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New JerseyChatham › The Montessori Children's Academy - (Chatham)

The Montessori Children's Academy - (Chatham)

Child care center · 286 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 07928 · License 14MON0004

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 149. 2½ to 13

Violation history (44)

SeverityDateStandard / narrativeCorrected
?Tue Dec 09 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 that all illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting are operable at all times throughout the center. Repair or replace the inoperable emergency light in Room 101/102.
Yes
?Tue Dec 09 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. Ensure that the center establishes a staff substitute system.
Yes
?Tue Dec 09 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.2(a)(8) — The center shall obtain a Life Hazard Use Registration certificate applicable to the center’s licensed capacity and ages served pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq. The center shall post this document in a prominent location within the center.
Provide a current life/hazard use registration certificate applicable to the center's licensed capacity and ages served.
Yes
?Tue Dec 09 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 Dec 09 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
?Tue Dec 09 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
?Tue Dec 09 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(d)(2) — steam and hot water pipes and radiators shall be protected by screens, guards, insulation, or any other suitable, non-combustible protective device.
Provide and maintain suitable protective devices for radiators, steam and hot water pipes. Repair or replace the broken radiator cover in the Gym.
Yes
?Tue Dec 09 2025 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 that the center has current comprehensive general liability insurance coverage.
Yes
?Tue Dec 09 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
?Thu Mar 21 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
?Thu Mar 21 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.8(d)(1) — 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 educational and physical activity.
Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually.
Yes
?Thu Mar 21 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
?Thu Mar 21 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 and distributes to all families and staff the center's policy on the release of children and will maintain on file signatures from all staff attesting to the receipt of the policy, refers to 3 staff members.
Yes
?Thu Mar 21 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.6(e)(1) — The center shall develop and follow a written policy for parental notification if a method other than a telephone call is used at the center for parental notification. The center shall distribute a copy of this policy to the parent of each enrolled child and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s signature attesting to receipt of this policy.
Develop a written policy for parental notification of injuries if the center uses methods other than a telephone call and maintain on file the signatures of staff and parents acknowledging receipt of the policy.
Yes
?Thu Mar 21 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
?Thu Mar 21 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 all staff has a statement from a medical professional that they are cleared to work with children as required, refers to 3 staff members.
Yes
?Thu Mar 21 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, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required for the center's license renewal.
Yes
?Thu Mar 21 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
?Thu Mar 21 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.2(a)(8) — The center shall obtain a Life Hazard Use Registration certificate applicable to the center’s licensed capacity and ages served pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq. The center shall post this document in a prominent location within the center.
Provide a current life/hazard use registration certificate applicable to the center's licensed capacity and ages served.
Yes
?Tue Apr 04 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.
Yes
?Tue Apr 04 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.
Yes
?Tue Apr 04 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
?Tue Jun 15 2021 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.
The center shall submit or upload the center's liability insurance to the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 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).
The center shall submit or upload the most current staff records checklist to the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-6.6(e)(1) — The center shall maintain on file a written policy on the disciplining of children by staff members. The policy shall reflect the provisions specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6(a) through (c) and include the acceptable actions that a staff member may take when disciplining a child (that is, discussion with the child, time-out, etc.).
The center shall submit or upload the discipline policy to the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(h)(7)(i) — 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.
The center shall submit or upload the current lead paint risk assessment for the license renewal to the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 2021 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.
The center shall submit or upload the radon testing to the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 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©.
The center shall submit or upload the policy on the management of communicable diseases in the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 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
The center shall submit or upload the exclusion policy in the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 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.
The center shall submit or upload at least 2 first aid certifications of staff to the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 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.
The center shall submit or upload 2 staff CPR certifications to the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 2021 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 submit or upload the fire drill log to the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(i)(8) — Environmental condition precautions are as follows: at the time of the initial application, any renewal application, relocation of an existing licensed center, and, as determined by the Office of Licensing, on a case-by-case basis, the facility operator shall submit to the Office of Licensing a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the Department of Health that indicates that no further remediation is needed for the interior of the building in which the center is located.
The center shall submit or upload the current Safe Building Interior Certificate to the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 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.
The center shall submit or upload the water report for copper and lead testing in the water along with the Water Checklist and Assurance Statement to the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 2021 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.
The center shall submit or upload children's attendance records for 2 week period tp the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 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.
The center shall submit or upload staff attendance records for 2 week period to the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 2021 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.
The center shall submit or upload the job descriptions to the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 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.
The center shall submit or upload the table of organization to the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 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.
The center shall submit or upload the CHRI background clearances for staff to the center's File Cabinet as required in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 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.
The center shall complete the renewal CARI background clearances for staff. The center shall submit or upload the sponsor representative's renewal CARI clearance to the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.2(a)(8) — The center shall obtain a Life Hazard Use Registration certificate applicable to the center’s licensed capacity and ages served pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq. The center shall post this document in a prominent location within the center.
The center shall submit or upload the Life Hazard Use Registration certificate to the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 2021 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.
The center shall submit or upload the fire certificate to the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Jun 15 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
The center shall submit or upload the illness policy to the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.
Yes
?Tue Aug 27 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.2(a)(1)(ii) — For newly-constructed buildings, for existing buildings whose construction code group classification would change from that which it had been, or for existing buildings that require major alteration or renovation, the center shall obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) issued by the municipality in which it is located, reflecting the center's compliance with the provisions of the NJUCC, and submit a copy of the CO to the Office of Licensing, for the following group classification: I-4 (Institutional) for buildings accommodating one or more children less than 2 ½ years of age.
Submit an amended CO indicating the Construction Classification Type, i.e. Type 1A or !B.
Yes

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

Inspections (22)

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

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