New Jersey › Denville › Rhyme and Reason

Rhyme and Reason

Child care center · 8 Myers Ave, Denville, NJ 07834 · License 14RHY0001

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 40. 2½ to 13

Violation history (46)

Severity	Date	Standard / narrative	Corrected
?	Thu Jul 10 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(i)(8) — 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 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
?	Thu Jul 10 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 Jul 10 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 staff under 18 years needs to complete a background fingerprint clearance.	Yes
?	Thu Jul 10 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 Feb 29 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(i) — Space and room requirements are as follows: at no time shall a center allow more children in attendance than the licensed capacity as specified on the license or the Certificate of Life/Safety Approval. Ensure that the center operates within its licensed capacity at all times. Room B had 7 children eating and then 9 from Room C were watching a show prior to lunch.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(i) — Handwashing requirements are as follows: the center shall ensure that children three months of age and older wash their hands with soap and running water before intake of food. Ensure that children wash their hands before the intake of food.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.5(e)(2)(ii) — For early childhood programs the head teacher shall be scheduled to plan, discuss and observe the implementation of program activities by staff members for all groups of children. Ensure that the head teacher is able to spend time in each classroom in order to plan, discuss and observe the implementation of the program.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-2.1(b) — A person applying for an initial license or renewal license to operate a center or relocation of a center shall submit a completed application to the Office of Licensing at least 45 days prior to the anticipated opening of the center or to the expiration of its existing regular license. Complete and submit a DCF Renewal Attestation and all required documents.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(i) — Space and room requirements are as follows: at no time shall a center allow more children in attendance than the licensed capacity as specified on the license or the Certificate of Life/Safety Approval. Ensure that the center operates within its licensed capacity at all times. Room B has a capacity of 9 and there were 10 children. At nap time there were 11 in Room B.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 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. Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the children served. The center shall provide a memorandum of understanding statement that the center will only have 5 children under 2 1/2 years at a time.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.1(b)(2) — The staff member(s) specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5 who are responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of the center's daily activities shall ensure that children have opportunities to choose materials freely and materials are accessible at all times except during lunch and nap time. Ensure that materials are accessible to the children at all times, except during lunch and nap time.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.1(b)(6) — The staff member(s) specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5 who are responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of the center's daily activities shall ensure that provided with daily structured and unstructured developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor energetic physical activity as follows Ensure that opportunities for structured and unstructured developmentally appropriate active play are provided for the children each day.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.1(e) — The center shall ensure that pacifiers are removed when the children are crawling or walking. Ensure that pacifiers are removed when children are crawling or walking.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.1(g)(3) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: centers serving children 18 months of age and older shall provide at least five types of children's daily activities including, but not limited to, language; science and mathematics; manipulative; large muscle; building; art; music; drama; or other comparable activities; and at least five types of supplies and equipment for each daily activity chosen by the center. Ensure that classrooms that care for children over 18 months of age provide at least five different activity areas and that each area contains at least five different types of supplies and equipment.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.4(b)(2) — The center shall provide sleeping equipment for children over the age of 12 months and under the age of five years, the center shall provide for each child a crib that complies with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC), Federal Safety Standards for Full-Size and Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs; 16 CRF 1219 and 1220, which is incorporated herein by reference, and can be obtained through the CPSC's website at http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/frnotices/fr11/cribfinal.pdf, playpen, cot, mat, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment that meets the following requirements: Repair and/or replace sleeping equipment that is in disrepair.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.8(a)(1) — The center shall complete and maintain on file for each enrolled child a Children’s Records Checklist, signed by the director, sponsor, or sponsor representative and designated by the Office of Licensing, indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the child's name, address, birth date, and date of enrollment. Ensure that the center completes and maintains on file a children's records checklist, including the child's name, address, birth date and date of enrollment.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.3(a)(2) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: for each child not enrolled in a public or private school, upon admission, the center shall maintain on file at the center a Universal Child Health Record (Department of Health Form CH-14) or its equivalent, updated annually, along with an immunization record, and a special care plan, if applicable. A 30-day grace period is permitted in N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.5(e) Ensure that a Universal Health Record is completed upon enrollment and updated annually.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) — The schedule for disinfecting shall be as follows: tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal. Ensure that the center washes and disinfects the tables used by the children for eating before each meal.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 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
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 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 Dec 07 2023 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 Dec 07 2023 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 Dec 07 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.8(g)(3) — 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. The center shall record each staff member’s completion of staff development and orientation on the Staff Records Checklist, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(b). Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually and that the completion of the training is documented on the Staff Records Checklist.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.2(a)(5) — The center shall be permitted to obtain a valid fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, and submit a copy of the certificate to the Office of Licensing in lieu of a CO or CCO, if the center serves only children 2 ½ years of age or older and is located in a public school building that is used as a public school. Ensure that the center obtains a Certificate of Occupancy or valid fire safety inspection certificate that corresponds with the ages of the children receiving care. The center cares for more than 5 children at a time under 2 1/2 years. Today there were 10 children.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 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
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 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. Three staff need clearances.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 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 for the center's license renewal. One staff needs a clearance.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.4(a)(2) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply for infants (under 18 months of age) and toddlers (18 months to 2½ years of age): a group shall consist of four infants or six toddlers to whom a primary caregiver has been assigned. Ensure that a primary caregiver is assigned to each group of four infants or six toddlers.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 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 that all surfaces are kept clean and in good repair. Remove the bugs from the bathroom light in Room B.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 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 that all playground equipment meets public playground design standards (ASTM F-1487).	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(d)(1) — Heating requirements are as follows: a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit shall be maintained in all areas used by children, including, but not limited to, classrooms and bathrooms. Ensure the bathroom in Room B has a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit is maintained in all areas used by the children.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 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. Submit a lead paint risk assessment as required.	Yes
?	Thu Dec 07 2023 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 Dec 07 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(n)(4) — Fire prevention requirements are as follows: all fire extinguishers shall be visually inspected once a month, and serviced and tagged at least once a year and recharged, if necessary, as specified in the NJUFC. Ensure that all fire extinguishers are serviced and tagged annually and recharged as needed.	Yes
?	Thu Nov 17 2022 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, including one fire drill annually that is conducted during nap time. Ensure monthly drills are being conducted and recorded.	Yes
?	Thu Nov 17 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
?	Fri Sep 03 2021 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 The center shall have an approved emergency evacuation crib available for care of infants.	Yes
?	Fri Sep 03 2021 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 The center shall submit or upload the center's File Cabinet prior to the care of the infant, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that the center will comply with the required staff-child ratios for the back room on the first floor and will provide an additional staff person wherein the young infant is present at the center due to the second exit from that room to the back outside yard.	Yes
?	Mon May 24 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
?	Mon May 24 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 in the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.	Yes
?	Mon May 24 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 testing of lead and copper and other support documents in the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.	Yes
?	Mon May 24 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 in the center's File Cabinet in NJCCIS.	Yes
?	Fri Sep 20 2019 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 one staff completes CARI.	Yes
?	Fri May 17 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.10(b)(4) — The director, sponsor, or sponsor representative shall report the following occurrences to the Office of Licensing by the next working day after the center learns of the occurrence and shall submit documentation to the Office of Licensing within one week of the occurrence of the incident, the occurrence of an injury or illness that results in a call to 911, on-site medical or transported emergency care, or urgent care. An injury incident took place at the center and the parent took the child to their medical doctor. Notification to OOL was not made in the required timeframe.	Yes
?	Fri May 17 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. Ensure the bucket seats have the straps in place.	Yes
?	Fri May 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). Ensure dates are put in the CARI and CHRI boxes as required.	Yes

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

Inspections (26)

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

Nearby alternatives

Facility	Score	City	Distance
Denville Community Church Pre-School	76	Denville	—
Lakeland Hills YMCA at Lakeview School	52	Denville	—
Union Hill Church Pre-school	22	Denville	—
KinderCare Learning Center	0	Denville	—
Lakeland Hills YMCA at Riverview School	0	Denville	—
Little Learner Academy - Denville	0	Denville	—

Licensed facilities near this one, highest compliance score first.

Get violation alerts for this daycare

We'll email you when a new inspection or violation is posted. Free.