing sand shall ensure that the sand is maintained in a safe and sanitary manner.

   Corrected 9/25/2025
2. Medium-High risk7/30/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including, provide the missing ceiling tile in Building 4.

   Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including, provide the missing ceiling tile in Building 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.

   Corrected 9/25/2025
3. Medium-High risk7/30/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including, remove all the rust inside of the sinks as required throughout the center.

   Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including, remove all the rust inside of the sinks as required 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.

   Corrected 9/25/2025
4. Medium-High risk7/30/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including, repairing the front of the sink in classroom B, (Black Oak).

   Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including, repairing the front of the sink in classroom B, (Black Oak). 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 9/25/2025
5. Medium risk7/30/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.4(a)(3) — Ensure that all ventilation systems are cleaned and operable as required throughout the center as required.

   Ensure that all ventilation systems are cleaned and operable as required throughout the center as required. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, crawl spaces, attic spaces, and all doors and windows used for natural ventilation shall be provided with insect screening.

   Corrected 11/7/2025
6. Medium risk7/30/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(d)(2) — Repair the rusty radiator cover in the classroom bathroom in classroom C, (Chinquapin) behind the toilet.

   Repair the rusty radiator cover in the classroom bathroom in classroom C, (Chinquapin) behind the toilet. Regulation: steam and hot water pipes and radiators shall be protected by screens, guards, insulation, or any other suitable, non-combustible protective device.

   Corrected 9/25/2025
7. Medium risk7/30/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(c)(1) — Ensure that the light is operable as required in classroom B (Black Oak), next to the exit sign.

   Ensure that the light is operable as required in classroom B (Black Oak), next to the exit sign. Regulation: Lighting requirements are as follows: all fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs shall have protective covers or shields. During program activities, at least 20 foot-candles of natural or artificial light shall be provided in all rooms used by the children. This illumination shall be measured three feet above the floor at the farthest point from the light source. Parking areas, pedestrian walkways, or other exterior portions of the premises subject to use by center occupants at night shall be illuminated to provide safe entrance to and egress from the center.

   Corrected 9/25/2025
8. Medium-High risk7/30/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) — Provide documentation that the playground equipment is age appropriate as required. 11/7/25- MOU received indicating climbing equipment will not be used.

   Provide documentation that the playground equipment is age appropriate as required. 11/7/25- MOU received indicating climbing equipment will not be used. 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.

   Corrected 11/7/2025
9. Medium-High risk7/30/2025

   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).11/7/25 - MOU received indicating clim

   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).11/7/25 - MOU received indicating climbing equipment will not be used. 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.

   Corrected 11/7/2025
10. Medium-High risk7/30/2025

    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.

    Corrected 11/7/2025
11. Medium-High risk7/30/2025

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

    Ensure all outdoor hazards are removed from the outdoor play area as required including vegetation in the play area. 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.

    Corrected 11/7/2025
12. High risk6/11/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(a) — Ensure that parents are notified immediately when: a child is bitten and the skin is broken; a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head; a child falls from a height greater than the heigh

    Ensure that parents are notified immediately when: a child is bitten and the skin is broken; a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head; a child falls from a height greater than the height of the child; or an injury requiring professional medical care occurs. Regulation: (a) The center shall take immediate necessary action to protect the child from further harm and shall immediately notify the child's parent(s) when one of the following occurs while the child is in the center’s care: 1. A child is bitten and the skin is broken; 2. A child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head; 3. A child falls from a height greater than the height of the child; or 4. An injury requiring professional medical care occurs.

    Corrected 11/7/2025
13. High risk6/11/2025

    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 11/7/2025
14. Medium-Low risk6/11/2025

    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.

    Corrected 11/7/2025
15. High risk6/11/2025

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

    Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, including 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 7/30/2025
16. High risk6/11/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and 38 regularly scheduled staff. 11/7/25 - waiting for 2 staff clearances.

    Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and 38 regularly scheduled staff. 11/7/25 - waiting for 2 staff clearances. 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.

    Corrected 12/9/2025
17. High risk6/11/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(a) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and 38 regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal. 11/7/25- waiting for 1 staff clearance.

    Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and 38 regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal. 11/7/25- waiting for 1 staff clearance. 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 12/9/2025
18. Medium-Low risk6/11/2025

    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 11/7/2025
19. Medium-High risk6/11/2025

    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.

    Corrected 12/9/2025
20. Medium-Low risk6/11/2025

    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 11/7/2025
21. High risk6/11/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(e)(1) — Develop a policy for parental notification of injuries since the center is using a method other than a telephone call; maintain on file a record of staff and parental receipt of receipt of the policy.

    Develop a policy for parental notification of injuries since the center is using a method other than a telephone call; maintain on file a record of staff and parental receipt of receipt of the policy. Regulation: The center shall develop and follow a written policy for parental notification if a method other than a telephone call is used at the center for parental notification. 1. The center shall distribute a copy of this 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 this policy.

    Corrected 12/9/2025
22. Medium risk6/11/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(19) — Test for the presence of radon gas as required.

    Test for the presence of radon gas as required. Regulation: the center shall test for the presence of radon gas in each classroom on the lowest floor level used by children at least once every five years and shall post the test results in a prominent location in all buildings at the center, as specified in N.J.S.A. 30:5B-5.2.

    Corrected 9/25/2025
23. High risk6/11/2025

    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.

    Corrected 7/30/2025
24. Medium-Low risk6/11/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(iii) — Submit current documentation from the DEP, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water (BSDW) and post the results.

    Submit current documentation from the DEP, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water (BSDW) and post the results. Regulation: If the facility or site is not provided a potable water supply by a public community water system, the applicant shall provide potable water sampling results demonstrating compliance with maximum contaminant levels for all contaminants required to be tested pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:10-5 for public non-transient, non-community (NTNC) water systems, including radiological contaminants, regardless of whether they meet the definition of NTNC systems as defined at N.J.A.C. 7:10-1.3. This sampling shall have been conducted within three years of the date of application submission, except nitrates and coliform, for which the sampling shall have been conducted within 90 days of submitting the application.

    Corrected 11/7/2025
25. High risk6/11/2025

    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.

    Corrected 11/7/2025