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New JerseyPerth Amboy › Ignacio Cruz Early Childhood Center

Ignacio Cruz Early Childhood Center

Child care center · 601 Cortlandt Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 · License 090800282

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 180. 2½ to 6

Violation history (40)

SeverityDateStandard / narrativeCorrected
?Thu Nov 13 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.8(d) — The director, head teacher(s), group teacher(s), and program supervisor(s) shall each complete 20 hours of staff development each year. Recommended topics of training for these staff include educational and physical activity; special needs programming and program development; social-emotional and behavioral development for young children; legal issues, including ADA guidelines and leadership and advocacy.
Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually and maintain on file record of the trainings. 5-5-2026: Training is needed for 1 staff member.
Yes
?Thu Nov 13 2025 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 children's medications are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription. The original box/prescription label is needed for one child.
Yes
?Thu Nov 13 2025 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 children's medications are accompanied by a current special care plan completed by a physician. An updated special care plan is needed for one child.
Yes
?Thu Nov 13 2025 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 medications listed on children's special care plans are maintained. A second epi pen and Benadryl are needed for two children.
Yes
?Thu Nov 13 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.1(d) — the Staff Records Checklist for the current director and all staff members currently working at the center shall be maintained on file at the center.
Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.
Yes
?Thu Nov 13 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 the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. One CHRI clearance is needed. 1-6-2026: Citation is no longer applicable as the staff member isno longer employed.
Yes
?Thu Nov 13 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 and maintain on file record of the trainings. 5-5-2026: Training is needed for 1 staff member. 5-28-2026: Staff member is no longer employed at the center.
Yes
?Thu Nov 13 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.8(c) — The center shall ensure that all staff members who work at the center complete 12 hours of continuing staff development each year. Orientation training as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) may be included for six of the required hours of staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(c) and (d).
Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually and maintain on file record of the trainings. 5-5-2026: Training is needed for 1 staff member. 5-28-2026: Staff member is no longer employed at the center.
Yes
?Wed Apr 10 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.8(d)(2) — In lieu of the child care staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(b), the director, head teacher(s), group teacher(s), and program supervisor(s) shall each complete 20 hours of staff development each year. Recommended topics of training for these staff include special needs programming and program development.
Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually.
Yes
?Wed Apr 10 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.8(a)(1) — Topics of orientation training shall include supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a).
Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually.
Yes
?Wed Apr 10 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(l)(1) — Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating
Ensure that the center has written emergency plans in a readily accessible location that includes evacuation, disaster and lockdown procedures.
Yes
?Wed Apr 10 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(l)(1)(iii) — 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
Ensure that the center's evacuation procedures include an alternate indoor location that operates during the same operating hours as the center.
Yes
?Wed Apr 10 2024 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 that the center conducts fire drills at least once per month during each session provided at the center.
Yes
?Wed Apr 10 2024 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
?Wed Apr 10 2024 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 complete a CHRI background check as required.
Yes
?Wed Apr 10 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.
Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually.
Yes
?Wed Apr 10 2024 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 maintains on file all documents listed on the Staff Records Checklist, including the health exam and Mantoux results.
Yes
?Wed Apr 10 2024 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 on file signatures of all staff attesting to the receipt of the Information to Parents document.
Yes
?Wed Apr 10 2024 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
?Wed Apr 10 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-6.8(l) — The center shall distribute a copy of the social media policy to the parent of each enrolled child and to each staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s signature and each staff member’s signature attesting to the receipt of the policy.
Ensure that the center maintains on file signatures of all staff attesting to the receipt of the social media policy.
Yes
?Wed Apr 10 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-6.5(b) — The center shall distribute a copy of the release policy to the parent of each enrolled child and each staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s and staff member’s signature attesting to receipt of the policy.
Ensure that the center maintains on file signatures of all staff attesting to the receipt of the release of children policy.
Yes
?Wed Nov 15 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).
Ensure that the center updates and maintains on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.
Yes
?Wed Nov 15 2023 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 staff complete orientation training which may be included for six of the required annual training hours.
Yes
?Thu Sep 22 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.8(d)(2) — In lieu of the child care staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(b), the director, head teacher(s), group teacher(s), and program supervisor(s) shall each complete 20 hours of staff development each year. Recommended topics of training for these staff include special needs programming and program development.
Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually.
Yes
?Thu Sep 22 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.8(g)(1) — 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. For staff development provided by the center, the center shall maintain on file documentation or a copy of all staff development materials used.
Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually and that documentation or a copy of all materials used are maintained on file at the center.
Yes
?Thu Sep 22 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.8(c) — The center shall ensure that all staff members who work at the center complete 12 hours of continuing staff development each year.
Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually.
Yes
?Thu Sep 22 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 4 named staff members.
Yes
?Thu Sep 22 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 2 named staff members.
Yes
?Thu Sep 22 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
?Mon Jul 19 2021 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 staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. Room 123 had 12 children with 1 staff when 2 were required.
Yes
?Mon Jul 19 2021 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.
Provide renewal CARI clearances for all staff.
Yes
?Mon Jul 19 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.10(a)(1) — The sponsor or sponsor representative, and each staff member shall complete a signed consent form provided by the Department that indicates the identifying information necessary to conduct a CARI background check, including the person’s name, address, date of birth, sex, race, and Social Security number. Pursuant to the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579), the Department shall advise each such person that the disclosure of his or her Social Security number is voluntary, and that the Social Security number will only be used for the purpose of conducting a CARI background check.
Provide CHRI clearance for 1 staff.
Yes
?Mon Jul 19 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.5(b)(2)(i) — 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 staff attendance records indicating daily hours worked.
Ensure the center documents the arrival and departure times of all staff. Provide 1 week of documentation.
Yes
?Mon Jul 19 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.5(b)(2)(i) — 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 staff attendance records indicating daily hours worked.
Ensure the center documents the arrival and departure times of all children. Provide 1 week of documentation.
Yes
?Mon Jul 19 2021 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 an updated staff records checklist to include all current staff.
Yes
?Mon Jul 19 2021 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.
Provide cpr/first aid training certificate for 1 staff.
Yes
?Mon Jul 19 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-6.8(j)(1)(iv) — The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the expulsion of children from enrollment at the center. The expulsion policy shall include circumstances that may warrant immediate expulsion of a child from the center, such as potentially dangerous behavior by a child or parent.
Ensure the expulsion policy includes all the required components, including reasons for immediate expulsion.
Yes
?Tue Oct 01 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
Ensure staff/child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the center. Room 106 had 13 children with1 staff when 2are required. Room107 had 16 children with 1 staff when 2 are required. Room 109 had 15 children with 1 staff when 2 are required.
Yes
?Tue Apr 30 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 a second epi-pen is present for two children as required by the health care provider plan.
Yes
?Mon Feb 04 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(r) — The center shall take any steps required by the Office of Licensing to correct conditions in the building or center that may endanger the health, safety, and well-being of the children served.
For children who require epi-pens, ensure the epi-pens in the nurses office are accessible to staff or ensure the center has an additional prescribed epi-pen/epi-pens on site at the program.
Yes

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

Inspections (26)

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

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