Creative Starts Academic Learning Center

2026

1. High risk3/10/2026

   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 4/22/2026
2. High risk3/10/2026

   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 for 2 staff.

   Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for 2 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.

   Corrected 4/22/2026
3. High risk3/10/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(a) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for 2 staff.

   Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for 2 staff. 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.

   Corrected 4/22/2026
4. Medium-High risk3/10/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1) — Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required including after wiping a child's nose.

   Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required including after wiping a child's nose. 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 4/22/2026
5. Medium risk3/10/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(2) — Ensure that all surfaces are cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfecting including the cots.

   Ensure that all surfaces are cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfecting including the cots. Regulation: All areas to be disinfected shall first be washed with soap and water.

   Corrected 4/22/2026
6. High risk3/10/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(b)(2) — Repair the torn cots throughout the center.

   Repair the torn cots throughout the center. Regulation: i. Each cot used for children between 13 and 18 months of age shall not exceed 14 inches above the floor level. ii. Each cot or mat used for rest and sleep shall be covered with a sheet, blanket or other covering. An additional covering shall be provided for use as a covering for each child. iii. Each mat used for rest and sleep shall be:(1) Placed on a surface that is warm, dry, clean and draft-free; (2) Water-repellent; (3) At least one inch thick; and (4) Stored so that there is no contact with the sleeping surface of another mat, or disinfected after each use, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)1.

   Corrected 4/22/2026
7. Medium risk3/10/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(g)(3) — Provide at least five different activity areas with at least five different types of supplies and equipment for children over 18 months of age in the rooms for children 18 months and older.

   Provide at least five different activity areas with at least five different types of supplies and equipment for children over 18 months of age in the rooms for children 18 months and older. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: centers serving children 18 months of age and older shall provide at least five types of children's daily activities including, but not limited to, language; science and mathematics; manipulative; large muscle; building; art; music; drama; or other comparable activities; and at least five types of supplies and equipment for each daily activity chosen by the center.

   Corrected 4/22/2026
8. High risk3/10/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — Repair the exit lights in Room #H.

   Repair the exit lights in Room #H. 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.

   Corrected 4/22/2026
9. Medium-High risk3/10/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) — Repair the fence surrounding the shed in the outdoor play area.

   Repair the fence surrounding the shed in the outdoor play area. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: The building, land, walkways, and outdoor play area shall be free from hazards to the health, safety or well-being of the children.

   Corrected 4/22/2026
10. Medium-High risk3/10/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition in the bathroom near Room #G-F.

    Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition in the bathroom near Room #G-F. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ventilation outlets shall be clean and free from obstructions, and filters shall be replaced when saturated.

    Corrected 4/22/2026
11. Medium-High risk3/10/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the baseboards and walls throughout the center.

    Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the baseboards and walls throughout the 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 4/22/2026
12. Medium-High risk3/10/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the caulking in the bathroom near Room #G-F

    Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the caulking in the bathroom near Room #G-F 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 4/22/2026
13. Medium-High risk3/10/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the caulking on the sinks in Room #B

    Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the caulking on the sinks in Room #B 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 4/22/2026
14. Medium-Low risk3/10/2026

    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 initiated within 90 days of hire and completed within one year.

    Ensure that all staff working with children under 2.5 years of age have training specific to this age group initiated within 90 days of hire and completed within one year. 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 4/22/2026
15. Medium risk3/10/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(1)(i) — Ensure a commercially prepared disinfectant is used when cleaning the tables.

    Ensure a commercially prepared disinfectant is used when cleaning the tables. Regulation: Disinfectants shall be used as follows: the center shall disinfect those items specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)3 with a solution that shall be a commercially prepared disinfectant that indicates it kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This solution shall be used in accordance with label instructions.

    Corrected 4/22/2026