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The Montessori Children's Academy of Short Hills

Child care center · 200 Hartshorn Drive, Short Hills, NJ 07078 · License 070900002

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 152. 2½ to 13

Violation history (35)

Severity	Date	Standard / narrative	Corrected
?	Wed Jul 30 2025 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. Provide documentation that the center has current comprehensive general liability insurance coverage.	Yes
?	Wed Jul 30 2025 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. 9/22/25: 6 received, 13 outstanding.	Yes
?	Wed Jul 30 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. Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 2 staff. 9/22/25: 1 received, 1 outstanding.	Yes
?	Wed Jul 30 2025 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 Jul 30 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.	Yes
?	Wed Jul 30 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(h)(7) — Lead paint precautions are as follows: if a previous lead paint inspection indicates the presence of lead, or a lead paint risk management plan is in progress at the center, the center shall: ensure that a lead paint risk assessment is conducted by a Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor who is certified and employed as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(h)3, upon renewal of the center’s license; and submit the results of the risk assessment to the Office of Licensing and the local department of health. Submit a lead paint risk assessment for the center's license renewal.	Yes
?	Wed Jul 30 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(i)(8) — 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. the Office of Licensing shall not issue licenses or renewals to child care centers that are co-located in a building or other structure that contains a dry cleaner or nail salon unless the applicant obtains indoor air sampling that demonstrates that there is no impact to the child care center. Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 06 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
?	Fri Oct 06 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 the emergency lighting in room 105 is operable at all times.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 06 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.3(a)(12)(ii) — All centers shall comply with the following requirements, the center shall ensure that these safety and sanitation practices are followed: sippy cups shall be labeled with the child’s name. Ensure that each child's sippy cup is labeled with the child's name throughout the center.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 06 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.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 06 2023 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 that adequate supervision is maintained at all times throughout the center. Children between the ages of 3 and 5 were observed walking in the hallway, from the bathrooms to their classrooms, unsupervised.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 06 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. In room 101, 12 children, between the ages of 3 and 5, were in the care of 1 staff. One additional staff was needed to meet the required staff/child ratio.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 06 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.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 06 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
?	Fri Oct 06 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 teachers meet the required qualifications as specified in the manual.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 06 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
?	Mon Jun 13 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 for the center's license renewal.	Yes
?	Mon Jun 13 2022 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
?	Mon Jun 13 2022 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. 9/8/22: 5 completed CARIs received.	Yes
?	Mon Jun 13 2022 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 13 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(q)(3)(v) — Space and room requirements are as follows: Indoor space requirements for play rooms and sleep rooms are as follows the center shall identify all rooms of the center that have been approved by the Office of Licensing. This identification shall consist of numbers, letters, names or any other means of identification and shall be located either inside or directly outside each room. Submit a diagram of all approved areas and ensure that all rooms approved for use by the children are labeled.	Yes
?	Tue Jun 04 2019 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. Children from Room 103 were observed going to their cubbies and to the bathroom in the hallway unsupervised.	Yes
?	Tue Jun 04 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.11(a)(2) — Each center shall develop a written policy on the management of communicable diseases. This policy shall include the following: the list of diseases for which a child will not be readmitted to the center unless accompanied by a statement from the child's health care provider, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1(d). Ensure the center is using the most updated policy.	Yes
?	Tue Jun 04 2019 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. Repair the peeling paint on the double black doors within the play area.	Yes
?	Tue Jun 04 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.2(d) — An applicant seeking the renewal of a license or of a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval to continue operating a center shall obtain and maintain on file a fire safety inspection certificate for the building based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months. If the center prepares meals, the applicant seeking renewal shall obtain and maintain on file a satisfactory Sanitary Inspection Certificate, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:24, indicating that the kitchen is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the State Sanitary Code, based on a sanitary inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months.	Yes
?	Tue Jun 04 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
?	Tue Jun 04 2019 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.	Yes
?	Tue Jun 04 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). Ensure that the following is maintained at the center: a) the second epi pen for 8 named children, b) updated special care plans for 2 named children, c) replace expired medications for 2 named children, d) the original boxes and prescriptions for 2 named children.	Yes
?	Tue Jun 04 2019 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.	Yes
?	Tue Jun 04 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(h)(2)(ii) — 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 submits documentation to the Office of Licensing of a previous lead paint inspection conducted by a Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor, who is certified and employed as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(h)3, indicating the center is free of lead-based paint hazards.	Yes
?	Tue Jun 04 2019 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 the emergency light in the first floor handicap bathroom is operable at all times.	Yes
?	Tue Jun 04 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.8(b) — 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 12 required topics are included in orientation training.	Yes
?	Tue Jun 04 2019 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 There were 17 children, ages 6-9 years, with 1 staff in Room 204/205. An additional staff was needed.	Yes
?	Tue Jun 04 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.10(b)(2) — 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. Until the results of the CARI background check for a new staff member have been received from the Department, the center shall ensure oversight of the new staff member by another staff member, and ensure that person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children. Provide renewal CARI checks for 6 named staff.	Yes

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

Inspections (18)

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

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