New Jersey › Ridgewood › Montessori Learning Center

Montessori Learning Center

Child care center · 205 Franklin Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 · License 02MON0001

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 76. 2½ to 6 Grow NJ Kids: Level 1

Violation history (45)

Severity	Date	Standard / narrative	Corrected
?	Tue Oct 07 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(10) — 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. Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. At time of inspection, diaper cream was found in the bathroom by Room 1. Per inspector's request, diaper cream was moved out of reach of the children.	Yes
?	Tue Oct 07 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.5(c)(2) — 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. Ensure that the director designee completes the Understanding Licensing training.	Yes
?	Tue Oct 07 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.4(b)(2) — 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. Repair or replace torn sleep mats in Room 1.	Yes
?	Tue Oct 07 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(n)(4) — Fire prevention requirements are as follows: all fire extinguishers shall be visually inspected once a month, and serviced and tagged at least once a year and recharged, if necessary, as specified in the NJUFC. Ensure that all fire extinguishers are serviced and tagged annually and recharged if necessary.	Yes
?	Tue Oct 07 2025 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. Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed. Bookshelves in Room 2 and Room 5 are obstructing the exit doors.	Yes
?	Tue Oct 07 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(19) — 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. Test for the presence of radon gas as required in playroom on basement level.	Yes
?	Mon Nov 18 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.10(a)(4) — When a person who is not required to complete a CARI background check is working with children at the center, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children. Ensure that all people who work with the children and are not required to complete a CARI background check are directly supervised by a cleared staff member and not left alone with the children. A therapist was observed to be working alone with a child in room 5.	Yes
?	Mon Nov 18 2024 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
?	Mon Nov 18 2024 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 complaint #23679 this center needs to ensure appropriate staff action at all times throughout the center.	Yes
?	Mon Nov 18 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.11(a)(5) — 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). When a person who is not required to complete a CHRI background check is working with children at the center, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that the person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children. Ensure that all people who work with the children and are not required to complete a CHRI background check are directly supervised by a cleared staff member and not left alone with the children. A therapist was seen to be working alone with a child in room 5.	Yes
?	Mon Apr 08 2024 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.	Yes
?	Mon Apr 08 2024 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 Apr 08 2024 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 to all Epi-pens are up to date. One child medication were expired in room 3.	Yes
?	Tue Dec 05 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. Provide a current fire certificate as required.	Yes
?	Tue Dec 05 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.6(c)(3) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the group teacher shall meet the requirements for experience and education Ensure that the group teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.	Yes
?	Tue Dec 05 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.4(g)(2) — When sheets, blankets and other coverings are not stored with sleeping equipment, each of these items shall be stored separately for each child. Ensure that each child's bedding is stored separately in room 1.	Yes
?	Tue Dec 05 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 Ensure that the center has all medications specified on child's special care plan. One child is missing Benadryl.	Yes
?	Tue Dec 05 2023 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
?	Tue Dec 05 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
?	Tue Dec 05 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 stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan and that two are present when required in room 4.	Yes
?	Mon Jan 23 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.3(c) — The following staff/child ratios shall apply, except as specified in 3A:52-4.3(d) through (f): Age Staff/Child Ratio Under 18 months - 1:4 18 months up to 2 ½ years - 1:6 2 ½ years up to 4 years - 1:10 4 years - 1:12 5 years and older - 1:15 Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the center. There were 13 children in Room 3 (4 years old) with one staff member. 2 children were moved to Room 5 to maintain ratio.	Yes
?	Fri Dec 16 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(b)(5)(ii) — Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: garbage receptacles shall be covered in a secure manner and located in an outdoor area. Provide cover for garbage receptacle in Room 1.	Yes
?	Fri Dec 16 2022 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 Dec 16 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 all Epi-pens and Benadryl are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription in Room 3.	Yes
?	Fri Dec 16 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 two Epi-pens are present when required. Room 4 has a care plan for Benadryl and Epi-pens but the Epi-pens were missing.	Yes
?	Fri Dec 16 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). Replace expired Epi-pens in Room 3.	Yes
?	Fri Dec 16 2022 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. Ensure that the center maintains daily time sheets for staff that indicate the hours the staff worked at the center.	Yes
?	Fri Dec 16 2022 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. Ensure that the center maintains daily time sheets for the children that indicate the children's arrival and departure times.	Yes
?	Fri Dec 16 2022 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 vents in all classrooms.	Yes
?	Fri Dec 16 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(5)(ii) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: garbage receptacles shall be covered in a secure manner. Ensure that garbage receptacles are maintained as required, including being covered securely. Provide cover for garbage receptacle in Room 2.	Yes
?	Fri Dec 16 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
?	Fri Sep 17 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. Obtain CARI renewal clearances for all staff.	Yes
?	Fri Sep 17 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(r) — The center shall take any steps required by the Office of Licensing to correct conditions in the building or center that may endanger the health, safety, and well-being of the children served. Per the Updated COVID-19 Standards - Child Care Centers, if parents are permitted to enter the building, measures shall be employed to ensure separation from other children in the center, and the duration of entry should be limited to no more than fifteen minutes.	Yes
?	Fri Sep 17 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. Upload a copy of the current general liability insurance to the NJCCIS file cabinet.	Yes
?	Fri Sep 17 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.3(c) — The following staff/child ratios shall apply, except as specified in 3A:52-4.3(d) through (f): Age Staff/Child Ratio Under 18 months - 1:4 18 months up to 2 ½ years - 1:6 2 ½ years up to 4 years - 1:10 4 years - 1:12 5 years and older - 1:15 Maintain staff child ratios at all times including while taking children to the bathroom.	Yes
?	Fri Feb 28 2020 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). Obtain the original box for the Benadryl pills in Room 4.	Yes
?	Fri Feb 28 2020 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). Obtain a special care plan for the epi pen in Room 4.	Yes
?	Fri Feb 28 2020 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). Replace the expired epi pen in Room 3.	Yes
?	Fri Feb 28 2020 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 staff are supervising the children when using the bathroom in the hallway.	Yes
?	Fri Feb 28 2020 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 tripping hazard on the playground. The netting under the resilient surfacing is exposed.	Yes
?	Fri Feb 28 2020 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). Replace the expired epi pen in Room 4.	Yes
?	Mon Apr 01 2019 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.	Yes
?	Mon Apr 01 2019 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). Replace all epi pens that are expired in Room 2.abated 5/8/19 Ensure the amount of epi pens required by the special care plan are present at the center.	Yes
?	Mon Apr 01 2019 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. Obtain a safe building interior certification from the Department of Health. 6/24/19 - DOH has completed their inspection. Center is awaiting the certificate.	Yes
?	Mon Apr 01 2019 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. Obtain an outstanding CARI clearance for 1 staff member. CARI form has been submitted and center is awaiting clearance.	Yes

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

Inspections (25)

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

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