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New JerseyPennington › Saint Matthew's Preschool

Saint Matthew's Preschool

Child care center · 300 S Main Street, Pennington, NJ 08534 · License 11SAI0004

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 84. 0 to 6

Violation history (28)

SeverityDateStandard / narrativeCorrected
?Tue Sep 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.
Provide a CHRI background check clearance for one staff.
Yes
?Tue Sep 30 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.2(b) — An applicant seeking a license or a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval to operate a center shall comply with all applicable provisions of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:70 and hereinafter referred to as the NJUFC. The center shall obtain the building's fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, reflecting the center's compliance with all applicable provisions of the NJUFC. The center shall maintain on file the building's fire safety inspection certificate.
Ensure the emergency exit sign is operable in the hallway. 10/22/25 Abated via photo.
Yes
?Tue Sep 30 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(l)(4) — Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall conduct two lockdown drills per year and maintain on file a record of each lockdown drill. The center shall ensure that lockdown drills are conducted during each session provided at the center.
Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually.
Yes
?Tue Sep 30 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.
Conduct and document fire drills at least once a month.
Yes
?Fri May 17 2024 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. (Room 1)
Yes
?Fri May 17 2024 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. (Girls bathroom)
Yes
?Fri May 17 2024 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
?Fri May 17 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 CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal. (1 CARI needed for sponsor representative).
Yes
?Fri May 17 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).
Ensure Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan or other equivalent documentation from a healthcare provider, and that two are present when two are required by the plan. ( 1 named child, room 3)
Yes
?Fri May 17 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.11(a)(3) — As a condition of securing a license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) fingerprint background check is completed for himself or herself, and for all staff members at least 18 years of age who are or will be working at the center on a regularly- scheduled basis, to determine whether any such person has been convicted of a crime, as specified in P.L. 2000, c. 77 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-6.10 to 6.17). If a staff member refuses to consent to a CHRI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediately terminate the staff member’s employment at the center.
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. (1 CHRI needed for sponsor representative).
Yes
?Fri May 17 2024 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. (Boys bathroom)
Yes
?Thu Sep 21 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
?Thu Sep 21 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 Zyrtec accompanied by special care plan is not expired for 1 child.
Yes
?Tue May 10 2022 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
?Mon May 10 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.
Ensure the sponsor representative completes a renewal CARI check.
Yes
?Mon May 10 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.11(a)(1) — As a condition of securing a license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) fingerprint background check is completed for himself or herself, and for all staff members at least 18 years of age who are or will be working at the center on a regularly- scheduled basis, to determine whether any such person has been convicted of a crime, as specified in P.L. 2000, c. 77 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-6.10 to 6.17). The sponsor or sponsor representative and each staff member shall complete the electronic fingerprinting process through the vendor authorized by the State to conduct CHRI background checks through the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Provide a copy of the sponsor representative's CHRI check.
Yes
?Mon May 10 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.11(a)(1) — Each center shall develop a written policy on the management of communicable diseases. This policy shall include the following: the list of illnesses and symptoms of illness for which a child will be separated from the group and possibly sent home, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1©.
Ensure the Communicable Disease Policy includes all the required components and provide an updated copy of the policy.
Yes
?Mon May 10 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 a Statement of Assurance and Drinking water checklist signed by the sponsor representative.
Yes
?Mon May 10 2021 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.
Provide a table of organization which includes job responsibilities.
Yes
?Mon May 10 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.9(a)(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
Ensure the center's illness log includes a return date for students who go home sick.
Yes
?Mon May 10 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(vi) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: a child who, because of age or developmental readiness, no longer needs to be held for feeding shall be provided with an infant seat, high chair with safety strap, or other age-appropriate seating apparatus, which meets the standards of a recognized safety organization (such as the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, the American Society for Testing and Materials, or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission).
Ensure children are sitting at tables while eating lunch and snack. Children were eating picnic style on the floor with trays at the time of inspection.
Yes
?Mon May 10 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-6.8(j)(1) — The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the expulsion of children from enrollment at the center. The expulsion policy shall include
Ensure the expulsion policy includes all components and provide an updated copy of the policy.
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).
Complete and maintain an updated staff records checklist.
Yes
?Thu Oct 17 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.7(a)(1) — 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
Ensure tables are both washed and disinfected. If a commercial product is being used, ensure that the manufacturers directions for disinfecting are followed.
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.
Provide documentation of liability insurance for the childcare center.
Yes
?Thu Oct 17 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 children are supervised at all times wherein a child from room 4 left the room and went unsupervised to the bathroom.
Yes
?Thu Oct 17 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 epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the prescription label and a care plan from the child's health care provider is onsite.
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.
Conduct and document a lockdown drill.
Yes

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

Inspections (26)

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

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