New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 3A - CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Chapter 52 - MANUAL OF REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS
Subchapter 4 - STAFF REQUIREMENTS
Section 3A:52-4.4 - Grouping of children

Universal Citation: NJ Admin Code 3A:52-4.4

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024

(a) For early childhood programs, the following shall apply for infants (under 18 months of age) and toddlers (18 months to 2 1/2 years of age):

1. A particular staff member shall be assigned as the primary caregiver to each specific group of children, in accordance with applicable staff/child ratios, as specified in 3A:52-4.3;

2. A group shall consist of four infants or six toddlers to whom a primary caregiver has been assigned;

3. The primary caregiver shall ensure that the needs of each child in the group are met, including:
i. Feeding the child and following each infant's individual feeding schedule, as specified in 3A:52-6.3(b);

ii. Diapering the child, if applicable, as specified in 3A:52-7.8(d);

iii. Assisting the child in toilet training, if applicable, in keeping with the center's toilet training policy, as specified in 3A:52-7.7(e)3; and

iv. Recording any unusual incidents involving the child and ensuring that the child's parents are informed of them, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.9(b).

4. If more than 12 infants or 20 toddlers occupy an individual room or a specific area within a large room, areas for up to 12 infants or 20 toddlers shall be defined by visible barriers, partitions, or any other room dividers or separations having a height above the eye level of the children who use those areas.

(b) For early childhood programs, the following shall apply for children 2 1/2 years of age and older:

1. A group shall consist of the number of children:
i. Occupying an individual room or occupying a specific area within a large room. The area shall be defined by a visible barrier, partition, or any other room divider or separation having a height above the eye level of the children who use that area; or

ii. Engaged together in a particular activity at any given time, regardless of whether the room or area within a large room is divided or partitioned.

2. Each group shall be limited to a maximum of 20 children except during meals, naptime, outdoor activities, specially scheduled events (for example, parties, community speakers, films, etc.), and daily information sharing sessions (for example, "circle time"), which shall not exceed 15 minutes in duration.

(c) For school-age child care programs, the following shall apply:

1. A group shall consist of the number of children:
i. Occupying an individual room or occupying a specific area within a large room. The area shall be defined by a visible barrier, partition, or any other room divider or separation having a height above the eye level of the children who use that area; or

ii. Engaged together in a particular activity at any given time, regardless of whether the room or area within a large room is divided or partitioned.

2. Each group shall be limited to a maximum of 30 children, except during meals, outdoor activities, and specially scheduled events.

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