The Valley School - Park Ridge NJ Regular Child Care Center

24 WAMPUM ROAD , PARK RIDGE NJ 07656
(201) 505-9100
4 Reviews

About the Provider

Description:

The Valley School’s approach is to use the latest techniques inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, incorporated within the Creative Curriculum, utilized by leading universities and included within national accreditation standards (NAEYC) to build comprehensive early childhood programs focused on your child’s ability to take an active role in the learning process. Our teachers are dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where your child will grow socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Your child will feel at home with The Valley School’s Reggio-inspired approach to early childhood development and learning. This philosophy of early childhood education emphasizes documentation, emergent curriculum, collaboration with the community, a love of the environment, and respect for a child’s pace of learning.

Additional Information:

The Valley School currently has availability in our infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms for a variety of scheduling needs. Our state of the art facility features beautifully furnished, developmentally appropriate classrooms for each age group. Our spacious indoor gym allows for gross motor development and active play, regardless of the weather. The Valley School also features a spectacular outdoor natural playscape that celebrates the wonders of nature!

Your child will feel at home with The Valley School’s Reggio-inspired approach to early childhood development and learning. This philosophy of early childhood education emphasizes documentation, emergent curriculum, collaboration with the community, a love of the environment, and respect for a child’s pace of learning. Call us today to find out more information or schedule a tour (201) 505-9100 ext. 202.


The Valley School Photos: (Click to enlarge)

Program and Licensing Details

  • License Number: 101000135
  • Capacity: 123
  • Age Range: 0 - 13 years
  • Achievement and/or Accreditations Grow NJ Kids
  • Enrolled in Subsidized Child Care Program: Yes
  • Type of Care: After School, Before School, Before and After School, Daytime, Drop-in Care, Full-Time, Part-Time
  • District Office: New Jersey Dept of Children and Families - Office of Licensing
  • District Office Phone: 1-877-667-9845 (Note: This is not the facility phone number.)

Location Map

Inspection/Report History

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
2022-11-17 2022-12-29 3A:52-4.7(a)(1)
The center shall meet the following requirements for orientation training: the center shall ensure that all newly-hired staff receive orientation training within two weeks of hire and that no individual is left alone to supervise a child or group of children until orientation training is completed.

Violation Observed: Ensure that all staff who have not completed the required orientation training are directly supervised by another staff member. In Room 107 new staff who has not completed orientation was left alone with children.
2022-11-17 2022-12-19 3A:52-4.11(b)(2)
When the center applies for a new license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that each staff member at least 18 years of age who is or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis completes the CHRI fingerprinting process specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a). Until the center receives the results of the CHRI background check for a new staff member from the Department of Human Services, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that the person is not alone to supervise a child or group of children.

Violation Observed: Ensure that all staff who do not have a completed CHRI background check are directly supervised by another staff member. In Room 107 two members of staff were left alone with children with no CHRI on file.
2022-11-17 2022-12-19 3A:52-6.6(e)(3)
The center shall maintain on file a written policy on the disciplining of children by staff members. The policy shall be posted in a prominent location within the center.

Violation Observed: Post the center's discipline policy in a prominent location.
2022-11-17 2022-12-19 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1)
For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: for bottles, each child's bottle(s) shall be labeled with the child's name and dated.

Violation Observed: Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date in Room 107.
2022-11-17 2022-12-19 3A:52-6.4(b)(1)(i)(3)
The center shall provide sleeping equipment for children 12 months of age and younger, the center shall provide for each child a crib, that complies with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) Federal Safety Standards for Full- Size and Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs; 16 CFR 1219 and 1220, which is incorporated herein by reference, and can be obtained through the CPSC's website at https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety- Education-Centers/cribs , playpen, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment that meets the following requirement that each crib or playpen shall be equipped with top rails that are at least 19 inches above the mattress.

Violation Observed: Ensure that all cribs and playpens are equipped with all of the required components, including top rails that are at least 19 inches above the mattress. In Room 107 lower the mattress or change the crib to meet the infant's physical milestone.
2022-11-17 2022-12-19 3A:52-7.9(a)(1)(vi)(4)
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 the date, if applicable, that the child returned to the center symptom-free.

Violation Observed: Maintain an illness log on file at the center and ensure that it contains all of the required components, including the date when the child returned to the center symptom-free.
2022-11-17 2022-12-19 3A:52-7.6(e)(1)
The center shall develop and follow a written policy for parental notification if a method other than a telephone call is used at the center for parental notification. The center shall distribute a copy of this policy to the parent of each enrolled child and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s signature attesting to receipt of this policy.

Violation Observed: Develop a written policy for parental notification of injuries if the center uses methods other than a telephone call and maintain on file the signatures of staff and parents acknowledging receipt of the policy.
2022-11-17 2022-12-19 3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3)
For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: diapering requirements for centers serving children who are not toilet trained are as follows, diapering area and surface requirements are as follows, the diapering surface shall be flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent, and in good repair.

Violation Observed: Ensure that diapering surfaces are not use for storage. In Room 107 children's lunch bags which contained food were being stored on diapering surface in the secondary change area.
2022-11-17 2022-12-19 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.

Violation Observed: Ensure that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required. At the time of inspection Six (6) members of staff did not have fingerprints on file.
2022-11-17 2022-12-19 3A:52-4.6(c)(3)
For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the group teacher shall meet the requirements for experience and education

Violation Observed: Ensure that the group teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Upload Group Teacher Certification/Transcripts to NJCCIS.
2022-11-17 2022-12-29 3A:52-4.8(b)
Orientation training as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) may be included for six of the required hours of staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(c) and (d).

Violation Observed: Ensure that all staff complete orientation training which may be included for six of the required annual training hours. There were nine (9) staff members missing Orientation.
2022-11-17 2023-01-24 3A:52-7.5(b)(10)
The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: the center shall store prescribed epinephrine pens in their original boxes with the child’s name and prescription. A special care plan or other documentation from a health care provider shall accompany the epinephrine pen. If two epinephrine pens are required, both shall be available. Each center under the jurisdiction of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5 shall store back-up epinephrine pens on site consistent with the requirements stated at N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5.e(1).

Violation Observed: Obtain and maintain on file special care plan for EpiPen in Room 103.
2022-11-17 2022-12-19 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.

Violation Observed: Ensure that the center has a current comprehensive general liability insurance policy and maintains the documentation on file.
2022-11-17 2022-12-28 3A:52-5.2(b)
An applicant seeking a license or a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval to operate a center shall comply with all applicable provisions of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:70 and hereinafter referred to as the NJUFC. The center shall obtain the building's fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, reflecting the center's compliance with all applicable provisions of the NJUFC. The center shall maintain on file the building's fire safety inspection certificate.

Violation Observed: Provide a current fire certificate as required.
2022-11-17 2022-12-30 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.

Violation Observed: Ensure that the center conducts fire drills at least once per month during each session provided at the center, including one fire drill annually that is conducted during nap time.

If you are a provider and you believe any information is incorrect, please contact us. We will research your concern and make corrections accordingly.

Reviews

...
Karen Apr 07, 2016
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

This place is a complete lie!!!if you do not want your child ready for Kindergarten. Then this place is for you. The owner is a business man that only cares honestly about the tuition money. The kids do not learn really about anything. My son is 4 and does not know how to still write. I am sorry but Reggio inspired programs do not work in the USA. Take it from me that I learned this lesson the hard way. I just recently learned that the head lead teacher was never certified and her attitude towards certain kids was horrifying. I hope this place closes for good.

37 out of 75 think this review is helpful
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Jess P Aug 05, 2015
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

I am a former teacher of 2nd grade and when it was time to find a preschool for my own children, I thought the Valley School was a good fit. My experience there was extremely disappointing. The administration has terrible communication and the staff's turnover rate is constant. The owner is only there about once a month to check up and under the supervision of the new director countless families pulled their children out. I recommend finding another preschool for your child's instruction.

35 out of 72 think this review is helpful
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Andrea B. Jul 29, 2015
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

I had to pull my children out of this school after two years. I was initially excited about The Valley School and it's Reggio-based methods of teaching. I loved the look of the school and the clean minimalist atmosphere. But I am sad to say the administration there is a mess. There is constant major turnover at the school - three different directors in one year and teachers and their assistants leaving regularly. There is no communication amongst the staff or parents, and my children ended up in classrooms with no familiar faces in charge. I felt the school was run primarily like a business, but lacked the heart and soul that a truly successful childcare center needs.

37 out of 70 think this review is helpful
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Nik D. Jul 29, 2015
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

We do not recommend this school. After 4 years this school seems to struggle with the basic needs of a successful school (why would you have kids training toilet and baby changing table in the food prep area?). We are one of the many parents that chose to withdraw our child from the valley school in park ridge over the summer of 2015. The lack of consistency in staffing, multiple directors in one year, and the lack of staffing (quantity) was the straw that did it. Many days went by where my child didn't know who their teacher was or the names of any of the assistants. In our opinion, the owner of the school, who has minimal background in childcare will promise you anything (like enrichment programs that were coming) to keep the check coming, but is clearly focused on state awards & grant money.

38 out of 76 think this review is helpful
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