Think and Wonder Child Care and Preschool

2025

1. High risk9/29/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed.

   Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed. 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 10/31/2025
2. High risk8/8/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a) — Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times.

   Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times. Regulation: The children shall be supervised directly by a staff member at all times, including during outdoor activities, rest and sleep, and walking through hallways. Toileting procedures shall be supervised by a staff member as appropriate for the ages and developmental needs of the children. 1. At least one staff member shall be physically present in the room or area in which children are napping and shall be able to summon other staff members without leaving the room or area. 3. Naptime preparations shall have been completed and all children 18 months or above are resting or sleeping, while all children under 18 months of age are sleeping.

   Corrected 8/29/2025
3. Medium-Low risk8/8/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(e) — Ensure that the center director completes the OOL's Understanding Licensing training within 90 days of hire.

   Ensure that the center director completes the OOL's Understanding Licensing training within 90 days of hire. Regulation: Directors shall complete staff development in understanding licensing regulations as provided by the Office of Licensing within 90 days of hire. Such staff development may be included in the required 20 hours of staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(d).

   Corrected 11/10/2025
4. High risk8/8/2025

   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 9/29/2025
5. Medium-Low risk8/8/2025

   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 9/29/2025
6. High risk8/8/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training annually.

   Ensure that all staff complete orientation training 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.

   Corrected 10/31/2025
7. High risk8/8/2025

   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 9/29/2025
8. Medium-Low risk8/8/2025

   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 8/29/2025
9. High risk8/8/2025

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

   Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 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.

   Corrected 8/29/2025
10. High risk8/8/2025

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

    Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 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.

    Corrected 9/29/2025
11. High risk8/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(a) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative for the center's license renewal.

    Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative 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.

    Corrected 8/29/2025
12. Medium-Low risk8/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.

    Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. Regulation: the Staff Records Checklist for the current director and all staff members currently working at the center shall be maintained on file at the center.

    Corrected 9/29/2025
13. Medium-High risk8/8/2025

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

    Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water as required including after outdoor time. 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 8/29/2025
14. Medium-High risk8/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Ensure that all indoor equipment is sturdy, safe, free of hazards and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for all climbing equipment. Ensure that play equipment intended for outdoor used is not used indoors.

    Ensure that all indoor equipment is sturdy, safe, free of hazards and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for all climbing equipment. Ensure that play equipment intended for outdoor used is not used indoors. Regulation: Play equipment, materials, and furniture for indoor and outdoor use shall be of sturdy and safe construction, non-toxic, free of hazards, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The center may not use play equipment intended for outdoor use indoors.

    Corrected 9/29/2025
15. Medium-High risk8/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Repair and/or remove exposed metal pipes from the outdoor play area.

    Repair and/or remove exposed metal pipes from the outdoor play area. Regulation: Play equipment, materials, and furniture for indoor and outdoor use shall be of sturdy and safe construction, non-toxic, free of hazards, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The center may not use play equipment intended for outdoor use indoors.

    Corrected 8/29/2025
16. Medium-High risk8/8/2025

    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.

    Corrected 9/29/2025
17. High risk8/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable.

    Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable. 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 8/29/2025
18. Medium-High risk8/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l)(4) — Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually.

    Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually. Regulation: Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall conduct two lockdown drills per year and maintain on file a record of each lockdown drill. The center shall ensure that lockdown drills are conducted during each session provided at the center.

    Corrected 10/31/2025
19. Medium-High risk8/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition.

    Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition. 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 9/29/2025
20. Medium-Low risk8/8/2025

    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 8/29/2025
21. High risk8/8/2025

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

    Complete and maintain daily time sheets with arrival and departure times for staff. 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 8/29/2025
22. High risk8/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(a)(3) — Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility, and job descriptions.

    Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility, and job descriptions. Regulation: The sponsor or sponsor representative shall designate individuals with the authority and responsibility to develop and implement written policies and procedures for the operation of the center, including a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility and communication; and job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff.

    Corrected 10/31/2025
23. High risk8/8/2025

    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.

    Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. 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.

    Corrected 8/29/2025
24. High risk8/8/2025

    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.

    Ensure staff without a cleared CARI are not left alone to supervise children at any time. 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.

    Corrected 8/29/2025
25. High risk8/8/2025

    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.

    Corrected 10/31/2025