New Jersey › West Milford › The Children's Castle

The Children's Castle

Child care center · 1614 Union Valley Rd, West Milford, NJ 07480 · License 16CHI0009

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 99. 0 to 13

Violation history (31)

Severity	Date	Standard / narrative	Corrected
?	Fri Oct 03 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(l) — (l) Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: 1. The center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating: i. The location of the first aid kit and any additional first aid supplies; ii. The name, address and telephone number of the physician retained by the center or of the health facility to be used in emergencies; iii. An alternate indoor location that operates during the same operating hours as the center. The center shall: (1) Select an alternate indoor location within safe walking distance; or (2) Develop a written procedure for obtaining emergency transportation to the alternate location; iv. The hospital or clinic to which injured or ill children will be taken; v. The telephone numbers for obtaining police, fire, ambulance and poison control services, including the National Poison Emergency Hotline at (800) 222-1222; vi. The location of written authorization from parent(s) for emergency medical care for each child; vii. A diagram showing how the center is to be evacuated in case of emergency from each classroom and the outdoor play area; viii. The location of fire alarms and fire extinguishers; and ix. Procedures for ensuring children’s safety and communicating with parents in the event of evacuation, lockdown, natural or civil disaster, and other emergencies. The procedures shall indicate: (1) The plan for informing parents of their children’s whereabouts; and (2) The local law enforcement agency or emergency management office that has been notified of the center’s identifying information, as specified in (l)3 below. 2. The emergency procedures shall be readily accessible in a designated location within the center. 3. The center shall ensure that the appropriate local law enforcement agency or emergency management office is notified of: i. The center’s name and location; ii. The number, ages, and special needs of children enrolled; iii. The number of staff; iv. The need for emergency transportation; v. The location to which children will be evacuated; vi. The plan for a lockdown; and vii. The plan for reuniting children with their parents. Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes all required components.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 03 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.6(c)(1) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: or 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 that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 03 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.4(a)(4) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, a supply of hot tap water not exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit and cold running water shall be provided. Ensure that hot tap water does not exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the red bathroom inside Room 4.	Yes
?	Tue Feb 20 2024 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 meals and snacks immediately preceding each meal without another activity or use before the children eat.	Yes
?	Tue Feb 20 2024 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. Repair, remove or replace the large gross motor climbing blocks that are in disrepair.	Yes
?	Tue Feb 20 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
?	Tue Feb 20 2024 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. Ensure that the center conducts at least two lockdown drills per year during each session provided at the center and maintains records of the drills on file.	Yes
?	Tue Feb 20 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(iii) — 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 or site is not provided a potable water supply by a public community water system, the applicant shall provide potable water sampling results demonstrating compliance with maximum contaminant levels for all contaminants required to be tested pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:10-5 for public non-transient, non-community (NTNC) water systems, including radiological contaminants, regardless of whether they meet the definition of NTNC systems as defined at N.J.A.C. 7:10-1.3. This sampling shall have been conducted within three years of the date of application submission, except nitrates and coliform, for which the sampling shall have been conducted within 90 days of submitting the application. Submit current documentation from the DEP, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water (BSDW) for centers not served by a public community water system and post the results.	Yes
?	Tue Feb 20 2024 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 Paint the walls where excessive chipping is observable throughout the building, as needed.	Yes
?	Tue Feb 20 2024 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. Cease the practice of children washing their hands and sitting on the floor before being called to the table to eat.	Yes
?	Tue May 18 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 to the OOL the staff’s daily time sheets with arrival and departure times for the prior 2-week period.	Yes
?	Tue May 18 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). Submit to the OOL a Staff Records Checklist indicating that the center has obtained the required documentation for the sponsor/sponsor representative and each individual staff member.	Yes
?	Tue May 18 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.1(d)(1) — The staff records specified in 3A:52-4.1(a) through (c) shall be maintained on file as follows: 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. Submit to the OOL a copy of Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) background check results for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff.	Yes
?	Tue May 18 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. Complete a Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) background check as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal.	Yes
?	Tue May 18 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. Submit to the OOL job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff.	Yes
?	Tue May 18 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. Submit to the OOL a copy of the center’s fire drill log for each session provided at the center for a period of at least 90 days.	Yes
?	Tue May 18 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. Submit to the OOL documentation indicating that at least 2 staff members present at the center have current basic knowledge of first aid principles and CPR.	Yes
?	Tue May 18 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 Submit to the OOL a copy of the center’s expulsion policy which includes circumstances, methods to notify parents, sufficient time limits, and reasons for immediate expulsion.	Yes
?	Tue May 18 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©. Submit to the OOL the center's written policy on the management of communicable diseases which includes the list of illnesses and symptoms of illness for which a child will be separated from the group and possibly sent home; the list of diseases for which a child will not be readmitted to the center unless accompanied by a statement from the child's health care provider; and assurance that during any outbreak of an excludable disease at the center, each parent whose child may have been exposed to the disease shall receive a written notice of the outbreak.	Yes
?	Tue May 18 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 Submit to the OOL the center’s illness log for a period of at least 30 days.	Yes
?	Tue May 18 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. Submit to the OOL a copy of the center’s current comprehensive general liability insurance policy.	Yes
?	Tue May 18 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 to the OOL a copy of the center’s NJ DCF Drinking Water Testing Checklist and Statement of Assurance along with documentation that the center (supplied by a community water system) completed water testing conducted by a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) certified lab for water testing for lead and copper from all faucets and sources used for drinking water or food preparation and at least 50% of all indoor water faucets used by the center.	Yes
?	Tue May 18 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(iii) — 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 or site is not provided a potable water supply by a public community water system, the applicant shall provide potable water sampling results demonstrating compliance with maximum contaminant levels for all contaminants required to be tested pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:10-5 for public non-transient, non-community (NTNC) water systems, including radiological contaminants, regardless of whether they meet the definition of NTNC systems as defined at N.J.A.C. 7:10-1.3. This sampling shall have been conducted within three years of the date of application submission, except nitrates and coliform, for which the sampling shall have been conducted within 90 days of submitting the application. Submit to the OOL current documentation from the DEP, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water (BSDW), for centers not on a public community water system, and post results. [Note: Check the DEP, BSDW website at www.state.nj.us/dep/dccrequest/safedrnk.htm or call (609) 292-5550 for more information.]	Yes
?	Tue May 18 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 to the OOL the children’s daily time sheets with arrival and departure times for the prior 2-week period.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 24 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. The center is missing 3 staff CARI's.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 24 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). One named child requires antihistamine for medication.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 24 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). Named children need to have parental signatures on HAP's.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 24 2019 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. Fire certificate expired on 9/30/19.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 24 2019 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.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 24 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.8(a)(1) — Topics of orientation training shall include supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a). SDR for the 2019-2020 calendar year is pending.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 24 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. The center is missing 3 staff CHRI's.	Yes

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

Inspections (15)

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

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