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:52-5.6 - Special physical facility and monitoring requirements to prevent child abuse or neglect

Universal Citation: NJ Admin Code 3A:52-5.6

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

(a) At least five foot-candles of natural or artificial light shall be provided in all rooms used by children during naptime. The illumination shall be measured three feet above the floor at the farthest point from the light source.

(b) Doors in all interior rooms designated for use by children shall remain unlocked.

(c) For rooms and areas used by children, except as specified in (e) below, the following monitoring requirements shall apply:

1. The center shall equip every room or area designated for use by children, except for kitchen and toilet facilities, with one of the following options in order to promote maximum visibility and audibility:
i. A centrally supervised audio or visual monitoring system;

ii. Uncovered and unobstructed glass panels or two-way mirrors that comprise at least 10 percent of the square footage of one interior wall, provided that such panels or mirrors are not in conflict with applicable provisions of the NJUCC or the NJUFC;

iii. Security mirror(s) in hallways that reflect activities in the room(s) used by children;

iv. At least one interior door leading to every room designated for use by children, which shall meet one of the following conditions, provided that such conditions are not in conflict with applicable provisions of the NJUCC and the NJUFC:
(1) Be left open;

(2) Have uncovered and unobstructed windows or cutouts;

(3) Be a dutch door variety, with the top half open; or

(4) Be removed; or

v. Any other Office of Licensing-approved monitoring system or equipment that provides equivalent visibility and audibility.

(d) Toilet facility requirements are as follows:

1. For existing centers that have only one toilet facility, or for existing centers that have more than one toilet facility, but where all toilets have been counted in determining the maximum number of children who can be served per session, the center shall ensure that staff members and other adults who use the toilet facility for their own toileting needs do so only:
i. When children are not in it; and

ii. After the staff member or other adult has secured the door with a lock or latch that is located on the inside of the door at a height beyond the reach of the children.
(1) If a center documents to the satisfaction of the Office of Licensing that it lacks the authority to meet the lock or latch provisions noted in this subparagraph, the Office of Licensing may approve an alternative means by which the center may comply with the privacy intent of this provision.

2. For existing centers that have an additional toilet facility that has not been counted in determining the maximum number of children who can be served per session and for centers to be located in newly constructed buildings, the center shall ensure that:
i. One toilet facility is reserved and designated for the exclusive use of staff members and other adults; and

ii. This designated toilet facility is identified by a sign located on the exterior of its door, indicating that this toilet facility is for the exclusive use of staff members and other adults.

(e) For early childhood programs, the following shall apply:

1. Centers that are to be located in newly constructed buildings that seek to serve 16 or more children shall equip every room designated for use by children, except for kitchen and toilet facilities, with either uncovered glass panels or two-way mirrors that comprise at least 10 percent of the square footage of at least one interior wall in order to promote maximum visibility in such rooms.

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.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.