New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 3A - CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Chapter 52 - MANUAL OF REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS
Subchapter 5 - PHYSICAL FACILITY REQUIREMENTS
Section 3A:52-5.4 - Additional physical plant requirements for early childhood programs
Universal Citation: NJ Admin Code 3A:52-5.4
Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024
(a) For early childhood programs, the following shall apply:
1. All
electrical outlets that are accessible to the children shall have protective
covers.
2. All lally columns in areas
used by the children shall have protective padding placed around them from the floor
to a height of at least 48 inches.
3.
Crawl spaces, attic spaces, and all doors and windows used for natural ventilation
shall be provided with insect screening.
4. A supply of hot tap water not exceeding 110
degrees Fahrenheit and cold running water shall be provided.
5. Toilet and sink facility requirements are as
follows:
i. The minimum number of toilets and sinks
required in the center shall be determined as specified in the Plumbing Subcode of
the NJUCC.
ii. At least one toilet
facility and sink shall be located on each floor level used by children in centers
that began operating after March 21, 2005.
iii. For each classroom used by children under 2
1/2 years of age, a minimum of one sink shall be located in the classroom for
newly-constructed centers and expansions.
6. Kitchen facility requirements are as follows:
i. 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.
ii. The kitchen may be used for children's program
cooking activities only when it is not being used for preparation of meals for
consumption by enrolled children.
7. Outdoor space requirements for children over
the age of 10 months are as follows:
i. For
children in attendance for three or more consecutive hours, existing center(s) shall
provide a minimum of 150 square feet of net outdoor space. When more than five
children are using such a space at one time, there shall be 30 square feet of net
outdoor space for each additional child in addition to the required minimum of 150
square feet. New and relocating centers licensed on or after September 1, 2013,
shall provide a minimum of 350 square feet of net outdoor space. When more than 10
children are using such a space at one time, there shall be an additional 35 square
feet of net outdoor space for each additional child in addition to the required
minimum of 350 square feet.
ii. The
outdoor area for new and relocating centers licensed on or after September 1, 2013,
shall be in close proximity and safe walking route of the center and available for
use by the children.
iii. Outdoor areas
located near or adjacent to hazardous areas determined by the Office of Licensing to
be unsafe (including, but not limited to, streets, roads, driveways, parking lots,
railroad tracks, swimming pools, rivers, streams, steep grades, cliffs, open pits,
high voltage boosters, or propane gas tanks) shall be fenced or otherwise protected
by a natural or man-made barrier or enclosure.
iv. The center shall not be required to meet the
outdoor space requirement in (a)7i above, if the center can establish, to the
satisfaction of the Office of Licensing, that:
(1)
Compliance with the requirement is impossible at the proposed center site or an
alternative site, expected to serve the same geographic location;
(2) There is a compelling need, as determined by
the OOL on a case-by-case basis, for additional child care services in the local
area; and
(3) There is a designated
indoor active play area not used toward the center's licensed capacity that provides
35 square feet per child for at least 25 percent of the licensed capacity of the
facility with a minimum of 350 square feet;
v. Centers serving only sick children shall comply
with the variation provisions for outdoor space, as specified in
3A:52-8.4(f)1.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New Jersey may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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