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Hackensack HeadStart

Child care center · 40 Passaic Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 · License 02HAC0005

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 37. 2½ to 6

Violation history (35)

Severity	Date	Standard / narrative	Corrected
?	Tue Oct 21 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.5(e)(7) — 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. The center shall maintain on file a written record of the date, time, purpose, and nature of each visit by the consulting head teacher; and the consulting head teacher’s observation of the program and evaluation of the staff member in charge of the program. Ensure that the consulting head teacher records the details of the visits.	Yes
?	Tue Oct 21 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.6(b) — The director shall meet the following qualification requirements for early childhood programs licensed to serve more than 30 children, the director shall meet the qualification requirements as specified in N.J.A.C 3A:52-4.6(b) for education and experience. Provide documentation that the director meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.	Yes
?	Tue Oct 21 2025 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. 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). Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually.	Yes
?	Tue Oct 21 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.8(d) — 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. Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually.	Yes
?	Thu Sep 19 2024 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. Ensure that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Hire and submit the credentials for the Consulting Head Teacher.	Yes
?	Tue May 16 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(17) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all televisions and computers shall be secured on a stable surface and shelving shall be secured and not be overloaded. Ensure that all computers are secured to a stable surface.	Yes
?	Tue May 16 2023 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
?	Tue May 16 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
?	Tue May 16 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. Ensure that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required for the center's license renewal. This pertains to all staff who had a CHRI clearance before 2021 for this renewal.	Yes
?	Tue May 16 2023 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 all staff submit a CARI background check upon renewal.	Yes
?	Tue May 16 2023 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 complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, including understanding center operations, policies and procedures.	Yes
?	Tue May 16 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.5(c)(1) — The director shall be scheduled to work at the center at least 50 percent of the center’s daily operating hours. Ensure that the director is at the center at least 50% of the center's daily operating hours.	Yes
?	Tue May 16 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.5(c)(2)(i) — 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. Designate a director designee for whenever the director is not present at the center and ensure that the director designee has access to all paperwork including the employee's and children's files.	Yes
?	Tue May 16 2023 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). Ensure that the center completes and maintains on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.	Yes
?	Tue May 16 2023 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. Ensure that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.	Yes
?	Tue May 16 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.1(g)(1) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the center shall provide daily outdoor activities at an outdoor play area, park or playground, or on a walk, weather permitting. Ensure that the children go outdoors daily, weather permitting.	Yes
?	Tue May 16 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.3(a)(2) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: 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) Ensure that a Universal Health Record is completed upon enrollment and updated annually, including the immunization records and special care plans as required.	Yes
?	Tue May 16 2023 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 Remove all expired medications from the center.	Yes
?	Tue May 16 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.5(b)(7)(iv) — 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 instructions for administration, including the dosage and frequency. Ensure that the center completes and maintains a medication log that includes the instructions for administration, including dosage and frequency. Ensure that the prescriptions have a designated period of time in which the medication will be provided.	Yes
?	Tue May 16 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. Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually.	Yes
?	Tue May 16 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.8(d)(1) — In lieu of the child care staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(b), 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. Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually.	Yes
?	Tue May 16 2023 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 illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting are operable at all times throughout the center.	Yes
?	Mon Dec 19 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.4(a)(4) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, a supply of hot tap water not exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit and cold running water shall be provided. Ensure that the center has a supply of hot tap water in the restroom in room 2.	Yes
?	Mon Dec 19 2022 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. Ensure that all ceiling tiles are kept clean and in good repair in the children's restroom.	Yes
?	Mon Dec 19 2022 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. Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually.	Yes
?	Thu May 13 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.9(a)(1) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the center shall maintain on file a log of the initial illnesses, symptoms of illness, or diseases that are exhibited by each child while in the center’s care, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1(c) and (d). This illness log shall include Submit to the OOL, a copy of the illness log for the previous 30 day period.	Yes
?	Thu May 13 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.5(b)(2)(i) — The director shall have the authority and responsibility for the implementation of policies and procedures for the day-to-day operation of the center, including maintenance of staff attendance records indicating daily hours worked. Submit to the OOL, a copy of the staff's attendance records for the previous 2 week period.	Yes
?	Thu May 13 2021 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. Submit to OOL, a current copy of Radon testing results.	Yes
?	Thu May 13 2021 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. Submit to the OOL, a copy of the Life Hazard Use Certificate with the correct use group.	Yes
?	Thu May 13 2021 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. There are 3 Renewal CARIs missing.	Yes
?	Thu May 13 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(o)(1) — 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. Submit to OOL, proof of at least 2 staff with current CPR and First Aid training.	Yes
?	Thu May 13 2021 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. Submit to the OOL, a copy of the drinking water test results and all required documents, signed by the sponsor representative. 5/18/2022-Drinking water testing report received. Supplemental forms outstanding.	Yes
?	Thu May 13 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.5(b)(2)(ii) — The director shall have the authority and responsibility for the implementation of policies and procedures for the day-to-day operation of the center, including maintenance of children's daily attendance records, including the daily time of arrival and departure. Submit to the OOL, a copy of the children's attendance records for the previous 2 week period.	Yes
?	Thu May 13 2021 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. Submit to OOL, a copy of the fire drill log for the previous 90 day period.	Yes
?	Thu May 13 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.11(a)(1) — Each center shall develop a written policy on the management of communicable diseases. This policy shall include the following: the list of illnesses and symptoms of illness for which a child will be separated from the group and possibly sent home, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1©. Submit to the OOL, a copy of the updated communicable disease policy.	Yes

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

Inspections (33)

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

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