Description: Straight & Narrow’s two early childhood education and learning centers provide quality childcare to the children of Paterson’s low-income families. The first childcare center, La Vida Child Care Center, was established in 1996 and is located at 396 Straight Street in Paterson. It serves children from birth through age 6. Based on the community’s overwhelmingly positive response to this outstanding program, Straight & Narrow opened La Vida Child Care Center Too in 1999. La Vida Too, located at 116 Jackson Street in Paterson, is an Abbott preschool for three and four-year-old children.
The mission of the two childcare centers is to provide superior early education for children. This is accomplished in a loving and nurturing environment where the children’s physical and emotional needs are continuously monitored by a staff of well-trained and dedicated professionals and para-professionals. The goal of the childcare centers is to equip the children, who almost certainly would not otherwise have such an opportunity, with the fundamental skills needed to begin school, and ultimately, to provide them with the educational and socialization foundation that will carry them through a rewarding and successful educational and life experience.
The childcare programs emphasize school readiness, parent involvement and the achievement of early childhood developmental tasks. These objectives are implemented in a full-day program with a curriculum that includes age-appropriate educational, social and recreational activities. Straight & Narrow’s child care centers are open five days a week from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM to accommodate those parents who have multiple responsibilities and/or work long hours.
Where possible, ChildcareCenter provides inspection reports as a service to families. This information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. We encourage families to contact the daycare provider directly with any questions or concerns, as the provider may have already addressed some or all issues. Reports can also be verified with your local daycare licensing office.
| Date Cited | Date Abated | Regulation Number |
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| 2022-04-12 | 2022-06-07 | 3A:52-4.3(c) |
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The following staff/child ratios shall apply, except as specified in 3A:52-4.3(d) through (f):Age Staff/Child RatioUnder 18 months - 1:418 months up to 2 ½ years - 1:62 ½ years up to 4 years - 1:104 years - 1:125 years and older - 1:15 Violation Observed: Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the center. In classroom 3, there were 11 3 year olds, with 1 staff, a second was needed. |
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| 2021-12-13 | 2022-04-12 | 3A:52-5.3(a)(2) |
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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. Violation Observed: Ensure that all ceiling tiles are kept clean and in good repair. |
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| 2021-12-13 | 2022-04-12 | 3A:52-7.9(a)(1) |
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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 Violation Observed: Maintain an illness log on file at the center and ensure that it contains all of the required components. |
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| 2021-12-13 | 2022-04-12 | 3A:52-4.6(a) |
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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). Violation Observed: Ensure that the center completes and maintains on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. |
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| 2021-12-13 | 2022-04-12 | 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) |
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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. Violation Observed: Ensure that all staff submit a CARI background check upon renewal. |
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| 2021-12-13 | 2022-06-07 | 3A:52-4.10(a)(1) |
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The sponsor or sponsor representative, and each staff member shall complete a signed consent form provided by the Department that indicates the identifying information necessary to conduct a CARI background check, including the person’s name, address, date of birth, sex, race, and Social Security number. Pursuant to the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579), the Department shall advise each such person that the disclosure of his or her Social Security number is voluntary, and that the Social Security number will only be used for the purpose of conducting a CARI background check. Violation Observed: Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for all staff within two weeks of hire. One outstanding.4/12/21- There are 4 CARIs missing. |
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| 2021-12-13 | 2022-06-07 | 3A:52-4.11(a)(1) |
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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. Violation Observed: Ensure that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required. One outstanding.4/12/22- There are 5 CHRIs missing. |
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| 2021-12-13 | 2022-06-07 | 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) |
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Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ventilation outlets shall be clean and free from obstructions, and filters shall be replaced when saturated. Violation Observed: Ensure the mechanical ventilation is operable in the restrooms in all classrooms with the bathtubs. |
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| 2021-12-13 | 2022-03-07 | 3A:52-5.3(r) |
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The center shall take any steps required by the Office of Licensing to correct conditions in the building or center that may endanger the health, safety, and well-being of the children served. Violation Observed: Per the NJ Department of Health COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations pursuant to Executive Order No. 149, ensure that all health and safety guidelines are adhered to as required. Ensure all staff are wearing their face masks at all times. Staff removed the mask to read to the children. |
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| 2021-12-13 | 2022-04-11 | 3A:52-4.8(a)(2) |
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Topics of orientation training shall include understanding center operations, policies and procedures, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)3. Violation Observed: Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, including understanding center operations, policies and procedures. Retrain all staff on the COVID-19 guidelines as it relates to mask wearing. Submit the attendance and agenda. |
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| 2021-12-13 | 2022-02-10 | 3A:52-5.3(c)(1) |
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Lighting requirements are as follows: all fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs shall have protective covers or shields. Violation Observed: Ensure that all fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs have protective coverings. Cover the lightbulbs outside of room 12. |
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| 2021-12-13 | 2022-04-11 | 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) |
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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. Violation Observed: Ensure that all playground equipment meets public playground design standards (ASTM F-1487). Submit documentation for the four slides. Ensure the slides are approved for commercial use. |
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| 2021-12-13 | 2022-01-24 | 3A:52-5.3(p) |
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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. Violation Observed: Ensure that all indoor and outdoor equipment is sturdy, safe, free of hazards and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Submit a MOU for the bathtubs that outlines how the children will be kept safe and supervised at all times. |
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| 2021-12-13 | 2022-04-11 | 3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(i) |
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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. Violation Observed: Complete and submit a DCF Drinking Water Testing Statement of Assurance and a copy of the center's water testing completed by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protection. |
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| 2021-12-13 | 2022-04-11 | 3A:52-5.3(i)(9) |
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Environmental condition precautions are as follows: the Office of Licensing shall not issue licenses or renewals to child care centers that are co-located in a building or other structure that contains a dry cleaner or nail salon unless the applicant obtains indoor air sampling that demonstrates that there is no impact to the child care center. Violation Observed: Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH. |
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If you are a provider and you believe any information is incorrect, please contact us. We will research your concern and make corrections accordingly.
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I worked there for catholic heart work camp and it's the best place I've ever been. The children are so sweet and loving and opened minded:) I would love to return and visit:)