Appletree Preschool at Hackensack

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Retrain the staff on completing accident reports as it relates to times of notification and proper food storage.

Retrain the staff on completing accident reports as it relates to times of notification and proper food storage. 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:52-4.8(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).

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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.3(a) — Ensure that perishable food is stored in the refrigerator including yogurt.

Ensure that perishable food is stored in the refrigerator including yogurt. 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a) — Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including updated universal health records. 4.15.2026-2 received. 1 pending.

Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including updated universal health records. 4.15.2026-2 received. 1 pending. 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 e

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. 3.23.2026-Staff were retrained on 3.20.2026. Documentation received 3.23.2026. 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.

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(h)(7) — Submit a lead paint risk assessment for the center's license renewal.

Submit a lead paint risk assessment for the center's license renewal. Regulation: Lead paint precautions are as follows: if a previous lead paint inspection indicates the presence of lead, or a lead paint risk management plan is in progress at the center, the center shall: ensure that a lead paint risk assessment is conducted by a Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor who is certified and employed as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(h)3, upon renewal of the center’s license; and submit the results of the risk assessment to the Office of Licensing and the local department of health.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.9(a)(1) — Maintain an illness log on file at the center that includes: the actions taken by the center.

Maintain an illness log on file at the center that includes: the actions taken by the center. 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:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. Update and submit.

Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. Update and submit. 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:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. 1 new staff with pending appointment.

Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. 1 new staff with pending appointment. 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:52-4.3(a)(1) — Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. A substitute staff member indicated that 15 children were in care. However 17 children were present.

Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. A substitute staff member indicated that 15 children were in care. However 17 children were present. 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Retrain the substitute staff in the area of tracking. Submit the agenda, signatures of attendance and training materials.

Retrain the substitute staff in the area of tracking. Submit the agenda, signatures of attendance and training materials. 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:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. Update with current staff.

Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. Update with current 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:52-5.3(a)(4) — Ensure that all carpeting is securely fastened to the floor.

Ensure that all carpeting is securely fastened to the floor. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: carpeting shall be securely fastened to the floor.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(4)(vi) — Ensure that staff wash their hands after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions or other bodily fluids. Pertains to the infant and toddler classrooms. Staff in the infant classroom had t

Ensure that staff wash their hands after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions or other bodily fluids. Pertains to the infant and toddler classrooms. Staff in the infant classroom had to be reminded to wash hands after cleaning a child's nose. Regulation: Handwashing requirements are as follows: staff members shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, or other body fluids or secretions.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Ensure all supplemental medications required by a child's care plan are onsite, including Benadryl.

Ensure all supplemental medications required by a child's care plan are onsite, including Benadryl. 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: the center shall store prescribed epinephrine pens in their original boxes with the child’s name and prescription. A special care plan or other documentation from a health care provider shall accompany the epinephrine pen. If two epinephrine pens are required, both shall be available. Each center under the jurisdiction of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5 shall store back-up epinephrine pens on site consistent with the requirements stated at N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5.e(1).

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.

Ensure that each child's sippy cup is labeled with the child's name. Regulation: All centers shall comply with the following requirements, the 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:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) — Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date.

Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, 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:52-6.1(b)(1) — Ensure that time frames for each activity are both age and developmentally appropriate for the children served. In the toddler classroom, the children were made to sit at the table for more than 30 minutes and given multiple typ

Ensure that time frames for each activity are both age and developmentally appropriate for the children served. In the toddler classroom, the children were made to sit at the table for more than 30 minutes and given multiple types of table toy activities. Regulation: The staff member(s) specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5 who are responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of the center's daily activities shall ensure that time frames for each activity are geared to the age and developmental level of each child served and are flexible enough to accommodate spontaneous occurrences or children's suggestions and inquiries.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(b)(4) — Ensure that both staff-directed and child-selected activities are provided throughout the center. The classroom schedule in the toddler room, indicated the children should be in center choice time but they were still at the tab

Ensure that both staff-directed and child-selected activities are provided throughout the center. The classroom schedule in the toddler room, indicated the children should be in center choice time but they were still at the tables engaged in staff selected activities. Regulation: The staff member(s) specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5 who are responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of the center's daily activities shall ensure that both staff-directed and child-selected activities are provided.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(b)(5)(i) — Ensure that staff encourage, but do not require, children to participate in every group activity. A few children demonstrated that they were not interested in playing with the table toys but the staff continuously told the ch

Ensure that staff encourage, but do not require, children to participate in every group activity. A few children demonstrated that they were not interested in playing with the table toys but the staff continuously told the children to sit down at the table. The children were made to continue playing with the same toys even when showing disinterest. Regulation: The staff member(s) specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5 who are responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of the center's daily activities shall ensure that Children are encouraged, but not required, to participate in every group activity.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(g)(1) — Ensure that the children go outdoors daily, weather permitting. Pertains to the infant and toddlers.

Ensure that the children go outdoors daily, weather permitting. Pertains to the infant and toddlers. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the center shall provide daily outdoor activities at an outdoor play area, park or playground, or on a walk, weather permitting.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(17) — Secure all freestanding cubbies.

Secure all freestanding cubbies. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all televisions and computers shall be secured on a stable surface and shelving shall be secured and not be overloaded.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(2) — Remove the rust from the basket attached to the sink in the children's restroom near the kitchenette area.

Remove the rust from the basket attached to the sink in the children's restroom near the kitchenette area. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair.