The Learning 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:52-4.8(e) — Ensure that the center director completes the OOL's Understanding Licensing training within 90 days of hire.

Ensure that the center director completes the OOL's Understanding Licensing training within 90 days of hire. Regulation: Directors shall complete staff development in understanding licensing regulations as provided by the Office of Licensing within 90 days of hire. Such staff development may be included in the required 20 hours of staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(d).

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:52-7.7(a)(3)(i) — Ensure surfaces are sanitized before each use including tables, in classroom 105 as required.

Ensure surfaces are sanitized before each use including tables, in classroom 105 as required. Regulation: The following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use: (1) Washcloths made of fabric, when used for cleaning children; (2) Thermometers; (3) Items used by a child who becomes ill while at the center; and (4) Sleeping mats that are not stored separately.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.3(a)(12)(ii) — Ensure that each child's sippy cup is labeled with the child's name in classroom 105 as required.

Ensure that each child's sippy cup is labeled with the child's name in classroom 105 as required. Regulation: center shall ensure that these safety and sanitation practices are followed: sippy cups shall be labeled with the child’s name.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Maintain the mechanical ventilation is clean and operating condition as required in classroom 118 bathroom.

Maintain the mechanical ventilation is clean and operating condition as required in classroom 118 bathroom. 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Repair and/or paint all surfaces that have peeled and chipped paint throughout the center.

Repair and/or paint all surfaces that have peeled and chipped paint throughout the center. Regulation: Walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of: i. Excessive peeling or chipped paint; or ii. Heavily soiled conditions.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(b)(2) — Ensure cots are cleaned and disinfected after each use as required throughout the center.

Ensure cots are cleaned and disinfected after each use as required throughout the center. Regulation: i. Each cot used for children between 13 and 18 months of age shall not exceed 14 inches above the floor level. ii. Each cot or mat used for rest and sleep shall be covered with a sheet, blanket or other covering. An additional covering shall be provided for use as a covering for each child. iii. Each mat used for rest and sleep shall be:(1) Placed on a surface that is warm, dry, clean and draft-free; (2) Water-repellent; (3) At least one inch thick; and (4) Stored so that there is no contact with the sleeping surface of another mat, or disinfected after each use, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)1.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) — Provide documentation that the playground surfacing meets ASTM F1292.

Provide documentation that the playground surfacing meets 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Paint around the bathroom fixtures as required throughout the center.

Paint around the bathroom fixtures 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Repair/paint around the bathroom sinks throughout the center as required.

Repair/paint around the bathroom sinks throughout the center as required. 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:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) — Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the date, in classroom 103 as required.

Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the date, in classroom 103 as required. 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.

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:52-3.4(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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(ii) — Comply with the requirements of the manual if the center's water testing results reveal elevated levels of lead or copper.

Comply with the requirements of the manual if the center's water testing results reveal elevated levels of lead or copper. Regulation: If the results reveal elevated levels of lead or copper as defined by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, which pose risk of harm to children, the center shall: immediately discontinue use of all drinking water sources in the building; provide bottled water for drinking; provide bottled water for food preparation with approval from the local health official; and notify parents of the children in attendance at the center.

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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure that the light is operable in classroom 111.

Ensure that the light is operable in classroom 111. 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(l) — Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes alternate location.

Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes alternate 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, ages, and special needs of children enrol

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

Ensure that 3 staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire. 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:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and 2 regularly scheduled staff.

Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and 2 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(a) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and 2 regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal.

Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and 2 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL and ensure that references are completed for 3 staff.

Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL and ensure that references are completed for 3 staff. 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. Ensure that record of Mantoux and medical exam on file for 3 staff.

Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. Ensure that record of Mantoux and medical exam on file for 3 staff. 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.9(a)(1) — Maintain an illness log on file at the center that includes: the child's name; symptoms of illness; actions taken by the center; and dates of exclusion and return.

Maintain an illness log on file at the center that includes: the child's name; symptoms of illness; actions taken by the center; and dates of exclusion and return. Regulation: The center shall maintain on file a log of the initial illnesses, symptoms of illness, or diseases that are exhibited by each child while in the center’s care, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1(c) and (d). This illness log shall include: the child's name; the date and time the illness, symptoms of illness or diseases were observed at the center; a description of the symptoms of illness manifested by the child; the action taken by the center to assist: the child who is demonstrating symptoms of illness; and the director in determining if exclusion of the child from the center is necessary; any significant change in the child's symptoms of illness; the date, if applicable, that: the child was removed from the center; the child returned to the center with a note from a health care provider attesting to the child's admissibility to the center and recovery from a reportable disease, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:57; the child returned to the center with a parent’s note attesting that six days have elapsed since the onset of chicken pox, or that all chicken pox sores have dried and crusted; or the child returned to the center symptom-free.

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.