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Washington Head Start

Child care center · 2 Pohatcong Ave, Washington, NJ 07882 · License 21WAS0006

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 35. 2½ to 6 Grow NJ Kids: Level 3

Violation history (31)

SeverityDateStandard / narrativeCorrected
?Tue Sep 23 2025 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.
Securely fasten bathroom equipment including the children's toilets seats.
Yes
?Thu Nov 30 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 Nov 30 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. 2 staff are missing there application and medical documents. 5/16/2024- There is 1 TB test missing.
Yes
?Thu Nov 30 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. There are 11 staff missing renewal CHRIs.
Yes
?Thu Nov 30 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 Nov 30 2023 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 toilet seats are fastened securely.
Yes
?Thu Nov 30 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.
Yes
?Thu Nov 30 2023 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.
Yes
?Thu Nov 30 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-9.3(a)(2) — The center shall ensure that each vehicle used to provide transportation of enrolled children to and from the center, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-9.1(a), except private passenger vehicles, is equipped with the following: a fully charged fire extinguisher, with a gauge and with a minimum underwriters' rating of 2A 10BC, which shall be located at the front and securely mounted to the right of the driver in a way that does not constitute an obstruction or hazard to the passengers.
Ensure that the fire extinguisher is tagged annually.
Yes
?Thu Nov 30 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(p) — Play equipment, materials, and furniture for indoor and outdoor use shall be of sturdy and safe construction, non-toxic, free of hazards, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The center may not use play equipment intended for outdoor use indoors.
Clean the climber on the playground.
Yes
?Mon Oct 17 2022 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.
Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility and communication.
Yes
?Mon Oct 17 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(a)(16)(i) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of excessive peeling or chipped paint.
Repair and/or paint the walls and other surfaces as required throughout the center.
Yes
?Mon Oct 17 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. Repair the molding in the children's bathroom.
Yes
?Mon Oct 17 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 Oct 17 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
?Mon Oct 17 2022 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
?Tue May 25 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.4(a)(1) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, all electrical outlets that are accessible to the children shall have protective covers.
Ensure that all electrical outlets have protective covers at all times.
Yes
?Tue May 25 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 water testing results and required corresponding forms.
Yes
?Tue May 25 2021 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.
Disinfecting wipes were accessible to children in Room 2.
Yes
?Tue May 25 2021 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.
A staff member was observed texting on her cell phone while she was responsible for providing supervision on the playground.
Yes
?Tue May 25 2021 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.
Staff in Room 2 did not provide adequate supervision to a child in the bathroom.
Yes
?Tue May 25 2021 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.
Staff were not providing adequate supervision on the playground, as a child was climbing on a playhouse and the staff were unaware.
Yes
?Tue May 25 2021 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.
A bottle of bleach solution and disinfecting wipes were accessible to children in Room 1.
Yes
?Tue May 25 2021 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.
A bleach bottle was accessible to children on the playground. The bleach was in an open plastic bin which also held water bottles for the children. A child was observed reaching into the bin by the OOL inspector and was re-directed. The staff then removed the bleach bottle when directed by OOL inspector.
Yes
?Tue May 25 2021 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 the moulding that has detached in the children's bathroom stall on the left.
Yes
?Tue May 25 2021 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 stall dividers in the children's bathroom.
Yes
?Thu Oct 03 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.4(a)(6)(i) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, kitchen facility requirements are as follows: the kitchen facility or food preparation area shall be separated from other areas of the center by a door, gate, screen, or other barrier to prevent accidental access by children. Yes
?Thu Oct 03 2019 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.
The center did not conduct a fire drill in September.
Yes
?Thu Oct 03 2019 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.
Ensure that the necessary repairs are made to the chimney flashing and/ or roof, as needed. Provide documentation to OOL when the repairs have been completed.
Yes
?Thu Oct 03 2019 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.
Replace the stained ceiling tiles near the entrance to the center.
Yes
?Thu Oct 03 2019 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. Yes

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

Inspections (23)

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

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