New Jersey › Ridgefield › Immaculate Heart of Mary Preschool

Immaculate Heart of Mary Preschool

Child care center · 551 Prospect Avenue, Ridgefield, NJ 07657 · License 150200040

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 64. 2½ to 6

Violation history (43)

Severity	Date	Standard / narrative	Corrected
?	Wed Nov 05 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. Missing for one staff member.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 05 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. Expired	Yes
?	Wed Nov 05 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. Missing for 3 staff members.	Yes
?	Wed Nov 05 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
?	Wed Nov 05 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
?	Wed Nov 05 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(b)(7)(i) — 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. Centers that take children to a community playground shall ensure that the playground surfacing and all other elements comply with the Playground Safety Subcode before being used by the children. Replenish mulch on playground.	Yes
?	Mon Jun 10 2024 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. Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH.	Yes
?	Mon Jun 10 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). Replace expired Benadryl for 1 named child.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 12 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.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 12 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.6(b)(1) — The center shall maintain on file a written record of each incident resulting in an injury as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(a). These records shall include the following: the name of the injured child. Complete accident reports as required, including all components of the report filled out.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 12 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.6(c)(1) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: for all centers, the head teacher or consulting head teacher shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the seven options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(c) for education and experience. Provide documentation of evaluated credentials for head teacher.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 12 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 Oct 12 2023 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 that vent cover in bathroom in room #6 is free of dust.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 12 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
?	Tue Aug 16 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(f)(2) — Toilet facility requirements are as follows: mirrors, dispensers, and other equipment shall be fastened securely. Ensure that all bathroom equipment is fastened securely: Make the shower in Room 4 inaccessible	Yes
?	Tue Aug 16 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.3(a)(12)(ii) — All centers shall comply with the following requirements, the center shall ensure that these safety and sanitation practices are followed: sippy cups shall be labeled with the child’s name. Ensure that each child's sippy cup is labeled with the child's name	Yes
?	Tue Aug 16 2022 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 all Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan and that two are present when required: 2 named children	Yes
?	Tue Aug 16 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.4(a)(4)(iii) — For early childhood programs, the center shall provide opportunities for daily rest and sleep as follows: for children over the age of 18 months and under the age of four years, the center shall provide an alternative quiet activity for each child who has rested or slept for 30 minutes and does not appear to need additional rest or sleep. Provide alternative quiet activities for children who have rested or slept for 30 minutes	Yes
?	Tue Aug 16 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(o)(1) — First aid requirements are as follows: at least two staff members who have current certified basic knowledge of first aid principles and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as defined by a recognized health organization (such as the American Red Cross), shall be in the center at all times when enrolled children are present. Ensure that at least two staff have current first aid and CPR certifications and are present at all times at the center	Yes
?	Tue Aug 16 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 at least one fire drill, annually, during nap time	Yes
?	Tue Aug 16 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(b)(1) — Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the building, land, walkways, and outdoor play area shall be free from hazards to the health, safety or well-being of the children. Ensure that all outdoor hazards are removed: Cover or remove the small tree trunk in the middle of the outdoor play area to eliminate a possible tripping hazard	Yes
?	Tue Aug 16 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.8(a)(2) — Topics of orientation training shall include understanding center operations, policies and procedures, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)3. Retrain all staff in the following core area: Proper nap time procedures	Yes
?	Tue Jun 22 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. SUBMIT STAFF DAILY ATTENDANCE SHEETS FOR A TWO WEEK PERIOD	Yes
?	Tue Jun 22 2021 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. MAINTAIN A SIX FOOT CLEAR USE ZONE AROUND ALL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT: RELOCATE THE PLAY HOUSE LOCATED NEXT TO THE CLIMBING STRUCTURE	Yes
?	Tue Jun 22 2021 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. MAINTAIN THE RESILIENT SURFACE AROUND THE CLIMBING STRUCTURE: REPLENISH THE MULCH AROUND THE CLIMBING STRUCTURE	Yes
?	Tue Jun 22 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. SUBMIT THE DCF DRINKING WATER STATEMENT OF ASSURANCE	Yes
?	Tue Jun 22 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. MAINTAIN ON FILE A CURRENT FIRE DRILL LOG FOR THE PAST 90 DAYS	Yes
?	Tue Jun 22 2021 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). MAINTAIN ON FILE CURRENT ORIENTATION TRAINING DOCUMENTATION FOR ALL STAFF	Yes
?	Tue Jun 22 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. MAINTAIN ON FILE A CURRENT TABLE OR ORGANIZATION	Yes
?	Tue Jun 22 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. MAINTAIN ON FILE CURRENT RENEWAL CARI BACKGROUND CLEARANCES FOR ALL STAFF NOTE: 7.20.2021 1 STAFF	Yes
?	Thu Sep 19 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(b)(6) — Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: centers that provide outdoor space shall maintain all fencing in proper condition. REPAIR/REPLACE THE GATE TO THE OUTDOOR PLAY AREA TO ENSURE IT OPENS & CLOSES PROPERLY	Yes
?	Thu Sep 19 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(ii) — Space and room requirements are as follows: at no time shall a center allow more children in attendance than the licensed room capacity. MAINTAIN LICENSED ROOM CAPACITIES DURING LARGE GROUP ACTIVITIES AND AT ALL TIMES: ROOM 2 {1ST FLOOR} IS LICESENED FOR 9 CHILDREN; 16 PRESENT & ROOM 5 {2ND FLOOR} IS LICESNED FOR 11 CHILDREN; 20 PRESENT	Yes
?	Mon Aug 26 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.4(g)(2) — When sheets, blankets and other coverings are not stored with sleeping equipment, each of these items shall be stored separately for each child. Ensure that the blankets on the second floor are stored separately. The blankets and sheets were hanging off the cots and touching other children's bedding.	Yes
?	Mon Aug 26 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(o)(1) — First aid requirements are as follows: at least two staff members who have current certified basic knowledge of first aid principles and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as defined by a recognized health organization (such as the American Red Cross), shall be in the center at all times when enrolled children are present. Ensure that there are 2 staff at all times at the center with a current CPR and First Aid Certification.	Yes
?	Mon Aug 26 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(9) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: toilets, wash basins, kitchen sinks, and other plumbing shall be maintained in good operating and sanitary condition. Repair the urinal in the gym to operable condition.	Yes
?	Mon Aug 26 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of Repair/repaint the area in classroom 4 on the second floor near the sink.	Yes
?	Mon Aug 26 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. Clean the vents in the far corner of classroom 5 on the second floor. Clean the vents in classroom 2's bathroom on the second floor.	Yes
?	Mon Aug 26 2019 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 the director completes 20 hours of training yearly.	Yes
?	Mon Aug 26 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.8(b) — Orientation training as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) may be included for six of the required hours of staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(c) and (d). Ensure that the director completes all required components of the orientation training.	Yes
?	Mon Aug 26 2019 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 that the staff know how many children are in their care at all times. A staff stated there were 10 children, when 7 were present in classroom 4 on the second floor.	Yes
?	Mon Aug 26 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 that the staff are directly supervising the children in the hallway. There was a class of children waiting near the front door of the center without staff in sight.	Yes
?	Mon Aug 26 2019 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. There is 1 CHRI missing.	Yes
?	Mon Aug 26 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.3(a)(12)(ii) — All centers shall comply with the following requirements, the center shall ensure that these safety and sanitation practices are followed: sippy cups shall be labeled with the child’s name. Ensure that the sippy cups are labeled in classroom 1.	Yes

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

Inspections (19)

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

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