New Jersey › Tenafly › The Montessori House

The Montessori House

Child care center · 426 Knickerbocker Road, Tenafly, NJ 07670 · License 02MON0007

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 83. 2½ to 13

Violation history (28)

Severity	Date	Standard / narrative	Corrected
?	Thu Mar 26 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.10(a) — 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 consent to a CARI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediately 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
?	Thu Mar 26 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.8(a) — (a) Topics of orientation training shall include all of the following: 1. Supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a); 2. Understanding center operations, policies and procedures, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)3; 3. Implementing group size limits and primary caregiver responsibilities, as applicable, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.4; 4. Recognizing and reporting child abuse or neglect, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.9; 5. Evacuating the center and using the fire alarms, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l); 6.Implementing the center’s release policy, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5; 7. Implementing the center's statement of policy on the disciplining of children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6; 8. Implementing health practices, including medication administration and responding to symptoms of illness, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1 through 7.11; 9. Implementing safe sleep practices to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; 10. Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma; 11. Recognizing and responding to injuries and emergencies, including the prevention of and response to emergencies due to food-related allergies and other allergic reactions; and 12. Including children with special needs in the center’s program. Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, including	Yes
?	Thu Mar 26 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.6(b)(6) — (b) The center shall maintain on file a written record of each incident resulting in an injury as specified in (a) above. These records shall include the following: 1. The name of the injured child; 2. The date, time and location of the incident; 3. The name and address of the center; 4. The name of the person completing the report; 5. The date the report was completed; and 6. A written description of the following: i. The incident; ii. The injury to the child; iii. The names of witnesses to the incident; and iv. The follow-up action taken by the center, including: (1) Application of first aid; and (2) Consultation or treatment by a licensed physician or other health care provider, if applicable. (d) Upon request of the child's parent, the center shall provide a written description of the incident by the end of the next operating day. Ensure accident reports are completed as required including all required components and a written description is provided by the next operating day upon parental request.	Yes
?	Thu Mar 26 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.1(d) — the Staff Records Checklist for the current director and all staff members currently working at the center shall be maintained on file at the center. Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.	Yes
?	Thu Mar 26 2026 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. Replenish resilient surfacing as required in all play equipment use zones in accordance with ASTM F1292.	Yes
?	Thu Mar 26 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. Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair. Replace stained ceiling tiles in room 204	Yes
?	Thu Mar 26 2026 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
?	Thu Mar 26 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.3(a) — (a) For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: 1. Each child not enrolled in a public or private school shall have had a health examination performed by a health care provider within: i. Six months prior to admission, for children who are 2½ years of age or younger; or ii. One year prior to admission, for children above 2½ years of age. 2. 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): i. For children coming from other states or countries in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.6 and 4.7; and ii. For children who are in foster care or experiencing homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11434a(2). 3. For children enrolled in a public or private school, the center shall obtain a written statement from each child's parent indicating: I. That the child is in good health and can participate in the normal activities of the program; and ii. Any conditions or specific needs that may require special accommodations. 4. If immunizations are contraindicated for medical reasons, the center may choose to admit the child, provided that the parent submits to the center a written statement from a health care provider attesting to the following: i. The reason the immunization is medically contraindicated; and ii. The specific time period that the immunization is medically contraindicated. 5. A child shall be exempted from a physical examination, immunization, or medical treatment if the parent objects thereto in a written statement submitted to the center, signed by the parent, explaining how the examination, immunization, or medical treatment conflicts with the child’s exercise of bona fide religious tenets or practices. i. Religiously-affiliated centers shall have the authority to withhold or grant a religious exemption from the required immunization for children entering or attending their centers without challenge by any secular health authority, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.4. ii. The center shall maintain the parent’s written statement on file as part of the child’s record. 6. Those children with immunization exemptions may be excluded from the center by the Office of Licensing or the Department of Health during a vaccine-preventable disease outbreak or threatened outbreak, as determined by the State Commissioner of Health. Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including	Yes
?	Thu Mar 26 2026 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 Mar 26 2026 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
?	Wed May 07 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. Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair, replace toilet seat cover in the boys bathroom.	Yes
?	Mon Feb 26 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.8(g)(3) — 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. The center shall record each staff member’s completion of staff development and orientation on the Staff Records Checklist, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(b). Provide annual orientation training for 2 staff members.	Yes
?	Sat Dec 02 2023 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. Submit the Staff Record's Checklist to confirm if all CARI checks were received.	Yes
?	Thu Mar 23 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.9(a)(1)(vi)(4) — 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 the date, if applicable, that the child returned to the center symptom-free. Maintain an illness log on file at the center and ensure that it contains all of the required components, including the date when the child returned to the center symptom-free. The illness log was missing the date that the child returned.	Yes
?	Thu Mar 23 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
?	Thu Mar 23 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. Missing CHRI background check for 1 new staff. Ensure that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required for the center's license renewal. Missing updated CHRI background checks dated after 1/1/2021 for 5 staff.	Yes
?	Thu Mar 23 2023 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. Ensure that the center develops and implements job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff. The current table of organization was missing the job descriptions for each title.	Yes
?	Thu Mar 23 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. Renewal CARI background checks have been submitted by the center but the results are pending for 7 staff.	Yes
?	Thu Mar 23 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
?	Thu Mar 23 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.5(a)(1) — The center shall maintain on file and follow a written policy on the release of children, which shall include the provision that each child may be released only to the child's parent(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s), as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(a)3, to take the child from the center and to assume responsibility for the child in an emergency if the parent(s) cannot be reached. Ensure that the center maintains and distributes to all families and staff the center's policy on the release of children, including all of the required components of the release policy. Redistribute and obtain signatures for both parents and staff.	Yes
?	Thu Mar 23 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.6(e)(1) — The center shall maintain on file a written policy on the disciplining of children by staff members. The policy shall reflect the provisions specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6(a) through (c) and include the acceptable actions that a staff member may take when disciplining a child (that is, discussion with the child, time-out, etc.). Prepare a discipline policy that includes the acceptable actions staff members may take when disciplining a child. Edit the discipline policy to include all of the required components and redistribute a copy to the staff and obtain an updated signature.	Yes
?	Thu Mar 23 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.5(b)(7)(ii) — 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 name of the medication or health care procedure. Ensure that the center obtains all of the medication listed on the special care plan.	Yes
?	Thu Mar 23 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.6(e)(1) — The center shall develop and follow a written policy for parental notification if a method other than a telephone call is used at the center for parental notification. The center shall distribute a copy of this policy to the parent of each enrolled child and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s signature attesting to receipt of this policy. Develop a written policy for parental notification of injuries if the center uses methods other than a telephone call and maintain on file the signatures of staff and parents acknowledging receipt of the policy.	Yes
?	Fri Dec 02 2022 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
?	Fri Dec 02 2022 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
?	Fri Dec 02 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
?	Fri Dec 02 2022 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
?	Fri Dec 02 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. Submit a CHRI check for 13 staff members.	Yes

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

Inspections (15)

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

Nearby alternatives

Facility	Score	City	Distance
Bright Angels LLC DBA Tenafly TLE	0	Tenafly	—
Children's Corner	0	Tenafly	—
Jack in the Box Early Learning Center	0	Tenafly	—
JCC on the Palisades Nursery School	0	Tenafly	—
Temple Sinai Early Childhood	0	Tenafly	—
Tenafly Montessori Academy	—	Tenafly	—

Licensed facilities near this one, highest compliance score first.

Get violation alerts for this daycare

We'll email you when a new inspection or violation is posted. Free.