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New Child Care Center Regulations in New Jersey

NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the NJ Dept. of Children and Families (DCF) have issued new regulations regarding environmental assessments of child care centers in New Jersey.

Effective January 1, 2007, new or renewing child care center licensure applicants must certify the historical and current environmental conditions of their existing or proposed center site. This process requires researching past site usage for possible hazardous operations, environmental assessment for current hazards, and evaluation about whether nearby hazardous operations (such as nail salons, dry cleaners, or other hazardous industrial facilities), are impacting on the air quality in the center.

Effective June 1, 2007, all centers, regardless of past or current hazardous uses, must conduct a "preliminary assessment" or environmental review, to obtain a "No further Action" letter from NJDEPE.

All centers will also have to certify that they meet all applicable state and local regulations regarding; safe drinking water, soil, and indoor environmental conditions.

GSE is offering expert consulting services to the child care industry to assist in cost effectively complying with these complex regulations. Please contact us for more information.

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