New Jersey childcare licensing requirements.
Ratios, group sizes, certifications, and drills for New Jersey — per DCF Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers (N.J.A.C. 3A:52). Bloomily tracks every one of them live, so the paperwork is ready before anyone asks.
Staff-to-child ratios in New Jersey
| Age group | Ratio | Max group size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-12 months) | 1:4 | — |
| Young Toddlers (12-24 months) | 1:6 | — |
| Older Toddlers (24-36 months) | 1:10 | — |
| preschool_4 | 1:12 | — |
| School Age (5+ years) | 1:15 | — |
Per DCF Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers (N.J.A.C. 3A:52). Ratios in Bloomily are computed live from real check-ins against these limits.
Required certifications
Automated External Defibrillator training required
Renews every 24 months
New Jersey required 20 clock hours annual professional development per N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6
Renews every 12 months
CARI (Criminal History Record Information) check and fingerprinting per N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10
Renews every 60 months
New Jersey Child Abuse Record Information check required for all staff
Renews every 60 months
New Jersey Child Care Administrator Credential or equivalent per N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.7
First aid certification required for all staff
Renews every 24 months
California mandated reporter training for child abuse
New Jersey orientation training within first two weeks of employment
Infant and child CPR certification required per N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6
Renews every 24 months
Health assessment including TB test required within past year
Renews every 12 months
Drill requirements
| Drill | Frequency | Required |
|---|---|---|
| fire | monthly | Yes |
| lockdown | semi_annually | Yes |
New Jersey DCF Pre-Inspection Checklist
- License displayed in prominent location
- Capacity not exceeded
- Operating within licensed hours
- Written operational policies available
- Parent handbook current and distributed
- Indoor space meets minimum (35 sq ft per child)
- Outdoor play area adequate (75 sq ft per child)
- Temperature maintained (68-78°F)
- Adequate lighting in all areas
- Toilets clean and child-accessible
- Handwashing facilities available
- Drinking water readily accessible
Run a New Jersey program? Keep it compliant without the binder.
Ratios computed live from real check-ins, certifications flagged before they lapse, and inspection-ready reports one click away.