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New JerseyBergenfield › Little Explorers Learning Center, Inc.

Little Explorers Learning Center, Inc.

Child care center · 71 West Main Street, Bergenfield, NJ 07621 · License 02CEN0002

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 30. 0 to 6 Grow NJ Kids: Level 1

Violation history (47)

SeverityDateStandard / narrativeCorrected
?Mon Jan 05 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3) — the diapering surface shall be flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent, and in good repair.
Ensure that diapering surfaces are flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent and in good repair. Replace ripped diaper changing pad in room 1.
Yes
?Mon Jan 05 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.2(d) — An applicant seeking the renewal of a license or of a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval to continue operating a center shall obtain and maintain on file a fire safety inspection certificate for the building based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months. If the center prepares meals, the applicant seeking renewal shall obtain and maintain on file a satisfactory Sanitary Inspection Certificate, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:24, indicating that the kitchen is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the State Sanitary Code, based on a sanitary inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months.
Provide a current fire certificate as required. Expired.
Yes
?Mon Jan 05 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-6.1(g)(3) — 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.
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 1.
Yes
?Mon Jan 05 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(n)(1) — 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.
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. Update form.
Yes
?Mon Jan 05 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(l)(4) — 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.
Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually.
Yes
?Mon Jan 05 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ventilation outlets shall be clean and free from obstructions, and filters shall be replaced when saturated.
Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition. Clean fans and vents throughout the center.
Yes
?Fri Jan 24 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-6.1(e) — The center shall ensure that pacifiers are removed when the children are crawling or walking.
Ensure that pacifiers are removed when children are crawling or walking. At the time of the inspection, staff members removed pacifiers from children in room 1 when asked by inspector.
Yes
?Fri Jan 24 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.8(g)(1) — The center shall maintain on file documentation of the date, time, topic, presenter, and attendance for all staff development and orientation completed by center staff members. For staff development provided by the center, the center shall maintain on file documentation or a copy of all staff development materials used.
Provide annual orientation training for 1 staff member.
Yes
?Fri Jan 24 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.11(a)(3) — 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.
Provide CHRI background clearance for 1 staff member.
Yes
?Fri Jan 24 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.10(a)(2) — 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.
Provide CARI background clearance for 1 staff member.
Yes
?Fri Jan 24 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.8(a)(4)(vi) — Handwashing requirements are as follows: staff members shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, or other body fluids or secretions.
Ensure that staff wash their hands after coming into contact with nasal secretions in room 1.
Yes
?Fri Jan 24 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(ii) — Space and room requirements are as follows: at no time shall a center allow more children in attendance than the licensed room capacity.
Operate within each room's capacity. At the time of the inspection, there were 18 children present in room 1 where the licensed capacity is 17.
Yes
?Fri Jan 24 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.2(d) — An applicant seeking the renewal of a license or of a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval to continue operating a center shall obtain and maintain on file a fire safety inspection certificate for the building based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months. If the center prepares meals, the applicant seeking renewal shall obtain and maintain on file a satisfactory Sanitary Inspection Certificate, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:24, indicating that the kitchen is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the State Sanitary Code, based on a sanitary inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months.
Provide a current fire certificate as required.
Yes
?Fri Jan 24 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.2(a)(5) — The center shall be permitted to obtain a valid fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, and submit a copy of the certificate to the Office of Licensing in lieu of a CO or CCO, if the center serves only children 2 ½ years of age or older and is located in a public school building that is used as a public school.
Ensure that all emergency lighting are operable at all times in room 1.
Yes
?Fri Feb 16 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(i) — 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.
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.
Yes
?Fri Feb 16 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) — When the center applies for a new or renewal license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall submit to the Department the completed CARI consent forms for all staff members who are or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis. Within two weeks after a new staff member begins working at the center, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall submit to the Department a completed CARI consent form for the new staff member.
Ensure that CARI checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for the center’s license renewal
Yes
?Fri Feb 16 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(a)(6) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: food waste receptacles shall be lined and maintained in clean and sanitary condition.
Ensure that all food waste receptacles are covered with a lid in room 1.
Yes
?Fri Feb 16 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(f)(2) — Toilet facility requirements are as follows: mirrors, dispensers, and other equipment shall be fastened securely.
Provide safety caps on toilets in bathrooms in rooms 1 and 2.
Yes
?Fri Feb 16 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-2.1(b) — A person applying for an initial license or renewal license to operate a center or relocation of a center shall submit a completed application to the Office of Licensing at least 45 days prior to the anticipated opening of the center or to the expiration of its existing regular license.
Complete and submit a DCF Renewal Attestation and Application.
Yes
?Fri Feb 16 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.6(d)(1) — 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.
Provide documentation of credentials for program supervisor.
Yes
?Fri Feb 16 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.6(a) — 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).
Provide signature of 1 staff member attesting to Office of Licensing required policies.
Yes
?Fri Feb 16 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.6(a) — 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).
Provide record of physical and Mantoux for 1 staff member.
Yes
?Fri Jun 30 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-3.4(a) — 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.
Ensure that the center has a current comprehensive general liability insurance policy and maintains the documentation on file.
Yes
?Fri Jun 30 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(a)(19) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall test for the presence of radon gas in each classroom on the lowest floor level used by children at least once every five years and shall post the test results in a prominent location in all buildings at the center, as specified in N.J.S.A. 30:5B-5.2.
Complete radon testing in every room on the lowest floor used by children and post the results in a prominent location.
Yes
?Fri Jun 30 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-6.4(b)(1) — The center shall provide sleeping equipment 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 https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety- Education-Centers/cribs , playpen, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment that meets the following requirement that
Ensure that all cribs meet CPSC standards and provide documentation or remove from the center the two foundations serenity compact drop-side cribs.
Yes
?Fri Jun 30 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.6(a)(2) — The center shall take immediate necessary action to protect the child from further harm and shall immediately notify the child's parent(s) when a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head.
Ensure that parents are notified immediately when a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head.
Yes
?Fri Jun 30 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) — The schedule for disinfecting shall be as follows: tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal.
Ensure that the center washes and disinfects the tables used by the children for eating before each meal. The staff in classroom 1 was observed only using 1 step and while the children were already sitting at the tables.
Yes
?Fri Jun 30 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(i) — 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.
Ensure that children wash their hands before the intake of food. Ensure that children in classroom 1 wash their hands with soap and running water immediately before eating lunch. A child was observed playing with toys after handwashing.
Yes
?Fri Jun 30 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.3(a) — 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.
Ensure that adequate supervision is maintained at all times throughout the center. At the time of the inspection a child unbuckled herself and was standing up in the high chair in room one.
Yes
?Fri Jun 30 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.3(a)(1) — 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.
Ensure that adequate procedures for tracking children and staff are aware of the number of children in their care at all times. At the time of the inspection, staff stated that there were 13 children in their care when there was 15 present.
Yes
?Fri Jun 30 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.5(e)(7)(i) — For early childhood programs for centers using a consulting head teacher, the consulting head teacher shall make at least two on-site visits to the center per month, for a sufficient length of time to conduct staff development, observe the center's program, and ensure that the provisions specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(e)1 are met.
Ensure that the consulting head teacher makes at least two on-site visits to the center per month and is able to observe the center's program and provide staff development as required.
Yes
?Fri Jun 30 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-6.1(b)(2) — The staff member(s) specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5 who are responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of the center's daily activities shall ensure that children have opportunities to choose materials freely and materials are accessible at all times except during lunch and nap time.
Ensure that materials are accessible to the children at all times, except during lunch and nap time. Ensure that toys and materials are accessible in class 1. The toys were in baskets placed on the top of shelves.
Yes
?Tue Jun 28 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.6(c)(1) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: for 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.
Provide educational documentation for the consulting head teacher.
Yes
?Tue Jun 28 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.2(a)(5) — The center shall be permitted to obtain a valid fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, and submit a copy of the certificate to the Office of Licensing in lieu of a CO or CCO, if the center serves only children 2 ½ years of age or older and is located in a public school building that is used as a public school.
Ensure that the center's fire protective systems are operative at all times. At the time of the inspection, the fire panel was showing trouble mode due to a communication error with a new phone line. The sponsor stated that there is a new landlord who is supposed to be switching over the phone lines. Communication with the fire official indicated that the center can remain open under a fire watch until the communication is restored.
Yes
?Tue Jun 28 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.4(a)(2) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply for infants (under 18 months of age) and toddlers (18 months to 2½ years of age): a group shall consist of four infants or six toddlers to whom a primary caregiver has been assigned.
Ensure that a primary caregiver is assigned to each group of four infants or six toddlers.
Yes
?Tue Jun 28 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.10(a)(1) — The sponsor or sponsor representative, and each staff member shall complete a signed consent form provided by the Department that indicates the identifying information necessary to conduct a CARI background check, including the person’s name, address, date of birth, sex, race, and Social Security number. Pursuant to the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579), the Department shall advise each such person that the disclosure of his or her Social Security number is voluntary, and that the Social Security number will only be used for the purpose of conducting a CARI background check.
Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for all staff within two weeks of hire. Missing updated CARI's for 2 staff.
Yes
?Thu May 06 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) — 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.
Ensure that the rockers on the playground meet the safety requirements or remove from the center.
Yes
?Thu May 06 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) — 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.
Remove the standing water from the toys on the outdoor play area.
Yes
?Thu May 06 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) — 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.
Remove the leaves and debris from inside the play house on the playground.
Yes
?Thu May 06 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.3(d) — The following staff/child ratios shall apply during rest or sleep, when the criteria listed in 3A:52-4.3(d) 1, 2, and 3 are met: Age Staff/Child Ratio Under 18 months - 1:10 18 months to under 2 ½ years - 1:12 2 ½ years and above - 1:20
Ensure there is enough staff to meet ratios when children are napping, wherein there were 8 children under 18 months with one staff member and all of the children were not asleep.
Yes
?Thu May 06 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) — 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.
Remove the excess amount of toys from the outdoor play area.
Yes
?Thu May 06 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-3.4(a) — 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.
Provide the current commercial liability for the center.
Yes
?Thu May 06 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — 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.
Bottled water was stacked in the front egress. The water was removed during the inspection.
Yes
?Thu May 06 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.5(a)(3)(i)(2) — 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 job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff.
Submit the table of organization with the written job descriptions.
Yes
?Mon May 13 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.6(a) — 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).
Update list.
Yes
?Mon May 13 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(n)(1) — 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.
Ensure the center conducts a fire drill every month.
Yes
?Mon May 13 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.11(a)(1) — 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). The sponsor or sponsor representative and each staff member shall complete the electronic fingerprinting process through the vendor authorized by the State to conduct CHRI background checks through the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Ensure all staff Chri's are completed.
Yes

Severity 5 = most serious. Source: official state record.

Inspections (18)

18 inspection record(s) on file from NJ-DCF.

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