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FOCUS After School Program

Child care center · 307 Sussex Ave, Newark, NJ 07107 · License 07FOC0003

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 264. 6 to 13

Violation history (44)

Severity	Date	Standard / narrative	Corrected
?	Thu Jun 12 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 a CARI background check is completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal.	Yes
?	Thu Jun 12 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.5(a)(3) — 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
?	Thu Jun 12 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(n)(1) — Fire prevention requirements are as follows: the center shall conduct fire drills at least once a month, as specified in the NJUFC. The center shall ensure that fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center and that one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time, if applicable. The center shall ensure that all children present are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill. Ensure fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center, one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time, if applicable, and all children are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill.	Yes
?	Thu Jun 12 2025 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 for the center's license renewal.	Yes
?	Thu Jun 12 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 a CHRI background check is completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff.	Yes
?	Thu Jun 12 2025 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
?	Mon Dec 16 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 a CHRI background check is completed as required for (1) named staff.	Yes
?	Tue Dec 12 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 12 2023 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 the staff's CARI and CHRI background checks.	Yes
?	Tue Dec 12 2023 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
?	Thu Oct 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 CARI background checks are completed as required for all staff within two weeks of hire.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 13 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
?	Thu Oct 13 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.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 13 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 times.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 13 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.9(a)(1)(vi)(1) — 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 was removed from the center. Maintain an illness log on file at the center and ensure that it contains all of the required components, including the date the child was excluded from the center.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 13 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
?	Thu Oct 13 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.8(a)(1) — 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 the child's name, address, birth date, and date of enrollment. Ensure that the center completes and maintains on file a children's records checklist, including the child's name, address, birth date, and date of enrollment.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 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.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 13 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(n)(2) — Fire prevention requirements are as follows: the center shall ensure that all children present are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill. Ensure that children are evacuated from the center within three minutes during each fire drill.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 13 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(o)(1) — First aid requirements are as follows: at least two staff members who have current certified basic knowledge of first aid principles and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as defined by a recognized health organization (such as the American Red Cross), shall be in the center at all times when enrolled children are present. Ensure that there are at least two staff members present at the center at all times who have current first aid and CPR certifications.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 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. Submit a copy of the public school's drinking water test results.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 13 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(l)(1)(iii)(1) — Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating an alternate indoor location that operates during the same operating hours as the center. The center shall select an alternate indoor location within safe walking distance. Ensure that the center's written emergency plans include an alternate indoor location that is located within a safe walking distance from the center.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 13 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(l)(1)(vii) — Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating a diagram showing how the center is to be evacuated in case of emergency from each classroom and the outdoor play area. Post a diagram showing how the center is to be evacuated from each classroom and the outdoor play area.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 13 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
?	Thu Oct 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 upon renewal.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 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.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 13 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-2.2(e) — The license shall be posted in a prominent location within the center and in each building associated with the center. Post the center's license in a prominent location in each building associated with the center.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 13 2022 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. Ensure that the program supervisor meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. One outstanding.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 13 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.8(e) — Directors shall complete staff development in understanding licensing regulations as provided by the Office of Licensing within 90 days of hire. Such staff development may be included in the required 20 hours of staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(d). Ensure that the director completes the training, "Understanding Licensing Regulations" provided by OOL within 90 days of hire.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 13 2022 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). Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually and that the completion of the training is documented on the Staff Records Checklist.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 13 2022 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 were sent to bathrooms located in a different area of the building alone.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 13 2022 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. At the start of the inspection, 17 children were alone in the gym.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 05 2019 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 all staff have cleared CHRI's on site. One staff member outstanding.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 17 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.8(a)(1) — 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 the child's name, address, birth date, and date of enrollment. Update and maintain children record checklist.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 17 2019 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 all rooms used by children are approved by OOL. Pertaining to the gym.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 17 2019 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. Complete renewal CARI's.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 17 2019 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 updated version of Information to Parents is used.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 17 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(n)(1) — Fire prevention requirements are as follows: the center shall conduct fire drills at least once a month, as specified in the NJUFC. The center shall ensure that fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center and that one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time, if applicable. Ensure monthly fire drills are completed.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 17 2019 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 two lockdown drills are completed annually.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 17 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. Provide copy of water testing results.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 17 2019 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). Update and maintain Staff Records Checklist.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 17 2019 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's for two outstanding staff members.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 17 2019 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 CHRI clearances are maintained on site.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 17 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. Obtain current general liability insurance.	Yes

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

Inspections (31)

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

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