First Steps to Success

2026

1. High risk5/19/2026

   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.

   Not corrected
2. Medium-Low risk5/19/2026

   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).

   Not corrected
3. High risk5/19/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, including

   Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, including 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.

   Not corrected
4. High risk5/19/2026

   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.

   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.

   Not corrected
5. High risk5/19/2026

   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.

   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.

   Not corrected
6. Medium-Low risk5/19/2026

   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.

   Not corrected
7. High risk5/19/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(b)(2) — Ensure mats are stored so that there is no contact with the other children's mats. The mats are all stored together in two large bags with their sheets on them with no separation from the other mats.

   Ensure mats are stored so that there is no contact with the other children's mats. The mats are all stored together in two large bags with their sheets on them with no separation from the other mats. 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.

   Not corrected
8. Medium-High risk5/19/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Ensure that all outdoor equipment is sturdy, safe, free of hazards and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Provide documentation for the slide or remove.

   Ensure that all outdoor equipment is sturdy, safe, free of hazards and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Provide documentation for the slide or remove. 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.

   Not corrected
9. Medium-High risk5/19/2026

   N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(o)(1) — Ensure that at least two staff members who have current pediatric first aid and CPR certifications are present at the center at all times and that the training includes a hands-on component in addition to any online training.

   Ensure that at least two staff members who have current pediatric first aid and CPR certifications are present at the center at all times and that the training includes a hands-on component in addition to any online training. Regulation: First aid requirements are as follows: at least two staff members who have current certified basic knowledge of first aid principles and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as defined by a recognized health organization (such as the American Red Cross), shall be in the center at all times when enrolled children are present. The first aid and CPR training shall include a hands-on training component in addition to any online training coursework.

   Not corrected
10. Medium-High risk5/19/2026

    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. Provide the log. 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.

    Not corrected
11. Medium-High risk5/19/2026

    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.

    Not corrected
12. Medium-High risk5/19/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition in the children's restroom on the 1st floor.

    Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition in the children's restroom on the 1st floor. 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.

    Not corrected
13. Medium-High risk5/19/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(10) — Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. Provide a child-proof lock for the basin in the restroom where cleaners are stored under the sink.

    Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. Provide a child-proof lock for the basin in the restroom where cleaners are stored under the sink. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all corrosive agents, insecticides, bleaches, detergents, polishes, any products under pressure in an aerosol spray can, and any toxic substance shall be stored in a locked cabinet or in an enclosure located in an area not accessible to the children.

    Not corrected
14. Medium-Low risk5/19/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(c)(2) — Ensure that the director designee has access to documentation in the director's absence.

    Ensure that the director designee has access to documentation in the director's absence. Regulation: The director or his or her designee(s) shall be on the premises at all times when the center is operating and the designee: shall not have full-time classroom responsibilities during the times when the director is not present at the center and shall complete staff development in understanding licensing rules as provided by the Office of Licensing.

    Not corrected
15. Medium risk5/19/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(1)(i) — Ensure a commercially prepared disinfectant is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The center used Dawn Power wash to clean the table but did not let it sit for the required 3 to 5 minutes.

    Ensure a commercially prepared disinfectant is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The center used Dawn Power wash to clean the table but did not let it sit for the required 3 to 5 minutes. 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.

    Not corrected
16. Medium-High risk5/19/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(i) — Develop and follow a feeding plan for each child under 18 months of age and ensure that each child under 12 months of age has a written feeding plan maintained on file.

    Develop and follow a feeding plan for each child under 18 months of age and ensure that each child under 12 months of age has a written feeding plan maintained on file. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: the center shall develop mutually with each child's parent(s) and follow a feeding plan regarding the feeding schedule, specific formula, breastfeeding arrangements and accommodations, and/or expressed breast milk, nutritional needs, and introduction of new food for each child. For children less than 12 months of age, the feeding plan shall be: documented in writing; maintained on file.

    Not corrected
17. Medium risk5/19/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) — Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date.

    Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date. Regulation: Feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: for bottles, each child's bottle(s) shall be labeled with the child's name and dated.

    Not corrected
18. Medium-Low risk5/19/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.4(a) — Provide documentation that the center has current comprehensive general liability insurance coverage.

    Provide documentation that the center has current comprehensive general liability insurance coverage. Regulation: The sponsor or sponsor representative shall secure comprehensive general liability insurance coverage for the center and shall maintain on file a copy of the insurance policy or documentation of current insurance coverage.

    Not corrected