The Growing Tree Children's Academy of Holmdel

2025

1. High risk8/25/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(1) — Ensure that diapering does not take place in an area or on a surface used for food preparation or eating. Staff was observed washing hands in the food prep sink when the diapering area has its own sink for handwashing,

   Ensure that diapering does not take place in an area or on a surface used for food preparation or eating. Staff was observed washing hands in the food prep sink when the diapering area has its own sink for handwashing, Regulation: diapering shall not take place in an area or on a surface used for food preparation, service, or eating;

   Corrected 9/9/2025
2. High risk8/25/2025

   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 10/27/2025
3. Medium-Low risk8/25/2025

   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 10/27/2025
4. High risk8/25/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, for new staff members. Include training on proper handwashing and 2 step cleaning / disinfection of surfaces as required.

   Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, for new staff members. Include training on proper handwashing and 2 step cleaning / disinfection of surfaces as required. 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 9/9/2025
5. High risk8/25/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for and 7 regularly scheduled staff and not left alone with children until cleared. 9/9/2025: 1 new staff, 7 outstanding.

   Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for and 7 regularly scheduled staff and not left alone with children until cleared. 9/9/2025: 1 new staff, 7 outstanding. 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 1/8/2026
6. Medium-Low risk8/25/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Based on complaint: ensure all staff have Mantoux testing as required.

   Based on complaint: ensure all staff have Mantoux testing as required. 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 12/18/2025
7. Medium-Low risk8/25/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL to include new staff.

   Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL to include new 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.

   Corrected 9/9/2025
8. Medium-High risk8/25/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1) — Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required after outside play.

   Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required after outside play. 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 9/9/2025
9. Medium-High risk8/25/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(2) — Based on complaint: Ensure that all surfaces are cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfecting. A staff member was observed skipping the soap and water step during a diaper change in the infant room.

   Based on complaint: Ensure that all surfaces are cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfecting. A staff member was observed skipping the soap and water step during a diaper change in the infant room. Regulation: All areas to be disinfected shall first be washed with soap and water.

   Corrected 9/9/2025
10. Medium risk8/25/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(q)(3) — Label room 2/3 of the center.

    Label room 2/3 of the center. Regulation: The center shall identify all rooms of the center that have been approved by the Office of Licensing. This identification shall consist of numbers, letters, names or any other means of identification and shall be located either inside or directly outside each room.

    Corrected 9/9/2025
11. Medium risk8/25/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Repair and/or paint surfaces including the chipped paint on cement walls on playground.

    Repair and/or paint surfaces including the chipped paint on cement walls on playground. 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 9/9/2025
12. Medium-High risk8/25/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Based on complaint: repair moldy smell in closet of room #6.

    Based on complaint: repair moldy smell in closet of room #6. 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 9/9/2025
13. Medium-High risk8/25/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Based on complaint: Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including uneven and lifting floor planks in basement of center, specifically in front of bathroom in lower level and in basement classrooms.

    Based on complaint: Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including uneven and lifting floor planks in basement of center, specifically in front of bathroom in lower level and in basement classrooms. 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 9/9/2025
14. Medium-High risk8/25/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Based on complaint: remove mice droppings/infestation in room #2/3 and throughout center.

    Based on complaint: remove mice droppings/infestation in room #2/3 and throughout 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 9/9/2025
15. Medium risk8/25/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(e)(1) — Provide credentials for the head teacher.

    Provide credentials for the head teacher. Regulation: For early childhood programs the head teacher shall be scheduled to work at the center for at least 75 percent of the center's daily operating hours or at least six hours a day, whichever is less; and plan, discuss and observe the implementation of program activities by staff members for all groups of children.

    Corrected 10/27/2025
16. Medium risk8/25/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(c)(1) — Ensure that the director is at the center at least 50% of the center's daily operating hours. Provide credentials for the new director.

    Ensure that the director is at the center at least 50% of the center's daily operating hours. Provide credentials for the new director. Regulation: The director shall be scheduled to work at the center at least 50 percent of the center’s daily operating hours.

    Corrected 10/27/2025
17. High risk8/25/2025

    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 including new director and head teacher.

    Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility, and job descriptions including new director and head teacher. 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 10/27/2025
18. High risk8/25/2025

    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. Staff stated 8 children when 10 were present.

    Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. Staff stated 8 children when 10 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.

    Corrected 9/9/2025
19. High risk8/25/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 7 staff and not left alone with children until cleared. 9/9/2025: 1 new staff, 7 outstanding. 10/27/2025: 1 outstanding.

    Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 7 staff and not left alone with children until cleared. 9/9/2025: 1 new staff, 7 outstanding. 10/27/2025: 1 outstanding. Regulation: Within two weeks after a new staff member begins working at the center, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall submit to the Department a completed CARI consent form for the new staff member. Until the results of the CARI background check for a new staff member have been received from the Department, the center shall ensure oversight of the new staff member by another staff member, and ensure that person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children.

    Corrected 12/4/2025
20. Medium-High risk8/25/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(i) — Develop and post a feeding plan for each child under 18 months of age and ensure that each child under 12 months of age has a written feeding plan maintained on file.

    Develop and post a feeding plan for each child under 18 months of age and ensure that each child under 12 months of age has a written feeding plan maintained on file. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: the center shall develop mutually with each child's parent(s) and follow a feeding plan regarding the feeding schedule, specific formula, breastfeeding arrangements and accommodations, and/or expressed breast milk, nutritional needs, and introduction of new food for each child. For children less than 12 months of age, the feeding plan shall be: documented in writing; maintained on file.

    Corrected 9/9/2025
21. Medium risk8/25/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Repair and/or paint surfaces including the chipped paint on the floor of the playground.

    Repair and/or paint surfaces including the chipped paint on the floor of the playground. 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 9/9/2025
22. High risk2/24/2025

    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. Complete and submit a DCF Drinking Water Testing Checklist and Statement of Assurance and a copy of t

    Comply with the requirements of the manual if the center's water testing results reveal elevated levels of lead or copper. 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: 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.

    Corrected 2/27/2025
23. Medium risk2/24/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(c)(1) — Hire a head teacher for the center - ensure that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

    Hire a head teacher for the center - ensure that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: or all centers, the head teacher or consulting head teacher shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the seven options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(c) for education and experience.

    Corrected 2/27/2025
24. Medium-High risk2/24/2025

    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 7/3/2025
25. Medium risk2/24/2025

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

    Hire and ensure 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 2/27/2025