The Learning Ladder of Barnegat

2025

1. Medium-Low risk12/15/2025

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

   Provide documentation 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 5/15/2026
2. Medium risk12/15/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(b)(7) — Ensure that the use of television, computers, and other video equipment is for educational and instructional use and is not used for passive viewing.

   Ensure that the use of television, computers, and other video equipment is for educational and instructional use and is not used for passive viewing. Regulation: The use of a television, computers, and other video equipment shall be limited to educational and instructional use, shall be age and developmentally appropriate, and shall not be used as a substitute for planned activities or for passive viewing.

   Corrected 3/2/2026
3. Medium risk12/15/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(b)(7)(i) — Cease the use of television, computers, and other video equipment for children under the age of two.

   Cease the use of television, computers, and other video equipment for children under the age of two. Regulation: i. Centers shall prohibit the use of television, computers, and other video equipment for children under the age of two.

   Corrected 3/2/2026
4. Medium-High risk12/15/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) — Ensure that diapering surface are used for diapering only. At the time of the inspection, there was a child's lunch box and papers stored on the diapering surface.

   Ensure that diapering surface are used for diapering only. At the time of the inspection, there was a child's lunch box and papers stored on the diapering surface. Regulation: In addition to the items specified in (a)3 above, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use: iii. Diapering surfaces;

   Corrected 3/2/2026
5. Medium-High risk12/15/2025

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

   Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required after each diaper change. 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 4/9/2026
6. Medium-High risk12/15/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(4) — Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water as required after each diaper change.

   Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water as required after each diaper change. 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.

   Corrected 4/9/2026
7. Medium-Low risk12/15/2025

   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.

   Corrected 5/15/2026
8. High risk9/19/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Based on complaint, retrain all staff on appropriate staff action including maintaining a professional manner in front of children, not sharing food or drinks with children, and not encouraging inappropriate behavior.

   Based on complaint, retrain all staff on appropriate staff action including maintaining a professional manner in front of children, not sharing food or drinks with children, and not encouraging inappropriate behavior. 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 4/9/2026
9. High risk8/26/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(c) — Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. Upon arrival to the center, the inspector observed 2 staff from room 1 speaking to the director designee leaving 1 staff alone watching 2 rooms with 3 infants 10

   Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. Upon arrival to the center, the inspector observed 2 staff from room 1 speaking to the director designee leaving 1 staff alone watching 2 rooms with 3 infants 10 school aged children. 9/9/25 At the time of the inspection, room 3 had 7 children between the ages of 18 and 30 months when 2 staff were required. 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.

   Corrected 9/19/2025
10. High risk8/26/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) — Ensure staff have a cleared CARI and CHRI background check and orientation training before being left alone to supervise children. At the time of the inspection, an outside therapist was alone with supervising a child. 9/9/25 t

    Ensure staff have a cleared CARI and CHRI background check and orientation training before being left alone to supervise children. At the time of the inspection, an outside therapist was alone with supervising a child. 9/9/25 t the time of the inspection, a new staff in room 1 was alone supervising children when the staff's CARI and CHRI background clearances were not completed. 9/19/25 At the time of the inspection, 1 named staff was alone in the infant rooms supervising children without a cleared CHRI. 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 11/10/2025
11. Medium-High risk8/12/2025

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

    Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required before each meal. 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 12/15/2025
12. Medium-High risk8/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(r) — Ensure that the center develops a policy between the center and the parents that will allow outside therapists to provide services to children while at the center.

    Ensure that the center develops a policy between the center and the parents that will allow outside therapists to provide services to children while at the center. 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.

    Corrected 11/10/2025
13. Medium-Low risk8/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5(b) — Maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the center's policies as required by the OOL.

    Maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the center's policies as required by the OOL. Regulation: The center shall distribute a copy of the release policy to the parent of each enrolled child and each staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s and staff member’s signature attesting to receipt of the policy.

    Corrected 1/20/2026
14. Medium-High risk8/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a) — Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including special health care plans for 2 named children. 11/10/25 Children are no longer enrolled in the program.

    Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including special health care plans for 2 named children. 11/10/25 Children are no longer enrolled in the program. 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, sign

    Corrected 11/10/2025
15. Medium-High risk8/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a) — Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including universal health forms upon enrollment and updated annually thereafter.

    Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including universal health forms upon enrollment and updated annually thereafter. 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

    Corrected 1/20/2026
16. High risk8/12/2025

    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 11/10/2025
17. Medium-Low risk8/12/2025

    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 11/10/2025
18. High risk8/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Provide orientation training for 9 named staff.

    Provide orientation training for 9 named staff. 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 1/20/2026
19. High risk8/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(d) — Provide documentation that the program supervisor meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

    Provide documentation that the program supervisor meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Regulation: For school-age child care programs the program supervisor shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the applicable options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(d) for education, training, and experience, based on the center's licensed capacity.

    Corrected 4/9/2026
20. Medium-Low risk8/12/2025

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

    Provide documentation 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 9/9/2025
21. Medium-High risk8/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(a)(1) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL.

    Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL. Regulation: The center shall complete and maintain on file for each enrolled child a Children’s Records Checklist, signed by the director, sponsor, or sponsor representative and designated by the Office of Licensing, indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the child's name, address, birth date, and date of enrollment; the name(s), home and work address(es), home and work telephone number(s) and signature(s) of the parent(s); the name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of any person(s) authorized by the parent(s) to visit the child at the center and/or take the child from the center, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5(a)1; and the name, address, and telephone number of the child's health care provider; signed authorization from the parent(s) for emergency medical treatment; the parent’s signature attesting to the receipt of the Information to Parents document, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b); the parent’s signature attesting to the receipt of the Information to Parents document, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b).; health information for each child, as follows: for early childhood programs, a record of the child’s health examination and immunizations, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a); and for school-age child care programs, a record of the parent’s statement concerning the child’s health, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(b).

    Corrected 3/2/2026
22. Medium-High risk8/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(a)(1) — Ensure center policies are distributed to families and that parental signatures attesting to the receipt of the policies are maintained on file.

    Ensure center policies are distributed to families and that parental signatures attesting to the receipt of the policies are maintained on file. Regulation: The center shall complete and maintain on file for each enrolled child a Children’s Records Checklist, signed by the director, sponsor, or sponsor representative and designated by the Office of Licensing, indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the child's name, address, birth date, and date of enrollment; the name(s), home and work address(es), home and work telephone number(s) and signature(s) of the parent(s); the name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of any person(s) authorized by the parent(s) to visit the child at the center and/or take the child from the center, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5(a)1; and the name, address, and telephone number of the child's health care provider; signed authorization from the parent(s) for emergency medical treatment; the parent’s signature attesting to the receipt of the Information to Parents document, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b); the parent’s signature attesting to the receipt of the Information to Parents document, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b).; health information for each child, as follows: for early childhood programs, a record of the child’s health examination and immunizations, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a); and for school-age child care programs, a record of the parent’s statement concerning the child’s health, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(b).

    Corrected 11/10/2025
23. Medium-Low risk8/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(b)(7) — Ensure that the center follows it's screen time policy and does not use videos for passive viewing.

    Ensure that the center follows it's screen time policy and does not use videos for passive viewing. Regulation: The use of a television, computers, and other video equipment shall be limited to educational and instructional use, shall be age and developmentally appropriate, and shall not be used as a substitute for planned activities or for passive viewing.

    Corrected 9/9/2025
24. Medium-Low risk8/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(e)(8) — Ensure that all staff working with children under 2.5 years of age have training specific to this age group.

    Ensure that all staff working with children under 2.5 years of age have training specific to this age group. Regulation: For early childhood programs, all staff that work with children under 2 1/2 years of age shall have training specific to this age group, which may include, but is not limited to, the New Jersey Infant/Toddler Credential administered through Professional Impact NJ, the Infant-Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, or other trainings specifically related to the care of infants and toddlers. Each employee shall initiate this training within 90 days and complete it within one year.

    Corrected 11/10/2025
25. High risk8/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)(2) — Complete and maintain daily time sheets with arrival and departure times for children.

    Complete and maintain daily time sheets with arrival and departure times for 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.

    Corrected 1/20/2026