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Phillipsburg Head Start

Child care center · 535 Fisher Ave, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 · License 21PHI0003

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 50. 2½ to 6 Grow NJ Kids: Level 3

Violation history (48)

SeverityDateStandard / narrativeCorrected
?Tue Jan 27 2026 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 bathroom vents in rooms 1& 2.		 Yes
?Tue Jan 27 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.8(a) — (a) Topics of orientation training shall include all of the following: 1. Supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a); 2. Understanding center operations, policies and procedures, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)3; 3. Implementing group size limits and primary caregiver responsibilities, as applicable, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.4; 4. Recognizing and reporting child abuse or neglect, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.9; 5. Evacuating the center and using the fire alarms, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l); 6.Implementing the center’s release policy, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5; 7. Implementing the center's statement of policy on the disciplining of children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6; 8. Implementing health practices, including medication administration and responding to symptoms of illness, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1 through 7.11; 9. Implementing safe sleep practices to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; 10. Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma; 11. Recognizing and responding to injuries and emergencies, including the prevention of and response to emergencies due to food-related allergies and other allergic reactions; and 12. Including children with special needs in the center’s program.
Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually. Submit orientation training for 5 staff.		 Yes
?Tue Jan 27 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) — 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. 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 CARI background checks are completed as required for 1 staff.		 Yes
?Tue Jan 27 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — Supplemental evacuation requirements are as follows: cribs, beds, playpens, and cots used for rest or sleep shall be arranged so as to provide access to a three-foot-wide aisle that leads to an unobstructed exit.
Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable. At the time of the inspection the emergency egress in rooms 1 & 2 were obstructed by snow. Upon the request of the inspector, the center took immediate action and removed the snow.		 Yes
?Tue Jan 27 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(a)(17) — 17. All televisions and computers shall be secured on a stable surface and shelving shall be secured and not be overloaded. 18. 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 the computer monitor is secure to the table in room 2.		 Yes
?Tue Jan 27 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(a)(5) — 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 garbage receptacles are maintained in a sanitary manner in room 1.		 Yes
?Thu Mar 13 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-6.4(a)(2) — For early childhood programs, the center shall ensure that blankets or pillows do not cover the child's face.
Ensure that blankets do not cover children's faces in room 2. Staff took immediate action and removed the blankets covering the children's faces.		 Yes
?Tue Feb 04 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(i) — The following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use: (1) Washcloths made of fabric, when used for cleaning children; (2) Thermometers; (3) Items used by a child who becomes ill while at the center; and (4) Sleeping mats that are not stored separately.
Ensure staff do not use the same rag on all the tables when cleaning and sanitizing the tables.		 Yes
?Tue Feb 04 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-6.4(b)(2) — i. Each cot used for children between 13 and 18 months of age shall not exceed 14 inches above the floor level. ii. Each cot or mat used for rest and sleep shall be covered with a sheet, blanket or other covering. An additional covering shall be provided for use as a covering for each child. iii. Each mat used for rest and sleep shall be:(1) Placed on a surface that is warm, dry, clean and draft-free; (2) Water-repellent; (3) At least one inch thick; and (4) Stored so that there is no contact with the sleeping surface of another mat, or disinfected after each use, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)1.
Ensure that each child's bedding is stored separately in rooms 1 & 2.		 Yes
?Tue Feb 04 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — (a) Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: 1. The center shall be free of moisture resulting from water leaks or seepage. 2. Floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair. 4. Carpeting shall be securely fastened to the floor. 9. Toilets, wash basins, kitchen sinks, and other plumbing shall be maintained in good operating and sanitary condition.
Clean the rugs in rooms 1 & 2.		 Yes
?Tue Feb 04 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — (a) Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: 1. The center shall be free of moisture resulting from water leaks or seepage. 2. Floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair. 4. Carpeting shall be securely fastened to the floor. 9. Toilets, wash basins, kitchen sinks, and other plumbing shall be maintained in good operating and sanitary condition.
Clean the floors in rooms 1 & 2.		 Yes
?Tue Feb 04 2025 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 the rugs in rooms 1 & 2.		 Yes
?Tue Feb 04 2025 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 the floors in rooms 1 & 2.		 Yes
?Tue Feb 04 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(f)(1) — Toilet facility requirements are as follows: a supply of soap, toilet paper, and individual hand towels or disposable paper towels shall be provided.
Ensure staff do not use the same rag on all the tables when cleaning and sanitizing the tables.		 Yes
?Tue Feb 04 2025 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 each child's bedding is stored separately in rooms 1 & 2.		 Yes
?Mon Feb 12 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. Missing 6 staff clearances.		 Yes
?Mon Feb 12 2024 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, including the immunization records and special care plans as required.		 Yes
?Mon Feb 12 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
?Mon Feb 12 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
?Mon Feb 12 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
?Mon Feb 12 2024 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.
Hammer or pound in the protruding screws to the railroad ties around the playground.		 Yes
?Mon Feb 12 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.
Remove the rust from the big filling cabinet in Room 2.		 Yes
?Mon Feb 12 2024 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 computers are secured to a stable surface in Rooms 1 & 2.		 Yes
?Tue Jan 17 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall be free of moisture resulting from water leaks or seepage.
Eliminate moisture resulting from leaks or seepage in the children's bathroom in Room 1.		 Yes
?Tue Jan 17 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(b)(3)(i) — the building structure shall be maintained to prevent water from entering.
Maintain the building structure to prevent water from entering the children's bathroom in Room 1.		 Yes
?Tue Nov 15 2022 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.
Secure power cords near the computer's in room 1.		 Yes
?Tue Nov 15 2022 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.
Sand and paint the rusted bathroom grip bars in room 2.		 Yes
?Tue Nov 15 2022 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.
Ensure that toilets and wash basins are maintained in operating and sanitary condition. Replace the toilet seat in room 2.		 Yes
?Tue Nov 15 2022 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 and maintain the mechanical ventilation in the children's bathroom in room 2.		 Yes
?Tue Nov 15 2022 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 and maintain the children's bathroom in room 1.		 Yes
?Tue Nov 15 2022 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.
Repair/replace the stained ceiling tiles in the children's bathroom in room 1. Center emailed a picture of the replaced ceiling tile.		 Yes
?Mon Nov 07 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(a)(10) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all corrosive agents, insecticides, bleaches, detergents, polishes, any products under pressure in an aerosol spray can, and any toxic substance shall be stored in a locked cabinet or in an enclosure located in an area not accessible to the children.
Ensure that all toxic substances are locked and inaccessible to the children. At the time of the inspection, toxic substances were accessible to children in an unlocked cabinet in room 2. The staff took immediate action by locking the cabinet door.		 Yes
?Mon Nov 07 2022 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 adequate supervision is maintained in room 2. At the time of the inspection, a child was left unattended in the bathroom.		 Yes
?Mon Nov 07 2022 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.
Ensure that toilets and wash basins are maintained in operating and sanitary condition. Replace the toilet seat in room 1.		 Yes
?Mon Nov 07 2022 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.
Provide and maintain the resilient surfacing and use zones under all play equipment as required.		 Yes
?Mon Nov 07 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-6.3(a)(4) — All centers shall comply with the following requirements, if the center provides food, the center shall ensure that the food is stored, prepared, and served in a sanitary manner.
Ensure that food provided by the center is stored in a sanitary manner in room 1.		 Yes
?Mon Nov 07 2022 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). Remove the balance beam in the play area.		 Yes
?Mon Nov 07 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iv) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: in addition to the items specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)3, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use, toys mouthed by infants and toddlers before being given to another child.
Ensure that the center washes and disinfects toys mouthed by children in room 1.		 Yes
?Mon Nov 07 2022 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.
Sand and paint the rusted bathroom grip bars in room 1.		 Yes
?Mon Nov 07 2022 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.
Repair/replace the stained ceiling tiles in room 1.(Center emailed a picture of the replaced ceiling tile).		 Yes
?Mon Nov 07 2022 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. Clean and maintain art easel in room 1.		 Yes
?Mon Nov 07 2022 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 and maintain the mechanical ventilation in the children's bathroom in room 1.		 Yes
?Thu May 06 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.
Upload into NJCCIS or submit to the assigned OOL inspector the center's First Aid and CPR staff certifications.		 Yes
?Thu May 06 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 or upload to NJCCIS the center's fire drill log .		 Yes
?Thu May 06 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.
Upload to NJCCIS or submit to the assigned OOL inspector the center's completed water testing results and the required corresponding forms.		 Yes
?Thu May 06 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 assigned OOL inspector or upload to NJCCIS the Sponsor Representative's CHRI clearance.		 Yes
?Thu May 06 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.
Submit or upload to NJCCIS children's daily time sheets for a period of 2 weeks.		 Yes
?Thu May 06 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-7.9(a)(1)(iv)(2) — 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 action taken by the center to assist the director in determining if exclusion of the child from the center is necessary.
Upload to NJCCIS or submit to the assigned OOL inspector the center's illness log for a period of at least 30 days.		 Yes

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

Inspections (19)

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

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