New Jersey › Fort Lee › Itsy Bitsy Early Learning Center

Itsy Bitsy Early Learning Center

Child care center · 1275 15th Street, Fort Lee, NJ 07024 · License 02LES0001

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 51. 0 to 6

Violation history (35)

Severity	Date	Standard / narrative	Corrected
?	Thu Jul 10 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. Provide a cleared CHRI for 1 named staff member.	Yes
?	Mon Apr 08 2024 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 and highchair tops used by the children for eating before each meal.	Yes
?	Mon Apr 08 2024 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 in the infant room.	Yes
?	Mon Apr 08 2024 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. Retrain all staff on the center's policies of hand washing and sanitation. Submit training information with staff signatures to OOL.	Yes
?	Mon Apr 08 2024 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
?	Mon Apr 08 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.3(a)(4) — All centers shall comply with the following requirements, if the center provides food, the center shall ensure that the food is stored, prepared, and served in a sanitary manner. Ensure that children in the infant room are seated at tables/high chairs when eating so that the surface can be cleaned and sanitized, wherein a child was observed being served and then eating a cracker in an exersaucer.	Yes
?	Mon Apr 08 2024 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
?	Mon Apr 08 2024 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
?	Wed Nov 08 2023 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 having their diaper changed.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 08 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. Secure microwaves in classrooms.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 08 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.4(a)(2) — For early childhood programs, the center shall provide opportunities for daily rest and sleep as follows: for children from 13 to 18 months of age, the center shall provide daily rest and sleep according to the child's physical needs and ensure that blankets or pillows do not cover the child's face. Ensure that children who fall asleep in bouncy seats are immediately moved to a crib to continue sleeping.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 08 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.4(b)(1)(ii) — 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 sleeping equipment shall be free of pillows and soft bedding, including, but not limited to bumper pads, when occupied by a sleeping child. Discontinue the use of blankets for children under 1 year old, wherein a child under 1 was observed sleeping with a blanket. Blanket was removed during inspection.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 08 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.8(a)(4)(iii) — Handwashing requirements are as follows: staff members shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately after assisting a child in toileting. Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and water, not hand sanitizer, immediately after changing a child's diaper.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 08 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(2) — 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 area shall be within 15 feet of a sink that is not used for food preparation. Ensure that the sink in the infant room is only used for hand washing and that food/dishes are not placed nearby the hand washing sink.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 08 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: in addition to the items specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)3, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use, diapering surfaces. Ensure that the center washes and disinfects diapering surfaces after each use.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 08 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. Retrain staff on the center's policies of hand washing and sanitation. Submit training information with staff signatures to OOL.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 08 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.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 08 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. Update the center's table of organization with the current credentialed staff members.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 08 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; one new named staff member pending.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 08 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(q)(1)(ii) — Space and room requirements are as follows: all space and rooms within the center to be used by children shall be inspected and approved by the Office of Licensing prior to their use. In making its determination, the Office of Licensing shall consider whether the space is too far removed, remote, or isolated from other areas of the center to be used by children. rooms or areas of the center that are not Office of Licensing-approved for use by children shall be made inaccessible to children. Set up Rooms 3 and 5 as classrooms or have them removed from the center's licensed capacity. Classrooms are currently being used for storage.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 08 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
?	Mon Jun 26 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.9(a) — The sponsor, sponsor representative, director, or any staff member shall verbally notify the State Central Registry Hotline (1-877 NJ ABUSE/1-877-652-2873) immediately whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect by a staff member, or any other adult, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.9, 8.10, 8.13 and 8.14. Based on information, provide a Corrective Action Plan to DCF as required.	Yes
?	Mon Jun 26 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.8(a)(7) — Topics of orientation training shall include implementing the center's statement of policy on the disciplining of children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6. Based on information, retrain all staff from an outside source on positive guidance and discipline.	Yes
?	Mon Jun 26 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.6(a)(1) — The methods of guidance and discipline used shall: be positive. Based on information, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline. A named staff force fed , grabbed and slapped a named child on the back of the head because the named child did not want to eat and was taking too long. NOTE: Violation is being abated as staff interaction was observed to be appropriate during inspection.	Yes
?	Mon May 08 2023 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. Ensure that at least two staff have current first aid and CPR certifications and are present at all times at the center.	Yes
?	Mon May 08 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(p) — 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. Clear out items stored in Room 1 bathroom to ensure adequate room for hand washing and sanitary storage of items.	Yes
?	Mon May 08 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 with soap and water before the intake of food in Room 4.	Yes
?	Mon May 08 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 and credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually; update staff training logs.	Yes
?	Mon May 08 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.4(i) — Children shall not use pacifiers with straps or other types of attachment devices. Cease the use of pacifier straps or other types of attachment devices.	Yes
?	Mon May 08 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.3(d)(1) — At least one staff member shall be physically present in the room or area in which children are napping and shall be able to summon other staff members without leaving the room or area. Ensure that there is at least one staff physically present in the room or area where children are napping so that direct supervision can be maintained at all times in Room 4/infant room.	Yes
?	Mon May 08 2023 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 all required documents.	Yes
?	Mon May 08 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
?	Mon May 08 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 and sponsor representative submit a CARI background check upon renewal.	Yes
?	Mon May 08 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. Retrain staff on the center's policy of hand washing. Submit training information with staff signatures to OOL.	Yes
?	Mon May 23 2022 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 Epi-pen for named child is accompanied by a special care plan.	Yes

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

Inspections (16)

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

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