Children's Choice Academy

2026

1. High risk4/23/2026

   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 room 1, staff had to count how many children were in their care. In room 5, staff reported 11 children pres

   Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. In room 1, staff had to count how many children were in their care. In room 5, staff reported 11 children present, 12 children were receiving care. 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.

   Corrected 5/20/2026
2. High risk4/23/2026

   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 5/20/2026
3. High risk3/27/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(f) — Ensure that each child's bedding and sleeping equipment is stored separately throughout the center.

   Ensure that each child's bedding and sleeping equipment is stored separately throughout the center. 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.

   Corrected 4/23/2026
4. High risk3/27/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.3(a) — Ensure that food preparation does not take place in a sink intended for handwashing in room 1.

   Ensure that food preparation does not take place in a sink intended for handwashing in room 1. Regulation: 1. Food served to children who are present during normal mealtime hours or required snack periods, as specified in (b) and (c) below, shall be provided either by the child's parent or by the center. 3. If the center chooses to have parents provide food, the center shall have a supply of food at the center for any child whose parent forgets. 4. If the center provides food, the center shall ensure that the food is stored, prepared, and served in a sanitary manner. 5. Staff members shall advise parents of any repetitive feeding problems experienced by their child. 6. Staff members shall not force-feed or coerce a child to eat against his or her will. 9. Centers that provide meals shall ensure that: i. For children on special diets (for example, due to health reasons, religious belief or parental request), an alternative choice of food is provided by either the center or the child's parent; and ii. Individualized written diets and feeding schedules, if submitted to the center by the child's parent or health care provider, are posted in a location that is accessible to staff members caring for the children, and are followed. 10. The center shall have a supply of food at the center and shall serve a snack to any child who is hungry or has missed a meal. iii. Food left uneaten in a dish shall be discarded; iv. Food shall not be shared among children using the same dish or spoon; and v. Unused portions of food shall be labeled with the child's name, date, and type of food. The food shall be stored in the refrigerator, returned to the parent, or discarded with the parent's consent. All unused food shall be discarded if not consumed by the end of the day.

   Corrected 5/20/2026
5. High risk3/27/2026

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

   Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes all required components. 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, ages, and special needs of children e

   Corrected 4/23/2026
6. High risk3/27/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that 10 named staff complete orientation training annually.

   Ensure that 10 named staff complete orientation training 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 5/20/2026
7. Medium-Low risk3/27/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(b) — Provide documentation that the director meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

   Provide documentation that the director meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Regulation: The director shall meet the following qualification requirements for early childhood programs licensed to serve more than 30 children, the director shall meet the qualification requirements as specified in N.J.A.C 3A:52-4.6(b) for education and experience.

   Corrected 4/23/2026
8. High risk3/27/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a) — Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times including in the hallway. Children from room 4 were observed in the hallway unsupervised while staff were assisting children in the bathrooms.

   Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times including in the hallway. Children from room 4 were observed in the hallway unsupervised while staff were assisting children in the bathrooms. 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.

   Corrected 4/23/2026
9. High risk3/27/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(a) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 5 named staff for the center's license renewal.

   Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 5 named 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 5/20/2026
10. Medium-High risk3/27/2026

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

    Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water as required including before serving food in room 3. 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 5/20/2026
11. Medium-High risk3/27/2026

    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 3.

    Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required including before the intake of food in room 3. 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 5/20/2026
12. Medium risk3/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(2) — Ensure that all surfaces are cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfecting.

    Ensure that all surfaces are cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfecting. Regulation: All areas to be disinfected shall first be washed with soap and water.

    Corrected 5/20/2026
13. Medium-High risk3/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Ensure that the outdoor play house is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, as it is currently missing the back panel.

    Ensure that the outdoor play house is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, as it is currently missing the back panel. 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.

    Corrected 4/23/2026
14. Medium-High risk3/27/2026

    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 4/23/2026
15. High risk3/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — Ensure that the back hallway leading to the back egress has an unobstructed 3 foot wide aisle.

    Ensure that the back hallway leading to the back egress has an unobstructed 3 foot wide aisle. 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 4/23/2026
16. High risk3/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — Ensure that the emergency exit door in room 1 is easily operable, whereas the panic bar on the door is broken.

    Ensure that the emergency exit door in room 1 is easily operable, whereas the panic bar on the door is broken. 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 4/23/2026
17. High risk3/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — Ensure that the hallway leading to the back exit is clear.

    Ensure that the hallway leading to the back exit is clear. 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 3/27/2026
18. Medium-High risk3/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) — Repair or replace the rusted metal box on the outdoor play area.

    Repair or replace the rusted metal box on the outdoor 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 4/23/2026
19. Medium risk3/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Repair and/or paint chipping paint in rooms 1, 4, 5, and the hallway outside of the girls bathroom.

    Repair and/or paint chipping paint in rooms 1, 4, 5, and the hallway outside of the girls bathroom. Regulation: Walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of: i. Excessive peeling or chipped paint; or ii. Heavily soiled conditions.

    Corrected 4/23/2026
20. Medium risk3/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(13) — Ensure that the cords in room 1 are inaccessible to the children.

    Ensure that the cords in room 1 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.

    Corrected 4/23/2026
21. Medium-High risk3/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(10) — Ensure that all toxic substances, including cleaning supplies, are inaccessible to the children in rooms 2, 3, and 5.

    Ensure that all toxic substances, including cleaning supplies, are inaccessible to the children in rooms 2, 3, and 5. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all corrosive agents, insecticides, bleaches, detergents, polishes, any products under pressure in an aerosol spray can, and any toxic substance shall be stored in a locked cabinet or in an enclosure located in an area not accessible to the children.

    Corrected 3/27/2026
22. Medium-High risk3/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(10) — Ensure that staff's personal belongings are inaccessible to the children in room 5.

    Ensure that staff's personal belongings are inaccessible to the children in room 5. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all corrosive agents, insecticides, bleaches, detergents, polishes, any products under pressure in an aerosol spray can, and any toxic substance shall be stored in a locked cabinet or in an enclosure located in an area not accessible to the children.

    Corrected 3/27/2026
23. Medium-High risk3/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Repair and secure the carpeting to the floor in room 5.

    Repair and secure the carpeting to the floor in room 5. 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 4/23/2026
24. Medium-High risk3/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Repair or make inaccessible, the broken drinking fountain in the hallway.

    Repair or make inaccessible, the broken drinking fountain in the hallway. 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 4/23/2026
25. Medium-High risk3/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Repair or replace the broken play kitchens in rooms 3 and 5.

    Repair or replace the broken play kitchens in rooms 3 and 5. 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 4/23/2026