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Rhymes & Reasons

Child care center · 687 Larch Ave, Teaneck, NJ 07666 · License 02RHY0002

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 44. 2½ to 6 Grow NJ Kids: Level 2

Violation history (42)

Severity	Date	Standard / narrative	Corrected
?	Wed Oct 02 2024 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 staff daily time sheets include the hours worked for the director.	Yes
?	Wed Oct 02 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; wherein an outside therapist without the required clearances was observed alone working with a child.	Yes
?	Wed Oct 02 2024 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 one named staff member.	Yes
?	Wed Oct 02 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.1(d)(1) — The staff records specified in 3A:52-4.1(a) through (c) shall be maintained on file as follows: 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. Ensure that the information on the Staff Records Checklist is current and that it is maintained on file at the center, including CARI and CHRI background check clearances; UPDATE.	Yes
?	Wed Oct 02 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-2.3(d)(2) — The requirements for co-location of a center within a multi-use building are as follows, prior to approving the site, the Office of Licensing shall determine that the multiuse site does not pose a serious risk to the health, safety or well-being of the children. Ensure that the center adheres to all requirements to prevent comingling in multi-use buildings. During the inspection, the church was hosting a group of people in the large room on the first floor. Several people were observed unsupervised in the large room, lobby and bathroom, which is a part of the center space. Center must ensure that the building is not occupied by anyone other than the center during the center's operating hours or ensure that the center space is secured from other building occupants. 10/23/24-unable to abate violation as the church was holding a meeting in the large room on the first floor during the inspection.	Yes
?	Wed Oct 02 2024 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 annual staff training logs.	Yes
?	Wed Oct 02 2024 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 all storage and garbage is removed from the outdoor exit area at the bottom of the second floor fire escape staircase/playground rear exit.	Yes
?	Wed Oct 02 2024 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
?	Wed Oct 02 2024 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; and job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff. Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility, and job descriptions.	Yes
?	Wed Oct 02 2024 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. Ensure that the playground rear exit gate is able to open and close properly.	Yes
?	Wed Oct 02 2024 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 wall near the sink in the basement bathroom.	Yes
?	Wed Oct 02 2024 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 for one named staff member.	Yes
?	Wed Oct 02 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. Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually. Ensure children and staff participate in the drills.	Yes
?	Wed May 31 2023 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. Provide and maintain the resilient surfacing and use zones under all play equipment as required; ensure adequate rubber mulch around the bottom of the slide. 7/5/23-NOTE, mulch has been purchased, awaiting delivery.	Yes
?	Wed May 31 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(d)(2) — Heating requirements are as follows: steam and hot water pipes and radiators shall be protected by screens, guards, insulation, or any other suitable, non-combustible protective device. Securely fasten loose area of baseboard heating in the basement classroom.	Yes
?	Wed May 31 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
?	Wed May 31 2023 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. Note, current SBIC expires 10/7/23; violation is being cited at renewal.	Yes
?	Wed May 31 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(h)(2) — Lead paint precautions are as follows: the center shall comply with the lead paint inspection requirements specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(h)3, unless the center Submit a lead paint risk assessment as required.	Yes
?	Wed May 31 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; update to include program supervisor.	Yes
?	Wed May 31 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-3.6(b)(1) — The center shall distribute a copy of the Information to Parents document to each child’s parent(s) upon enrollment and to every person upon becoming a staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s and staff member’s signature attesting to receipt of the document. The center shall maintain on file a copy of the Information to Parents document. Ensure that the center maintains and distributes to all families and staff an UPDATED copy of the Information to Parents document and maintains on file signatures of all staff and families attesting to the receipt of the policy.	Yes
?	Wed May 31 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
?	Wed May 31 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. 8/14/23-Note, one CARI outstanding.	Yes
?	Wed May 31 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 for the center's license renewal. 8/14/23-Note, 2 CHRI outstanding.	Yes
?	Wed May 31 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.6(d)(1) — For school-age child care programs the program supervisor shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the applicable options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(d) for education, training, and experience, based on the center's licensed capacity. Submit education documentation for program supervisor.	Yes
?	Wed May 31 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(11) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all windows and other glass surfaces that are not made of safety glass and that are located within 36 inches above the floor shall have protective guards. Ensure protective guards for windows are securely fastened in Room 2.	Yes
?	Wed May 31 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(16)(i) — 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. Repair tops of half doors in the second floor classrooms.	Yes
?	Wed May 31 2023 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. Sand/paint rusting pipes behind the toilet in basement bathroom.	Yes
?	Wed May 31 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.8(a)(5) — The center shall complete and maintain on file for each enrolled child a Children’s Records Checklist, signed by the director, sponsor, or sponsor representative and designated by the Office of Licensing, indicating that the center has obtained documentation of signed authorization from the parent(s) for emergency medical treatment. Ensure that children's files contain all required components, including signed authorization from the parent for emergency medical treatment.	Yes
?	Wed May 31 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.8(j)(1) — The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the expulsion of children from enrollment at the center. The expulsion policy shall include Update center's expulsion policy to include timeframes for expulsion.	Yes
?	Wed May 31 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 Epi-pen and Benadryl is maintained on site as required by the special needs care plan for one named child.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 16 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 and credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually; submit updated training logs to OOL.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 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; submit updated policy.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 16 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.6(b)(2) — The center shall maintain on file a written record of each incident resulting in an injury as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(a). These records shall include the following: the date, time and location of the incident. Complete accident reports as required, including documenting the time of notification to parent when required.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 16 2022 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 16 2022 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; update.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 16 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; update with current staff members.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 16 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.5(c)(2)(ii) — 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 complete staff development in understanding licensing rules as provided by the Office. Ensure that the director designee completes the Understanding Licensing training provided by OOL.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 16 2022 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; submit documentation for new head teacher.	Yes
?	Mon Nov 29 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.6(b)(1) — 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 education documentation for new director.	Yes
?	Mon Nov 29 2021 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. Ensure that unapproved space is inaccessible to the children at all times. Center was observed using a room on the first floor that has not yet been approved for use.	Yes
?	Mon Nov 29 2021 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. Hire and submit education documentation for a new head teacher.	Yes
?	Mon Nov 29 2021 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. Provide results of CHRI background check for one named staff member.	Yes

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

Inspections (22)

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

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