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New JerseyTrenton › Stepping Stones Learning Institute

Stepping Stones Learning Institute

Child care center · 701-719 Roebling Ave, Trenton, NJ 08611 · License 11STE0003

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 124. 2½ to 13

Violation history (39)

SeverityDateStandard / narrativeCorrected
?Mon May 05 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(h)(7) — Lead paint precautions are as follows: if a previous lead paint inspection indicates the presence of lead, or a lead paint risk management plan is in progress at the center, the center shall: ensure that a lead paint risk assessment is conducted by a Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor who is certified and employed as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(h)3, upon renewal of the center’s license; and submit the results of the risk assessment to the Office of Licensing and the local department of health.
Submit a lead paint risk assessment for the center's license renewal.
Yes
?Wed Mar 12 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(i) — Environmental condition precautions are as follows: at the time of the initial application, any renewal application, relocation of an existing licensed center and, in the discretion of the Office of Licensing, any other time, the applicant or facility operator shall certify in writing that the center provides a potable water supply provided by a public community water system. If the facility is supplied by a public community water system, the applicant or facility operator shall provide documentation of water testing conducted by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protection for water testing for lead and copper from all faucets and other sources used for drinking water or food preparation and at least 50 percent of all indoor water faucets utilized by the center.
Complete and submit a DCF Drinking Water Testing Checklist and Statement of Assurance and a copy of the center's water testing completed by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protection.
Yes
?Wed Mar 12 2025 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.
Ensure all ventilation outlets are clean and free from obstructions. ( 719- room 1 bathroom).
Yes
?Wed Mar 12 2025 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.
Ensure all ventilation outlets are clean and free from obstructions. ( 719- 2nd floor, room 3 bathroom).
Yes
?Wed Mar 12 2025 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.
Ensure all ventilation outlets are clean and free from obstructions. ( 701-main floor).
Yes
?Wed Mar 12 2025 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.
Ensure all mechanical ventilation are clean and free from obstructions. ( 719- room 2 bathroom).
Yes
?Wed Mar 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 CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal.
Yes
?Wed Mar 12 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 Zyrtec is provided as required by a special care plan. ( For 1 named child)
Yes
?Mon Jun 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. ( Provide Benadryl as written on special care plan for 2 named children).
Yes
?Mon Jun 17 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(i)(9) — Environmental condition precautions are as follows: the Office of Licensing shall not issue licenses or renewals to child care centers that are co-located in a building or other structure that contains a dry cleaner or nail salon unless the applicant obtains indoor air sampling that demonstrates that there is no impact to the child care center.
Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH.
Yes
?Mon Jun 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. (Updated CHRI needed for 3 staff members)
Yes
?Mon Apr 03 2023 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.
Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for all staff within two weeks of hire. CARI background check needed for 2 staff. 5/16/23- CARI needed for 1 staff
Yes
?Mon Apr 03 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 Benadryl accompany the epinephrine pen as required in the special care plan.
Yes
?Mon Apr 03 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.2(a)(5) — The center shall be permitted to obtain a valid fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, and submit a copy of the certificate to the Office of Licensing in lieu of a CO or CCO, if the center serves only children 2 ½ years of age or older and is located in a public school building that is used as a public school.
Provide a current fire certificate as required.
Yes
?Mon Apr 03 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 completes and maintains on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.
Yes
?Mon Apr 03 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 all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required. CHRI background check needed for 10 staff.
Yes
?Wed Mar 23 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. Renewal
Yes
?Wed Mar 23 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
?Wed Mar 23 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.2(a)(5) — The center shall be permitted to obtain a valid fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, and submit a copy of the certificate to the Office of Licensing in lieu of a CO or CCO, if the center serves only children 2 ½ years of age or older and is located in a public school building that is used as a public school.
Provide a current fire certificate as required.
Yes
?Wed Mar 11 2020 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.3(a)(1) — The center shall develop and implement an Office of Licensing-approved method to keep track of the location and ensure the safety of all children at all times when under the center’s supervision, including the transfer of supervision from and to parents during arrival and departure and the utilization of off-site locations, including playgrounds and field trips.
Ensure staff know the number of children in their care at all times. Staff in Building 719 room1 stated they had 13 children when 14 were present and staff in room 3 stated they had 13 children when 12 were present.
Yes
?Wed Mar 11 2020 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 the center's fire protective system is fully operable at all times with trouble indicator lights. Upon arrival, the panel was displaying a trouble light. The monitoring system, Reliable Alarm, was contacted and informed that despite the trouble light the center was still being monitored. There was a phone line issue and as per the center Verizon was scheduled for 3/11 between 12-2pm to repair the issue.
Yes
?Thu Jan 23 2020 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.
Ensure the outdoor climbing equipment is free of rust where the metal chain link ladder connects to the climber.
Yes
?Thu Jan 23 2020 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 or replace the stained ceiling tile in Room 2, Building 719.
Yes
?Thu Jan 23 2020 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 documentation of a current fire certificates for both buildings, 701 and 719.
Yes
?Thu Jan 23 2020 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 CHRI checks are completed as required for all staff. There is 1 missing CHRI check.
Yes
?Thu Apr 18 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.4(a)(1) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, all electrical outlets that are accessible to the children shall have protective covers.
Provide an outlet cover on the wall under the tv in building 719, room 1.
Yes
?Thu Apr 18 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — Supplemental evacuation requirements are as follows: cribs, beds, playpens, and cots used for rest or sleep shall be arranged so as to provide access to a three-foot-wide aisle that leads to an unobstructed exit.
Ensure the exit door leading out of building 701, room 2, to the playground is easily operable.
Yes
?Thu Apr 18 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 documentation of water testing, the water checklist, and statement of assurance.
Yes
?Thu Apr 18 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(h)(2) — Lead paint precautions are as follows: the center shall comply with the lead paint inspection requirements specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(h)3, unless the center
Provide documentation that the center completed lead testing.
Yes
?Thu Apr 18 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 or replace the rug in the Lego area of building 719, room 2, that is ripped and fraying on the edges.
Yes
?Thu Apr 18 2019 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.
Ensure the mechanical ventilation in building 701, room 2, bathroom is free of dust.
Yes
?Thu Apr 18 2019 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 the number of children signed in accurately reflects the number of children present in the room. There were 14 children signed in and 15 children present in room 3.
Yes
?Thu Apr 18 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.
Staff receipt needed only.
Yes
?Thu Apr 18 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 checks for all staff.
Yes
?Thu Apr 18 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.
Ensure the window screens in building 701, room 2, are cleaned.
Yes
?Thu Apr 18 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 CARI checks for all staff as required.
Yes
?Thu Apr 18 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.5(b)(7)(i) — 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 maintain on file a record of the following the child's name and parental authorization for the center to administer medication or health care procedures.
Ensure children's special care plans and all medication records, include parents signatures.
Yes
?Thu Apr 18 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 all epi-pens are stored in the original box with the prescription, accompanied by a special care a plan, and all medications required in the plan are maintained on-site.
Yes
?Thu Apr 18 2019 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.
Staff and parent receipt of the policy needed.
Yes

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

Inspections (29)

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

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