Helping Hands N.S.

2025

1. Medium risk11/7/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.4(a)(2) — Ensure that all lally columns in areas used by children have protective padding from the floor to a height of at least 48 inches, the classrooms A, B, C in the basement area.

   Ensure that all lally columns in areas used by children have protective padding from the floor to a height of at least 48 inches, the classrooms A, B, C in the basement area. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, all lally columns in areas used by the children shall have protective padding placed around them from the floor to a height of at least 48 inches.

   Corrected 12/8/2025
2. High risk11/7/2025

   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, as required in classroom 2.

   Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care, as required in classroom 2. 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 12/8/2025
3. Medium risk11/7/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(c)(2) — Ensure that the director designee complete understanding licensing as required.

   Ensure that the director designee complete understanding licensing as required. Regulation: The director or his or her designee(s) shall be on the premises at all times when the center is operating and the designee: shall not have full-time classroom responsibilities during the times when the director is not present at the center and shall complete staff development in understanding licensing rules as provided by the Office of Licensing.

   Corrected 6/15/2026
4. Medium risk11/7/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(e)(4) — Provide a group teacher as required.

   Provide a group teacher as required. Regulation: For early childhood programs the group teacher(s) shall be scheduled and have the authority and responsibility to work at the center for at least 75 percent of the center's daily operating hour or at least six hours a day, whichever is less and assist the head teacher in implementing the center's child development and activities program.

   Corrected 12/8/2025
5. High risk11/7/2025

   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 12/8/2025
6. Medium-High risk11/7/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(17) — Ensure that microwave is secured to the surfacing as required in classrooms A, B, C in the basement.

   Ensure that microwave is secured to the surfacing as required in classrooms A, B, C in the basement. Regulation: 17. All televisions and computers shall be secured on a stable surface and shelving shall be secured and not be overloaded. 18. Ensure that microwave ovens, toaster ovens, and other portable devices used to heat or prepare food are out of children's reach, secured on a stable surface, and not in use when children are in the area in order to ensure the safety of children.

   Corrected 12/8/2025
7. Medium-High risk11/7/2025

   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 6/15/2026
8. Medium-High risk11/7/2025

   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).

   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.

   Corrected 3/24/2026
9. Medium risk9/8/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(q)(1) — Update floor plans to reflect changes made to center.

   Update floor plans to reflect changes made to center. Regulation: Space and room requirements are as follows: all space and rooms within the center to be used by children shall be inspected and approved by the Office of Licensing prior to their use. In making its determination, the Office of Licensing shall consider whether the space is too far removed, remote, or isolated from other areas of the center to be used by children. Rooms or areas of the center that are not Office of Licensing-approved for use by children shall be made inaccessible to children.

   Corrected 2/3/2026
10. Medium risk9/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(q)(1) — Submit a space evaluation and decrease request through NJCCIS to remove any unused rooms from the center's license and to update room measurements and labels to reflect what is currently present.

    Submit a space evaluation and decrease request through NJCCIS to remove any unused rooms from the center's license and to update room measurements and labels to reflect what is currently present. Regulation: Space and room requirements are as follows: all space and rooms within the center to be used by children shall be inspected and approved by the Office of Licensing prior to their use. In making its determination, the Office of Licensing shall consider whether the space is too far removed, remote, or isolated from other areas of the center to be used by children. Rooms or areas of the center that are not Office of Licensing-approved for use by children shall be made inaccessible to children.

    Corrected 3/24/2026
11. High risk7/7/2025

    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 12/8/2025
12. Medium-High risk7/7/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Repair the ceiling on room 4.

    Repair the ceiling on room 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 9/8/2025
13. Medium risk7/7/2025

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

    Ensure that formula, milk or breast milk that is served but not completely consumed is discarded immediately, or refrigerated in room 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.

    Corrected 12/8/2025
14. Medium risk7/7/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) — Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date in room 1. The center took immediate corrective action and that the violation is cited and abated.

    Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date in room 1. The center took immediate corrective action and that the violation is cited and abated. Regulation: Feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: for bottles, each child's bottle(s) shall be labeled with the child's name and dated.

    Corrected 7/7/2025
15. Medium-Low risk7/7/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b) — Maintain at the center and distribute to all families and staff, a copy of the Information to Parents document designated by the OOL; maintain on file a record of parental receipt of the policy.

    Maintain at the center and distribute to all families and staff, a copy of the Information to Parents document designated by the OOL; maintain on file a record of parental receipt of the policy. Regulation: The center shall distribute a copy of the Information to Parents document to each child’s parent(s) upon enrollment and to every person upon becoming a staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s and staff member’s signature attesting to receipt of the document.

    Corrected 12/8/2025
16. Medium-Low risk7/7/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b) — Maintain at the center and distribute to all families and staff, a copy of the Information to Parents document designated by the OOL; maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the policy.

    Maintain at the center and distribute to all families and staff, a copy of the Information to Parents document designated by the OOL; maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the policy. Regulation: The center shall distribute a copy of the Information to Parents document to each child’s parent(s) upon enrollment and to every person upon becoming a staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s and staff member’s signature attesting to receipt of the document.

    Corrected 12/8/2025
17. High risk7/7/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b) — Maintain on file a special health care plan for an epi-pen.

    Maintain on file a special health care plan for an epi-pen. Regulation: The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: Administration and control of prescription and non-prescription medicines and health care procedures (a) The center shall inform each child’s parent upon enrollment of its policy on administering medication and health care procedures to children, including the provisions specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b) to (d). The policy shall indicate: 1. Whether the center will administer non-prescription medication or a non-prescribed health care procedure to a child; 2. Whether the center will administer prescription medication or a prescribed health care procedure to a child with a short-term illness; and 3. That the center will provide reasonable accommodations for the administration of medication or health care procedures to a child with special needs, if failure to administer the medication or health care procedure would jeopardize the health of the child or prevent the child from attending the center. 1. Medication and health care procedures shall be administered only after receipt of written approval from the child's parent(s). 2. The center shall: i. Designate those staff members who are trained as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a)8 and authorized to administer medication or health care procedures to, or to supervise self-administration of medication or health care procedures by, those children whose parents authorize it; and ii. Ensure that each staff member designated to administer medication and health care procedures is informed of each child's medication and health care needs. 3. All medication and health care equipment shall be kept either in a locked cabinet or in an area that is inaccessible to the children. i. All medication shall be kept in its original container. ii. Medication shall be refrigerated if so indicated on the

    Corrected 12/8/2025
18. Medium-High risk7/7/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a) — Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including the Universal Health Record Forms for children.

    Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including the Universal Health Record Forms for children. 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, immuniz

    Corrected 3/24/2026
19. High risk7/7/2025

    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 12/8/2025
20. Medium-Low risk7/7/2025

    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 12/8/2025
21. High risk7/7/2025

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

    Ensure that all staff complete orientation/annual 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 12/8/2025
22. High risk7/7/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that 1 CHRI background check is completed as required for regularly scheduled staff.

    Ensure that 1 CHRI background check is completed as required for 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.

    Corrected 12/8/2025
23. High risk7/7/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative.

    Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative. 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 12/8/2025
24. High risk7/7/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(a) — Ensure that a CARI background check is completed as required for 1 regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal.

    Ensure that a CARI background check is completed as required for 1 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 12/8/2025
25. High risk7/7/2025

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

    Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative 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 12/8/2025