Groovy Connections

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

Ensure that a CARI background check is completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all 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:52-6.1(e) — Ensure that pacifiers are removed when children are crawling or walking in Room 4.

Ensure that pacifiers are removed when children are crawling or walking in Room 4. Regulation: The center shall ensure that pacifiers are removed when the children are crawling or walking. 6.3 (a)12. The center shall ensure that these safety and sanitation practices are followed: i. Older infants shall not carry bottles, sippy cups, or regular cups with them while crawling or walking;

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:52-7.8(a)(1) — Ensure that children immediately wash their hands with soap and running water after outdoor play.

Ensure that children immediately wash their hands with soap and running water after outdoor 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) — Repair and replace the resilient surfacing in the outdoor play area.

Repair and replace the resilient surfacing in the outdoor play area. 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)(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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(b)(6) — Ensure accident reports are completed as required including parent time of notification.

Ensure accident reports are completed as required including parent time of notification. Regulation: (b) The center shall maintain on file a written record of each incident resulting in an injury as specified in (a) above. These records shall include the following: 1. The name of the injured child; 2. The date, time and location of the incident; 3. The name and address of the center; 4. The name of the person completing the report; 5. The date the report was completed; and 6. A written description of the following: i. The incident; ii. The injury to the child; iii. The names of witnesses to the incident; and iv. The follow-up action taken by the center, including: (1) Application of first aid; and (2) Consultation or treatment by a licensed physician or other health care provider, if applicable. (d) Upon request of the child's parent, the center shall provide a written description of the incident by the end of the next operating day.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.2(a)(1) — Ensure that Room 5 has an adequate supply of materials to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program and ensure all materials used by the children are age-appropriate, non-toxic, and safe for use by children.

Ensure that Room 5 has an adequate supply of materials to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program and ensure all materials used by the children are age-appropriate, non-toxic, and safe for use by children. Regulation: The center shall provide a supply of age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program equipment including play equipment, child-size furniture and supplies that are sufficient to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.2(a)(1) — Ensure that the Room 2 has an adequate supply of materials to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program and ensure all materials used by the children are age-appropriate, non-toxic, and safe for use by childr

Ensure that the Room 2 has an adequate supply of materials to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program and ensure all materials used by the children are age-appropriate, non-toxic, and safe for use by children. Regulation: The center shall provide a supply of age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program equipment including play equipment, child-size furniture and supplies that are sufficient to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1) — Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water prior to all meals.

Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water prior to all meals. 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(n)(1) — Ensure fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center, one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time, if applicable, and all children are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each

Ensure fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center, one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time, if applicable, and all children are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill. Regulation: Fire prevention requirements are as follows: the center shall conduct fire drills at least once a month, as specified in the NJUFC. The center shall ensure that fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center and that one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time, if applicable. The center shall ensure that all children present are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed at all times. Staff took immediate action to remove the snow from blocking the emergency exit door.

Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed at all times. Staff took immediate action to remove the snow from blocking the emergency exit door. 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a)(5) — Ensure staff without a cleared CHRI are not left alone to supervise children at any time.

Ensure staff without a cleared CHRI are not left alone to supervise children at any time. Regulation: When a person who is not required to complete a CHRI background check is working with children at the center, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that the person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) — Ensure that a CARI background check is completed as required for (1) named staff.

Ensure that a CARI background check is completed as required for (1) named staff. 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(4) — Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water prior to all meals.

Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water prior to all meals. 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.

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: 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:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that a CHRI background check is completed as required for all regularly scheduled staff. 3.19.2026-(3) named staff remaining

Ensure that a CHRI background check is completed as required for all regularly scheduled staff. 3.19.2026-(3) named staff remaining 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:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually.

Ensure that all staff complete orientation 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.

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:52-4.3(j) — Ensure that all staff under 18 years of age are directly supervised by a cleared staff member who is 18 years of age or older.

Ensure that all staff under 18 years of age are directly supervised by a cleared staff member who is 18 years of age or older. Regulation: Staff members who are under 18 years of age shall be directly supervised by and visible to a staff member who is 18 years of age or older.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.2(c) — Provide a current health certificate as required.

Provide a current health certificate as required. Regulation: If the center prepares meals, the center shall obtain 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. The center shall maintain on file the Sanitary Inspection Certificate. 6.3(a)2 If the center chooses to provide food, the center shall ensure that all food served to children is prepared by either: i. The center on-site or off-site; or ii. A caterer who is licensed, registered, certified, or otherwise approved, as appropriate, by the local or county health department or State Department of Health, as applicable.

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

Ensure that a CHRI background check is completed as required for (3) named 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:52-6.3(b)(3)(i) — Develop and follow 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 follow 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a)(5) — Ensure staff without a cleared CHRI are not left alone to supervise children at any time.

Ensure staff without a cleared CHRI are not left alone to supervise children at any time. Regulation: When a person who is not required to complete a CHRI background check is working with children at the center, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that the person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1) — Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water immediately after diaper changing.

Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water immediately after diaper changing. 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.