New Jersey › Fort Lee › The First Step Nursery School & Day Care Center Inc.

The First Step Nursery School & Day Care Center Inc.

Child care center · 1350 15th Street, Fort Lee, NJ 07024 · License 02FIR0008

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 44. 0 to 13

Violation history (43)

Severity	Date	Standard / narrative	Corrected
?	Fri May 29 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.2(a)(8) — The center shall obtain a Life Hazard Use Registration certificate applicable to the center’s licensed capacity and ages served pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq. The center shall post this document in a prominent location within the center. Provide a current life/hazard use registration certificate applicable to the center's licensed capacity and ages served.	Yes
?	Fri May 29 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — (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. Replace stained ceiling tiles in Room 3.	Yes
?	Fri May 29 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.5(b)(7) — The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: the center shall maintain on file a record of the following: the child's name and parental authorization for the center to administer medication or health care procedures; the name of the medication or health care procedure; the condition for which the medication or health care procedure is being used; the instructions for administration, including the dosage and frequency; the date and time medication or a health care procedure was administered to a child and the name or initials of the staff member who administered it; and any adverse effect the medication can have or has had on the child. Ensure that all medication is kept current and include records of the date and time medication was administered to the child.	Yes
?	Fri May 29 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 in Room 1.	Yes
?	Fri May 29 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — (9) The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: before administering a health care procedure associated with a child’s health condition, such as the use of a blood glucose monitor, nebulizer, or epinephrine pen, the center shall ensure that all staff members who administer the procedure are taught to do so by the child’s parent or another appropriately-trained person. There shall be at least two staff members present at the center who are trained in such health care procedures. 10. The center shall store prescribed epinephrine pens in their original boxes with the child’s name and prescription. A special care plan or other documentation from a health care provider shall accompany the epinephrine pen. If two epinephrine pens are required, both shall be available. Each center under the jurisdiction of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5 shall store back-up epinephrine pens on site consistent with the requirements stated at N.J.S.A. 18A:40- 12.5.e(1). Ensure Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan that includes procedures for contacting parents and emergency medical services, and both epi-pens are present when two are required.	Yes
?	Fri May 29 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.8(a)(1) — 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; immediately after using the toilet or having diapers changed; immediately after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, or other body fluids or secretions; immediately after coming in contact with an animal's body secretions; and immediately after outdoor play. (2)for children under three months of age or for those children three months of age and older wherein hand washing with soap and running water may not be developmentally appropriate, the center may use an alternate means for hand washing, including but not limited to disposable baby wipes. Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required after a diaper change in Room 3.	Yes
?	Fri May 29 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.8(a)(4) — 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. Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water as required after coming into contact with nasal secretions in Room 1.	Yes
?	Fri May 29 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(b)(3)(i) — Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the building structure shall be maintained to prevent water from entering; excessive drafts or heat loss; and infestation from rodents and insects. Maintain the building structure to prevent water from entering in Room 3.	Yes
?	Wed Jan 15 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(18) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ensure that microwave ovens, toaster ovens, and other portable devices used to heat or prepare food are out of children's reach, secured on a stable surface, and not in use when children are in the area in order to ensure the safety of children. Ensure that microwave, toaster AND wires are secured to a stable surface in Room 1.	Yes
?	Wed Jan 15 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(2) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair. Replace missing ceiling tiles in Room 4/gym.	Yes
?	Wed Jan 15 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of: i. Excessive peeling or chipped paint; or ii. Heavily soiled conditions. Repair and/or paint the walls in areas of disrepair in Room 3.	Yes
?	Wed Jan 15 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — (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. Replace caulking around the sink in the two hallway bathrooms.	Yes
?	Wed Jan 15 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — (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. Replace stained ceiling tiles in Room 3.	Yes
?	Wed Jan 15 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of: excessive peeling or chipped paint; or heavily soiled conditions. Repair and/or paint the walls in areas of disrepair in Room 3.	Yes
?	Wed Jan 15 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(9) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: toilets, wash basins, kitchen sinks, and other plumbing shall be maintained in good operating and sanitary condition. Replace caulking around the sink in the 2 hallway bathrooms.	Yes
?	Wed Jan 15 2025 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
?	Wed Jan 15 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(2) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair. Replace stained ceiling tiles in Room 3.	Yes
?	Wed Jan 15 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
?	Wed Jan 15 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.8(a)(2) — Topics of orientation training shall include understanding center operations, policies and procedures, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)3. Ensure that all staff are trained on the center's multi-use building door lock policy. Submit policy and training information with staff signatures to the OOL.	Yes
?	Wed Jan 15 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.8(a)(3) — Topics of orientation training shall include implementing group size limits and primary caregiver responsibilities, as applicable, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.4. Retrain all staff on the center's hand washing policy. Submit training information with staff signatures to OOL.	Yes
?	Wed Jan 15 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. Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff; 1 named staff member.	Yes
?	Wed Jan 15 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-2.3(d)(3)(i) — The requirements for co-location of a center within a multi-use building are as follows, during operating hours, the Office of Licensing may require the center to operate in a separate room, floor, or section of the building. Ensure that the center adheres to all requirements to prevent comingling in multi-use buildings, including ensuring that all licensed areas are secure from other building uses. At the time of inspection, the center's indoor gym, which is located in the multi-use building hallway was unlocked with children inside and the center's main exit to the multi-use building was observed propped open.	Yes
?	Wed Jan 15 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. 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.	Yes
?	Wed Jan 15 2025 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. Additionally, the time of notification to parent must be included on the accident report.	Yes
?	Wed Jan 15 2025 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 throughout the center; Room 1.	Yes
?	Wed Jan 15 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(ii) — 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. Ensure that children wash their hands immediately after using the toilet or having their diaper changed throughout the center; Room 1.	Yes
?	Wed Jan 15 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.11(a) — 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. Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff; 1 named staff member.	Yes
?	Sun Jan 05 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.6(a) — (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. Ensure that parents are notified immediately when a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head. Additionally, the time of notification to parent must be included on the accident report.	Yes
?	Sun Jan 05 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
?	Tue Aug 22 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(18) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ensure that microwave ovens, toaster ovens, and other portable devices used to heat or prepare food are out of children's reach, secured on a stable surface, and not in use when children are in the area in order to ensure the safety of children. Ensure that microwave and toaster are secured in the infant room/Room 1.	Yes
?	Tue Aug 22 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(18) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ensure that microwave ovens, toaster ovens, and other portable devices used to heat or prepare food are out of children's reach, secured on a stable surface, and not in use when children are in the area in order to ensure the safety of children. Ensure that microwave is secured in Room 3.	Yes
?	Tue Aug 22 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(2) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair. Replaced stained ceiling tiles in Room 3.	Yes
?	Tue Aug 22 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: diapering requirements for centers serving children who are not toilet trained are as follows, diapering area and surface requirements are as follows, the diapering surface shall be flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent, and in good repair. Repair/replace torn diaper pad in the infant room.	Yes
?	Tue Aug 22 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.8(c) — The center shall ensure that all staff members who work at the center complete 12 hours of continuing staff development each year. Submit updated yearly staff training logs.	Yes
?	Tue Aug 22 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.5(a)(3)(i)(1) — 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. Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility and communication.	Yes
?	Tue Aug 22 2023 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 that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required; 3 named staff outstanding. 10/4/23-Note, one staff outstanding.	Yes
?	Tue Aug 22 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: the center shall store prescribed epinephrine pens in their original boxes with the child’s name and prescription. A special care plan or other documentation from a health care provider shall accompany the epinephrine pen. If two epinephrine pens are required, both shall be available. Each center under the jurisdiction of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5 shall store back-up epinephrine pens on site consistent with the requirements stated at N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5.e(1). Ensure that all Epi-pens are accompanied by a special care plan for one named child.	Yes
?	Tue Aug 22 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, 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. Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date.	Yes
?	Tue Aug 22 2023 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. Ensure that the center conducts at least two lockdown drills per year during each session provided at the center and maintains records of the drills on file.	Yes
?	Tue Mar 01 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(i)(8) — Environmental condition precautions are as follows: at the time of the initial application, any renewal application, relocation of an existing licensed center, and, as determined by the Office of Licensing, on a case-by-case basis, the facility operator shall submit to the Office of Licensing a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the Department of Health that indicates that no further remediation is needed for the interior of the building in which the center is located. Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH.	Yes
?	Tue Mar 01 2022 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 Statement of Assurance and a copy of the center's water testing completed by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protection.	Yes
?	Tue Mar 01 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. Provide a current fire certificate as required.	Yes
?	Tue Mar 01 2022 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 that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required during this renewal.	Yes

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

Inspections (25)

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

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