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Westside Academy

Child care center · 400 Westside Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07304 · License 080300016

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 50. 0 to 13

Violation history (41)

SeverityDateStandard / narrativeCorrected
?Fri Jun 26 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — (9) 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: before administering a health care procedure associated with a child’s health condition, such as the use of a blood glucose monitor, nebulizer, or epinephrine pen, the center shall ensure that all staff members who administer the procedure are taught to do so by the child’s parent or another appropriately-trained person. There shall be at least two staff members present at the center who are trained in such health care procedures. 10. 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 Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan that includes procedures for contacting parents and emergency medical services, and both epi-pens are present when two are required. One child's epi-pen was expired and missing the original box in room 2.
?Fri Jun 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.
?Fri Jun 26 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — (9) 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: before administering a health care procedure associated with a child’s health condition, such as the use of a blood glucose monitor, nebulizer, or epinephrine pen, the center shall ensure that all staff members who administer the procedure are taught to do so by the child’s parent or another appropriately-trained person. There shall be at least two staff members present at the center who are trained in such health care procedures. 10. 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 special care plans are signed.. One child's special care plan was missing a parent signature in room1.
?Fri Jun 26 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.2(c) — If the center prepares meals, the center shall obtain 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. The center shall maintain on file the Sanitary Inspection Certificate. 6.3(a)2 If the center chooses to provide food, the center shall ensure that all food served to children is prepared by either: i. The center on-site or off-site; or ii. A caterer who is licensed, registered, certified, or otherwise approved, as appropriate, by the local or county health department or State Department of Health, as applicable.
Provide a current health certificate as required.
?Fri Jun 26 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — (9) 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: before administering a health care procedure associated with a child’s health condition, such as the use of a blood glucose monitor, nebulizer, or epinephrine pen, the center shall ensure that all staff members who administer the procedure are taught to do so by the child’s parent or another appropriately-trained person. There shall be at least two staff members present at the center who are trained in such health care procedures. 10. 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 all medication is present and has a signed special care plan. A child's medication was missing, and the special care plan was missing a parent signature in room1.
?Fri Jun 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. One staff missing a CARI.
?Fri Feb 21 2025 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.
Provide a current fire certificate as required.
Yes
?Tue Mar 26 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(a)(2) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair.
Replace all stained ceiling tiles in Room 3 and Room 1's bathroom.
Yes
?Tue Mar 26 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: the center shall store prescribed epinephrine pens in their original boxes with the child’s name and prescription. A special care plan or other documentation from a health care provider shall accompany the epinephrine pen. If two epinephrine pens are required, both shall be available. Each center under the jurisdiction of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5 shall store back-up epinephrine pens on site consistent with the requirements stated at N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5.e(1).
Provide Benadryl for one named child as per the special care plan.
Yes
?Tue Mar 26 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: the center shall store prescribed epinephrine pens in their original boxes with the child’s name and prescription. A special care plan or other documentation from a health care provider shall accompany the epinephrine pen. If two epinephrine pens are required, both shall be available. Each center under the jurisdiction of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5 shall store back-up epinephrine pens on site consistent with the requirements stated at N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5.e(1).
Provide a second Epi-pen as required by the special care plan and ensure both Epi-pens are stored in their original box for named child.
Yes
?Tue Mar 26 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(a)(19) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: 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.
Complete radon testing in every room on the lowest floor used by children and post the results in a prominent location.
Yes
?Wed May 24 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(b)(6) — Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: centers that provide outdoor space shall maintain all fencing in proper condition.
Provide a fence by shed.
Yes
?Tue May 23 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-2.4(a)(13) — The Office of Licensing may deny an application or suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license or a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval for good cause, including failure to comply with the provisions of P.L. 1998, c. 35, which prohibit smoking in child care centers, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(d).
Post a sign in a prominent location prohibiting smoking during the center's operating hours.
Yes
?Tue May 23 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.3(a)(2) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: 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)
Ensure that the Universal Health Record for the four named children are updated annually.
Yes
?Tue May 23 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ventilation outlets shall be clean and free from obstructions, and filters shall be replaced when saturated.
Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition. Dust the vents in Room 1 and 2.
Yes
?Tue May 23 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.
Paint the chipped paint on the brick walls in the outdoor play area.
Yes
?Tue May 23 2023 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).
Provide documentation for 2 named staff for Mantoux and physical.
Yes
?Tue May 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
?Tue May 23 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 emergency lighting are operable at all times in Room 2 and 4.
Yes
?Tue May 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.
Provide a job description page.
Yes
?Tue May 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 8 staff complete a CHRI background check as required for the center's license renewal.
Yes
?Tue May 23 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(p) — Play equipment, materials, and furniture for indoor and outdoor use shall be of sturdy and safe construction, non-toxic, free of hazards, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The center may not use play equipment intended for outdoor use indoors.
Secure computer monitor in Room 1.
Yes
?Tue May 23 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(a)(4) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: carpeting shall be securely fastened to the floor.
Ensure that the play mat is securely fastened to the floor in Room 3.
Yes
?Tue Apr 19 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: the center shall store prescribed epinephrine pens in their original boxes with the child’s name and prescription. A special care plan or other documentation from a health care provider shall accompany the epinephrine pen. If two epinephrine pens are required, both shall be available. Each center under the jurisdiction of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5 shall store back-up epinephrine pens on site consistent with the requirements stated at N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5.e(1).
Ensure that all Epi-pens 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
?Tue Apr 19 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ventilation outlets shall be clean and free from obstructions, and filters shall be replaced when saturated.
Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition in the room 1 bathroom.
Yes
?Fri Jun 25 2021 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 documentation of cooper and lead testing for the water which includes the water checklist and assurance form.
Yes
?Fri Jun 25 2021 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.
Repair the toilet in Room #2.
Yes
?Fri Jun 25 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(b)(6) — Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: centers that provide outdoor space shall maintain all fencing in proper condition.
Repair the fence in the outdoor play area.
Yes
?Fri Jun 25 2021 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.
Remove the slide from the play area or ensure that the playground safety subcode requirements are followed.
Yes
?Fri Jun 25 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.4(a)(4) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, a supply of hot tap water not exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit and cold running water shall be provided.
Ensure that the tap water does not exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the bathroom in Room #2.
Yes
?Fri Jun 25 2021 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 or repaint the wall near the outdoor play area.
Yes
?Fri Sep 20 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.5(e)(2)(i) — For early childhood programs the head teacher shall be scheduled to work at the center for at least 75 percent of the center's daily operating hours or at least six hours a day, whichever is less. Yes
?Tue Sep 03 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.4(a)(4) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, a supply of hot tap water not exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit and cold running water shall be provided.
Ensure that the tap water in the Room 2 bathroom does not exceed 110 degrees.
Yes
?Fri Aug 30 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.8(a)(1) — Handwashing requirements are as follows: the center shall ensure that children three months of age and older wash their hands with soap and running water Yes
?Fri Aug 30 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(q)(2) — Space and room requirements are as follows: at no time shall a center
Room 2 had 20 children and the capacity is 12. Maintain capacity limits at all times.
Yes
?Fri Aug 30 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.
Ensure that the children are directly supervised at all times by staff throughout the center.
Yes
?Fri Aug 30 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(b)(6) — Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: centers that provide outdoor space shall maintain all fencing in proper condition.
Repair the sharp edges of the fence. Ensure it is not protruding into the exit. Ensure that exit for the wood fence opens easily
Yes
?Fri Aug 30 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(a)(2) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair.
Repair the stained ceiling tiles throughout the center.
Yes
?Fri Aug 30 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.5(c)(1) — The director shall be scheduled to work at the center at least 50 percent of the center’s daily operating hours. Yes
?Fri Aug 30 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: for bottles, each child's bottle(s) shall be labeled with the child's name and dated. Yes
?Fri Aug 30 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.7(a)(1)(i) — Disinfectants shall be used as follows: the center shall disinfect those items specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)3 with a solution that shall be a commercially prepared disinfectant that indicates it kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This solution shall be used in accordance with label instructions. Yes

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

Inspections (17)

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

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