Milestone Montessori

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(r) — Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the children served. Ensure appropriate staff action is maintained at all times. Based on information, provide a Corrective Action Plan to DCF as required.

Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the children served. Ensure appropriate staff action is maintained at all times. Based on information, provide a Corrective Action Plan to DCF as required. Regulation: The center shall take any steps required by the Office of Licensing to correct conditions in the building or center that may endanger the health, safety, and well-being of the children served.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(c) — Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times including At the time of the inspection, there were 2 staff members in the rear of Room 1 with 24 children (.4 months through 5 years of age). There was 1 staff me

Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times including At the time of the inspection, there were 2 staff members in the rear of Room 1 with 24 children (.4 months through 5 years of age). There was 1 staff member at the main entrance door opening the door for students who would then bring the children to the classroom. Based on the number of children and their ages, 4 staff members were required to be present in the room. Staff were unable to provide an accurate account of the children's ages after repeated attempts. Staff were asked to implement a method of tracking children's ages for the class groups to ensure compliance with ratios. The center shall retrain all staff and provide proof of training. The center shall submit a Memorandum of Understanding. Regulation: (c) The following staff/child ratios shall apply, except as specified in (d) through (f) below: Under 18 months 1:4 18 months up to 2 ½ years 1:6 2 ½ years up to 4 years 1:10 4 years 1:12 5 years and older 1:15 (d) The following staff/child ratios shall apply during rest or sleep, when the criteria listed in (d) 1, 2, and 3 below are met: Under 18 months 18 months to under 2 ½ years 2 ½ years and above 1:10 1:12 1:20 2. A sufficient number of staff members shall be in the facility and readily accessible to ensure compliance with the awake staff/child ratios specified in (c) above.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, including Based on information, retrain all staff from an outside source on positive guidance and discipline.

Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, including Based on information, retrain all staff from an outside source on positive guidance and discipline. 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:52-6.6(a) — Ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline and do not withhold food, emotional responses, stimulation, or opportunities for rest or sleep as a form of discipline. Based on information, ensure that staff u

Ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline and do not withhold food, emotional responses, stimulation, or opportunities for rest or sleep as a form of discipline. Based on information, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline. Three named staff yell at the children, place children roughly on the floor and cots, pushing the children's heads down towards the mattress and cots, putting the children in prolonged timeouts and pulling a child's ear to get his attention. Additionally, staff used a pointer stick to hit children on their shoes or to get their attention. Regulation: (a) The methods of guidance and discipline used shall: 1. Be positive; 2. Be consistent with the age and developmental needs of the children; and 3. Lead to the child's ability to develop and maintain self-control. (b) Staff members shall not discipline children for failing to eat or sleep or for soiling themselves. (c) Staff shall not withhold active play time as a means of discipline unless the child's actions or behavior present a danger to themselves or others. (d) Children may be removed from a group activity to another area, provided that the child so removed is either under the supervision of another staff member or continuously visible to a staff member.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6(e) — Prepare a discipline policy that includes acceptable actions staff members may take when disciplining a child including, but not limited to, requiring children to remain silent or inactive for inappropriately long periods of time.

Prepare a discipline policy that includes acceptable actions staff members may take when disciplining a child including, but not limited to, requiring children to remain silent or inactive for inappropriately long periods of time. At the time of the inspection, there were 2 young males found kneeling in the left side of Room 1 (rear). The sponsor and Head Teacher both reported that both boys were on "time out" because they were not listening. The children were found kneeling at the time of the inspection and remained there for an extended period of time until asked by the teacher to get up. The center shall retrain all staff on the center's discipline policy from an outside entity. Regulation: The center shall maintain on file a written policy on the disciplining of children by staff members. The policy shall: 1. Reflect the provisions specified in (a) through (c) above and include the acceptable actions that a staff member may take when disciplining a child (that is, discussion with the child, time-out, etc.); 2. Be distributed to every staff member; and

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. At the time of the inspection, there were 2 staff in the rear section of Room 1. When asked how many children

Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. At the time of the inspection, there were 2 staff in the rear section of Room 1. When asked how many children were in their care, the sponsor reported that there were 14 children after counting the children. The other staff member remained silent. Staff were informed that the number provided was incorrect and there were 17 children in their care. Staff confirmed that the number previously provided was incorrect. Staff will provide the Office of Licensing with a Memorandum of Understanding, with the center's plan ensuring accurate tracking and retraining of all staff. Proof of training will be submitted, materials used and all staff signatures. 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:52-4.5(b)(2) — Complete and maintain daily time sheets with arrival and departure times for children and staff. At the time of the inspection, the center Director reported that staff sign the children in at 9am. At the time of the inspection,

Complete and maintain daily time sheets with arrival and departure times for children and staff. At the time of the inspection, the center Director reported that staff sign the children in at 9am. At the time of the inspection, some children were signed in while others were not. At the time of the inspection, 24 children were present in the room by 8:40am. When the attendance/sign in sheet was checked at 9:40am there were only 22 children signed in. There had been additional children who arrived at the center after 8:40am. The center shall implement a new form of attendance for all staff and children. Regulation: The director shall have the authority and responsibility for the implementation of policies and procedures for the day-to-day operation of the center, including maintenance of staff attendance records indicating daily hours worked and maintenance of children's daily attendance records, including the daily time of arrival and departure.

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:52-4.11(a)(5) — Ensure staff without a cleared CHRI are not left alone to supervise children at any time. 1 staff CHRI pending. 1/12/26-A new staff member CHRI pending.

Ensure staff without a cleared CHRI are not left alone to supervise children at any time. 1 staff CHRI pending. 1/12/26-A new staff member CHRI pending. 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 CARI background checks are completed as required for

Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 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:52-4.10(a)(4) — Ensure staff without a cleared CARI are not left alone to supervise children at any time. 7 staff Renewal CARI's pending.

Ensure staff without a cleared CARI are not left alone to supervise children at any time. 7 staff Renewal CARI's pending. Regulation: When a person who is not required to complete a CARI background check is working with children at the center, the center shall ensure oversight of that person 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:52-5.3(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. Submit a copy o

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. Submit a copy of the public school's drinking water test results. 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:52-6.2(a)(1) — Ensure that the center 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 center 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. At the time of the inspection, 2 toddler children were observed sitting on a half moon seating table. The children appeared to be visibly too big for the seats as their legs were dangling close to the floor. A conversation was had with staff regarding this same issue months prior. Age appropriate seating and methods of passive restraint were discussed. The center Director was advised of appropriate seating. The owner will provide a Memorandum of Understanding regarding both issues. 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:52-5.4(a)(4) — Ensure that hot tap water does not exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjust hot water temperature in boy's hallway bathroom.

Ensure that hot tap water does not exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjust hot water temperature in boy's hallway bathroom. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, a supply of hot tap water not exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit and cold running water shall be provided.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(3) — Ensure that all stairways are free of tripping hazards. Repair carpet seam in rear of room (Infant/Toddler) section.

Ensure that all stairways are free of tripping hazards. Repair carpet seam in rear of room (Infant/Toddler) section. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: stairways shall be free of tripping hazards, such as toys, boxes, loose steps, uneven treads, torn carpeting, raised strips, or uneven risers.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including Clean floors near toilets in boy's bathroom.

Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including Clean floors near toilets in boy's bathroom. 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) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including Clean kitchen refrigerator.

Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including Clean kitchen refrigerator. 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) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including Clean under changing mat in Infant hallway bathroom.

Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including Clean under changing mat in Infant hallway bathroom. 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:52-4.6(c)(1) — Provide documentation that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

Provide documentation 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-2.1(b) — Complete and submit a DCF Renewal Attestation for the center's license renewal.

Complete and submit a DCF Renewal Attestation for the center's license renewal. Regulation: A person applying for an initial license or renewal license to operate a center or relocation of a center shall submit a completed application to the Office of Licensing at least 45 days prior to the anticipated opening of the center or to the expiration of its existing regular license.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(i)(8) — Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH. DOH certificate expired 11/12/25.

Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH. DOH certificate expired 11/12/25. 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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(vi) — Provide age-appropriate seating for children who no longer need to be held for feeding. The center shall retrain staff on child seating. The center shall refrain from sitting children in bucket seats to prevent them from wal

Provide age-appropriate seating for children who no longer need to be held for feeding. The center shall retrain staff on child seating. The center shall refrain from sitting children in bucket seats to prevent them from walking around the classroom. Children shall only be seated in bucket seats or high chairs if eating. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: a child who, because of age or developmental readiness, no longer needs to be held for feeding shall be provided with an infant seat, high chair with safety strap, or other age-appropriate seating apparatus, which meets the standards of a recognized safety organization (such as the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, the American Society for Testing and Materials, or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission).

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(a)(3)(v) — Ensure that the center establishes a staff substitute system. The center shall submit a Memorandum of Understanding that they will have a substitute system in place to assist with ratios at AM drop off.

Ensure that the center establishes a staff substitute system. The center shall submit a Memorandum of Understanding that they will have a substitute system in place to assist with ratios at AM drop off. Regulation: The sponsor or sponsor representative shall designate individuals with the authority and responsibility to ensure the establishment of a staff member substitute system.