Gateway Head Start Early Education Center

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(b)(1) — Ensure that approved sleeping equipment is provided for each child as required. At the time of the inspection, a child was asleep in the stroller and was not transferred to a crib as required.

Ensure that approved sleeping equipment is provided for each child as required. At the time of the inspection, a child was asleep in the stroller and was not transferred to a crib as required. Regulation: 1. For children 12 months of age and younger, the center shall provide for each child a crib, that complies with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) Federal Safety Standards for Full-Size and Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs; 16 CFR 1219 and 1220, which is incorporated herein by reference, and can be obtained through the CPSC's website at View official inspection document Education-Centers/cribs , playpen, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment that meets the following requirements: i. Each cot used for children between 13 and 18 months of age shall not exceed 14 inches above the floor level. 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-

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.9(a)(1) — Maintain an illness log on file at the center that includes: the child's dates of exclusion and return.

Maintain an illness log on file at the center that includes: the child's dates of exclusion and return. Regulation: The center shall maintain on file a log of the initial illnesses, symptoms of illness, or diseases that are exhibited by each child while in the center’s care, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1(c) and (d). This illness log shall include: the child's name; the date and time the illness, symptoms of illness or diseases were observed at the center; a description of the symptoms of illness manifested by the child; the action taken by the center to assist: the child who is demonstrating symptoms of illness; and the director in determining if exclusion of the child from the center is necessary; any significant change in the child's symptoms of illness; the date, if applicable, that: the child was removed from the center; the child returned to the center with a note from a health care provider attesting to the child's admissibility to the center and recovery from a reportable disease, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:57; the child returned to the center with a parent’s note attesting that six days have elapsed since the onset of chicken pox, or that all chicken pox sores have dried and crusted; or the child returned to the center symptom-free.

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).

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.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(a) — Ensure that parents are notified immediately when: a child is bitten and the skin is broken; a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head; a child falls from a height greater than the heigh

Ensure that parents are notified immediately when: a child is bitten and the skin is broken; a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head; a child falls from a height greater than the height of the child; or an injury requiring professional medical care occurs. Regulation: (a) The center shall take immediate necessary action to protect the child from further harm and shall immediately notify the child's parent(s) when one of the following occurs while the child is in the center’s care: 1. A child is bitten and the skin is broken; 2. A child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head; 3. A child falls from a height greater than the height of the child; or 4. An injury requiring professional medical care occurs.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b) — Maintain at the center and distribute to all families,, a current copy of the Information to Parents document designated by the OOL; maintain on file a record of parental receipt of the policy.

Maintain at the center and distribute to all families,, a current copy of the Information to Parents document designated by the OOL; maintain on file a record of parental receipt of the policy. Regulation: The center shall distribute a copy of the Information to Parents document to each child’s parent(s) upon enrollment and to every person upon becoming a staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s and staff member’s signature attesting to receipt of the document.

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. 2/27/26 Pertains to 3 named staff.

Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. 2/27/26 Pertains to 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:52-4.8(a) — Based on report, retrain the named staff on the center's discipline policy.

Based on report, retrain the named staff on the center's discipline policy. 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) — Based on report, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline.

Based on report, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline. 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:52-4.10(a) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff.

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

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(i) — Cease the use of pacifier straps or other types of attachment devices.

Cease the use of pacifier straps or other types of attachment devices. Regulation: Children shall not use pacifiers with straps or other types of attachment devices.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Repair toilet in room 204.

Repair toilet in room 204. 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:52-4.8(a) — Based on report, retrain the named staff on the center's discipline policy. 9/18/2025: This violation is no longer applicable as the named staff is no longer employed by the center.

Based on report, retrain the named staff on the center's discipline policy. 9/18/2025: This violation is no longer applicable as the named staff is no longer employed by the center. 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:52-5.3(d)(3) — Remove electric space heaters.

Remove electric space heaters. Regulation: Heating requirements are as follows: the center shall not use portable liquid fuel-burning or wood-burning heating appliances or electric space heaters.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Repair the leak from the ceiling on the second floor.

Repair the leak from the ceiling on the second floor. 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) — Repair the sink in room 101.

Repair the sink in room 101. 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 two head teachers meet the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Provide college transcripts for both. 9/18/2025: This center submitted a decrease and no longer requires two head teachers

Provide documentation that two head teachers meet the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Provide college transcripts for both. 9/18/2025: This center submitted a decrease and no longer requires two head teachers. 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:52-6.6(a) — Based on report, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline.

Based on report, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline. 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:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed with a clearance date on or after 1/1/2021, as required for one named staff.

Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed with a clearance date on or after 1/1/2021, as required for one 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:52-5.2(b) — Ensure the center's fire panel is in good repair and does not reflect a trouble signal.

Ensure the center's fire panel is in good repair and does not reflect a trouble signal. Regulation: An applicant seeking a license or a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval to operate a center shall comply with all applicable provisions of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:70 and hereinafter referred to as the NJUFC. The center shall obtain the building's fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, reflecting the center's compliance with all applicable provisions of the NJUFC. The center shall maintain on file the building's fire safety inspection certificate.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(ii) — Ensure that children wash their hands immediately after using the toilet or having their diaper changed.

Ensure that children wash their hands immediately after using the toilet or having their diaper changed. 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 immediately after using the toilet or having diapers changed.

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

Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled 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 conset to a CARI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediation terminate the staff member's employment at the center.

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a)(3) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff.

Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled 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:52-4.6(a) — Update and maintain on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.

Update and maintain on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. Regulation: The center shall maintain on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by the Office of Licensing, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(b), indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the applicable staff education and experience, as specified in 3A:52-4.6(b) through (d).

N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a)(1) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually and that staff signatures attesting to the training are maintained n file.

Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually and that staff signatures attesting to the training are maintained n file. Regulation: Topics of orientation training shall include supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a).