New Jersey › North Plainfield › Growing Tree Pre-School and Kindergarten

Growing Tree Pre-School and Kindergarten

Child care center · 334 Somerset Street, North Plainfield, NJ 07060 · License 18GRO0001

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 90. 2½ to 13 Grow NJ Kids: Level 3

Violation history (34)

Severity	Date	Standard / narrative	Corrected
?	Thu Mar 12 2026 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. Maintain on file a copy of the Mantoux tuberculin skin test and physical examination results for one named staff.	Yes
?	Thu Mar 12 2026 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 for the center's license renewal.	Yes
?	Tue Oct 21 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. Provide a cleared CARI for one named staff.	Yes
?	Tue Oct 22 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(4) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: carpeting shall be securely fastened to the floor. Ensure that all carpeting is securely fastened to the floor in Room 1.	Yes
?	Tue Oct 22 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; special needs programming and program development; social-emotional and behavioral development for young children; legal issues, including ADA guidelines and leadership and advocacy. Ensure that two credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually.	Yes
?	Tue Oct 22 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(5) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: garbage receptacles shall be: made of durable, leak-proof and nonabsorbent materials; covered in a secure manner; emptied to the outdoor garbage receptacle when filled; maintained in a sanitary manner. Ensure that garbage receptacles are maintained as required, including being covered securely in bathroom by Room 2.	Yes
?	Tue Oct 22 2024 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). Ensure that one named staff completes orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, including training on supervising and tracking children.	Yes
?	Thu Apr 13 2023 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. Ensure that the center has a current comprehensive general liability insurance policy and maintains the documentation on file.	Yes
?	Thu Apr 13 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; code ab02.	Yes
?	Thu Apr 13 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.	Yes
?	Thu Apr 13 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.5(b)(7)(iv) — The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: the center shall maintain on file a record of the following the instructions for administration, including the dosage and frequency. Provide a special care plan for medication signed by a doctor that includes the instructions for administration, including dosage and frequency for one child. 6/23/23 n/a no longer needed.	Yes
?	Thu Apr 13 2023 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. Conduct one additional lockdown drill.	Yes
?	Thu Apr 13 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). Provide mantoux result and record of medical exam for one staff.	Yes
?	Thu Apr 13 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 all required orientation topics are provided annually and documented for all staff.	Yes
?	Thu Apr 13 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 all illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting are operable at all times throughout the center. Hallway outside of room 3.	Yes
?	Thu Apr 13 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. One staff.	Yes
?	Thu Apr 13 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 Apr 13 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 Apr 13 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 Apr 13 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. Clean area rug in room 2.	Yes
?	Mon May 16 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.11(b)(2) — When the center applies for a new license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that each staff member at least 18 years of age who is or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis completes the CHRI fingerprinting process specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a). Until the center receives the results of the CHRI background check for a new staff member from the Department of Human Services, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that the person is not alone to supervise a child or group of children. Ensure that all staff who do not have a completed CHRI background check are directly supervised by another staff member. At the time of the inspection a BOE therapist was left alone with a child without having a completed CHRI with the center. Abated at the time of the inspection.	Yes
?	Mon May 16 2022 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 May 16 2022 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 nothing is stored on top of the cots in rooms 1 and 2.	Yes
?	Mon May 16 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(17) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all televisions and computers shall be secured on a stable surface and shelving shall be secured and not be overloaded. Ensure that all microwaves are secured to a stable surface, refers to room 1.	Yes
?	Mon May 16 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.10(b)(2) — 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. Until the results of the CARI background check for a new staff member have been received from the Department, the center shall ensure oversight of the new staff member by another staff member, and ensure that person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children. Ensure that all staff who do not have a completed CARI background check are directly supervised by another staff member. At the time of the inspection a BOE therapist was left alone with a child without having a completed CARI with the center. Abated at the time of the inspection.	Yes
?	Fri Mar 26 2021 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. Per the NJ Department of Health COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations pursuant to Executive Order No 149, Wash and disinfect all surfaces as required using a commercial disinfectant or a staff-made solution of bleach and water made daily according to manufacturer’s instructions. Plan and implement enhanced cleaning and sanitation practices in accordance with the CDC’s Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools and Homes for objects and surfaces touched frequently, shared objects, tables, and areas between each use. At the time of the inspection the bathroom on the second floor was not washed and disinfected between each group even with the OOL inspector instructing to do so multiple times. Technical assistance was given.	Yes
?	Fri Mar 26 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. Ensure that the center has a renewal water testing and water assurance paperwork.	Yes
?	Fri Mar 26 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(18) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ensure that microwave ovens, toaster ovens, and other portable devices used to heat or prepare food are out of children's reach, secured on a stable surface, and not in use when children are in the area in order to ensure the safety of children. Ensure that the TV in room 1 is secured to a stable surface.	Yes
?	Fri Mar 26 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(c)(1) — Lighting requirements are as follows: all fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs shall have protective covers or shields. Ensure that the light bulbs above the sink in the bathroom on the main floor has a protective cover on them.	Yes
?	Fri Mar 26 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(18) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ensure that microwave ovens, toaster ovens, and other portable devices used to heat or prepare food are out of children's reach, secured on a stable surface, and not in use when children are in the area in order to ensure the safety of children. Ensure that the microwave in room 1 is secured to a stable surface.	Yes
?	Fri Mar 26 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(18) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ensure that microwave ovens, toaster ovens, and other portable devices used to heat or prepare food are out of children's reach, secured on a stable surface, and not in use when children are in the area in order to ensure the safety of children. Ensure that the cubbies throughout the center are secured to a stable surface.	Yes
?	Fri Mar 26 2021 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. Repair the peeling paint on the wall in the playground.	Yes
?	Fri Mar 26 2021 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 that the hand-sanitizer, Clorox wipes and disinfecting spray are out of reach of the children in room 5 at all times.	Yes
?	Fri Mar 08 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.6(b) — Doors in all interior rooms designated for use by children shall remain unlocked.	Yes

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

Inspections (24)

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

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