The Learning Tree

2025

1. Medium-Low risk4/22/2025

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

   Maintain at the center and distribute to all families and staff, a copy of the Information to Parents document designated by the OOL; maintain on file a record of parental and staff receipt of the policy. The center shall ensure that all staff/child policy receipts are checked off for each policy and signed. 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.

   Corrected 8/8/2025
2. Medium-High risk4/22/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a) — Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including At the time of the inspection, there were 2 children who did not have Universal Health records on file. The center will have 30 days to review all children's files

   Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including At the time of the inspection, there were 2 children who did not have Universal Health records on file. The center will have 30 days to review all children's files to ensure that each child has the required document which must be current. 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 physi

   Corrected 8/8/2025
3. Medium-Low risk4/22/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(k) — Maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the center's social media policy. The center shall ensure that all staff/child policy receipts are checked off for each policy and signed.

   Maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the center's social media policy. The center shall ensure that all staff/child policy receipts are checked off for each policy and signed. Regulation: The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the use of social media including, but not limited to the use of social networking sites and other websites; the use of e-mail, text messages, and other electronic means of communication with staff and parents; the types of social media that the center uses, the methods and devices the staff use to communicate with the parent, the guidelines for appropriate conduct by staff members, and the guidelines for parents, including but not limited to, prohibiting the posting of photographs or videos of any child other than their own. The center shall distribute a copy of the social media policy to the parent of each enrolled child and to each staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s signature and each staff member’s signature attesting to the receipt of the policy.

   Corrected 8/8/2025
4. High risk4/22/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5(a) — Maintain at the center and distribute to all families, a written policy on the release of children that includes all required components. The center shall ensure that all staff/child policy receipts are checked off for each policy

   Maintain at the center and distribute to all families, a written policy on the release of children that includes all required components. The center shall ensure that all staff/child policy receipts are checked off for each policy and signed. Regulation: (a) The center shall maintain on file and follow a written policy on the release of children, which shall include: 1. The provision that each child may be released only to the child's parent(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s), as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(a)3, to take the child from the center and to assume responsibility for the child in an emergency if the parent(s) cannot be reached; 61 2. The provision that, if a particular non-custodial parent has been denied access, or granted limited access, to the child by a court order, the center shall secure documentation to this effect, maintain a copy on file, and comply with the terms of the court order; 3. Written procedures to be followed by staff member(s) if the parent(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s), as specified in (a)1 above, fails to pick up a child at the time of the center's daily closing. The procedures shall require that: i. The child is supervised at all times; ii. Staff members attempt to contact the parent(s) or person(s) authorized by the parents; and iii. An hour or more after closing time, and provided that other arrangements for releasing the child to his or her parent(s) or authorized person(s) have failed and the staff member(s) cannot continue to supervise the child at the center, the staff member shall call the Department's State Central Registry Hotline (1-877 NJ ABUSE/1-877-652-2873) to seek assistance in caring for the child until the parent(s) or person(s) authorized by the child's parent(s) is able to pick up the child; and 4. Written procedures to be followed by a staff member(s) if the parent(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s), as specified in (a)1 above, appear to be physically or emotionally impaired t

   Corrected 8/8/2025
5. High risk4/22/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l) — Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes all required components. The center shall ensure their compliance with state regulations. The center's last 2 lockdown procedures: 10/17/23 & 9/15/24.

   Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes all required components. The center shall ensure their compliance with state regulations. The center's last 2 lockdown procedures: 10/17/23 & 9/15/24. The center is required to conduct 2 lockdown drills in the school year. Regulation: (l) Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: 1. The center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating: i. The location of the first aid kit and any additional first aid supplies; ii. The name, address and telephone number of the physician retained by the center or of the health facility to be used in emergencies; iii. An alternate indoor location that operates during the same operating hours as the center. The center shall: (1) Select an alternate indoor location within safe walking distance; or (2) Develop a written procedure for obtaining emergency transportation to the alternate location; iv. The hospital or clinic to which injured or ill children will be taken; v. The telephone numbers for obtaining police, fire, ambulance and poison control services, including the National Poison Emergency Hotline at (800) 222-1222; vi. The location of written authorization from parent(s) for emergency medical care for each child; vii. A diagram showing how the center is to be evacuated in case of emergency from each classroom and the outdoor play area; viii. The location of fire alarms and fire extinguishers; and ix. Procedures for ensuring children’s safety and communicating with parents in the event of evacuation, lockdown, natural or civil disaster, and other emergencies. The procedures shall indicate: (1) The plan for informing parents of their children’s whereabouts; and (2) The local law enforcement agency or emergency management office that has been notified of the center’s identifying information, as specified in (l)3 below. 2. The emergency procedures shall be readily accessible in a designated location within the center. 3. The center

   Corrected 8/8/2025
6. High risk4/22/2025

   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 8/8/2025
7. Medium-Low risk4/22/2025

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(c) — Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually. The 2024-2025 Staff Development records must have titles and years documented on the form. Training log should be revised due to misspelling on log.

   Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually. The 2024-2025 Staff Development records must have titles and years documented on the form. Training log should be revised due to misspelling on log. 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 8/8/2025
8. High risk4/22/2025

   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. The center has 2 pending CHRI's.

   Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. The center has 2 pending CHRI's. 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 8/8/2025
9. High risk4/22/2025

   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 the center's license renewal. The center has 15 Renewal CARI's pending.

   Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal. The center has 15 Renewal CARI's pending. 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 8/8/2025
10. High risk4/22/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(b)(1) — Ensure that approved sleeping equipment is provided for each child as required. The center shall ensure that any torn foam mat is repaired or replaced throughout the center.

    Ensure that approved sleeping equipment is provided for each child as required. The center shall ensure that any torn foam mat is repaired or replaced throughout the center. 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-

    Corrected 8/8/2025
11. Medium risk4/22/2025

    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. Room 16: The center shall reorganize the items on the white shelf.

    Provide at least five different activity areas with at least five different types of supplies and equipment for children over 18 months of age. Room 16: The center shall reorganize the items on the white shelf. 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 8/8/2025
12. High risk4/22/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — Arrange cribs, cots, and sleeping equipment to provide access to an obstructed 3-foot wide aisle that leads to an exit. Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operabl

    Arrange cribs, cots, and sleeping equipment to provide access to an obstructed 3-foot wide aisle that leads to an exit. Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable Infant room- second time that this room has been cited for an object blocking the exit door. 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 8/8/2025
13. Medium risk4/22/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(f)(2) — Securely fasten bathroom equipment including Replace light fixture in girls bathroom. The 2 exposed bulbs should be shatter proof or the center shall provide a cover for the fixture.

    Securely fasten bathroom equipment including Replace light fixture in girls bathroom. The 2 exposed bulbs should be shatter proof or the center shall provide a cover for the fixture. Regulation: Toilet facility requirements are as follows: mirrors, dispensers, and other equipment shall be fastened securely.

    Corrected 8/8/2025
14. Medium-High risk4/22/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) — Ensure that playground equipment and surfacing The center shall replenish the wood chips in the playground. The center shall obtain documentation for mulch.

    Ensure that playground equipment and surfacing The center shall replenish the wood chips in the playground. The center shall obtain documentation for mulch. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall comply with the Playground Safety Subcode of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23-11.

    Corrected 8/8/2025
15. Medium risk4/22/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Repair and/or paint surfaces including: The center shall paint all classrooms and hallways with visible chipped paint. The gray corridor in main entry must be repainted as there is visible chipped paint areas.

    Repair and/or paint surfaces including: The center shall paint all classrooms and hallways with visible chipped paint. The gray corridor in main entry must be repainted as there is visible chipped paint areas. Regulation: Walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of: i. Excessive peeling or chipped paint; or ii. Heavily soiled conditions.

    Corrected 8/8/2025
16. Medium-High risk4/22/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(6) — Provide and maintain a fence for the center's outdoor play area. Repair/replace wooden fence slabs. The fence has some sections that are not sturdy.

    Provide and maintain a fence for the center's outdoor play area. Repair/replace wooden fence slabs. The fence has some sections that are not sturdy. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: centers that provide outdoor space shall maintain all fencing in proper condition.

    Corrected 8/8/2025
17. Medium-Low risk4/22/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6(f) — Maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the center's discipline policy. The center shall ensure that all staff/child policy receipts are checked off for each policy and signed.

    Maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the center's discipline policy. The center shall ensure that all staff/child policy receipts are checked off for each policy and signed. Regulation: The center shall secure and maintain on file each staff member's signature, attesting to receipt of the policy on the disciplining of children by staff members.

    Corrected 8/8/2025
18. Medium-Low risk4/22/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5(b) — Maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the center's release policy. The center shall ensure that all staff/child policy receipts are checked off for each policy and signed.

    Maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the center's release policy. The center shall ensure that all staff/child policy receipts are checked off for each policy and signed. 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 8/8/2025
19. Medium-Low risk4/22/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5(b) — Maintain on file a record of parental receipt of the center's release policy. The center shall ensure that all staff/child policy receipts are checked off for each policy and signed.

    Maintain on file a record of parental receipt of the center's release policy. The center shall ensure that all staff/child policy receipts are checked off for each policy and signed. 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 8/8/2025
20. High risk4/22/2025

    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. 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. Water test is pending. The center was advised to upload the new water report with the current water assurance and checklist (June 2024 version). 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 9/10/2025
21. Medium-Low risk4/22/2025

    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 initiated within 90 days of hire and completed within one year. The center shall revise their Staff Development records

    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. The center shall revise their Staff Development records for the 2023-2024 calendar year. The center documented that staff did 15 hours of Orientation training when the max hours allowed is 6. All staff development documents must be signed and dated by each staff member. 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 8/8/2025
22. High risk4/22/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.7(a)(1) — Ensure that all staff who have not completed the required orientation training are directly supervised by another staff member.

    Ensure that all staff who have not completed the required orientation training are directly supervised by another staff member. Regulation: The center shall meet the following requirements for orientation training: the center shall ensure that all newly-hired staff receive orientation training within two weeks of hire and that no individual is left alone to supervise a child or group of children until orientation training is completed.

    Corrected 8/8/2025
23. Medium-High risk4/22/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including The center shall clean all classroom windowsills and clean all window glass surfaces.

    Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including The center shall clean all classroom windowsills and clean all window glass surfaces. 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 8/8/2025
24. Medium-High risk4/22/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including Replace the 2 missing Johnny caps for the boys urinal.

    Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including Replace the 2 missing Johnny caps for the boys urinal. 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 8/8/2025
25. Medium-High risk4/22/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including Replace missing floor tiles near exit door which leads to playground.

    Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including Replace missing floor tiles near exit door which leads to playground. 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 9/5/2025