Home NJ Clifton Bright Start Academy

Bright Start Academy

366 Clifton Avenue, Clifton NJ 07011 · License #130600248 · Child Care Center

Active
2-Star programLast inspected Nov 19, 2025
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Contact

Director
Asli Kalkan
Address
366 Clifton Avenue, Clifton NJ 07011 · Directions

Hours

Mon07:00 AM–06:00 PM
Tue07:00 AM–06:00 PM
Wed07:00 AM–06:00 PM
Thu07:00 AM–06:00 PM
Fri07:00 AM–06:00 PM
SatClosed
SunClosed

Care & schedule

When they operate

Schedule type not published.

Ages served

Ages not published.

  • 2-Star quality rating
  • Accepts child care subsidy (CCDF)
21
Violations, past 3 yrs
From inspections (not complaints)
0
High-risk violations
Serious / high-risk non-compliance
0
Substantiated complaints
Published by New Jersey DCF
2
Inspections, past 3 yrs
Monitoring & assessments

How this facility compares

Violations per inspection, 3-yr
This facility
10.5
New Jersey average
9.1

Inspection history & violations

Source: New Jersey DCF, Office of Licensing
Nov 19, 2025 — Renewal,Monitoring
10 violations cited · view state record
10 violations
  • Violation

    3A:52-6.4(f) · When cribs, playpens, cots, mats or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment are stored with sheets, blankets, or other coverings as single units, at least one item of each unit shall be labeled with child-identifying information. (g) When sheets, blankets and other coverings are not stored with sleeping equipment, each of these items shall be: 1. Labeled for each child; and 2. Stored separately for each child.

    Ensure that each child's bedding and sleeping equipment are labeled and stored separately with the child's name throughout the center.

    Corrected by Dec 23, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-6.3(a) · 1. Food served to children who are present during normal mealtime hours or required snack periods, as specified in (b) and (c) below, shall be provided either by the child's parent or by the center. 3. If the center chooses to have parents provide food, the center shall have a supply of food at the center for any child whose parent forgets. 4. If the center provides food, the center shall ensure that the food is stored, prepared, and served in a sanitary manner. 5. Staff members shall advise parents of any repetitive feeding problems experienced by their child. 6. Staff members shall not force-feed or coerce a child to eat against his or her will. 9. Centers that provide meals shall ensure that: i. For children on special diets (for example, due to health reasons, religious belief or parental request), an alternative choice of food is provided by either the center or the child's parent; and ii. Individualized written diets and feeding schedules, if submitted to the center by the child's parent or health care provider, are posted in a location that is accessible to staff members caring for the children, and are followed. 10. The center shall have a supply of food at the center and shall serve a snack to any child who is hungry or has missed a meal. iii. Food left uneaten in a dish shall be discarded; iv. Food shall not be shared among children using the same dish or spoon; and v. Unused portions of food shall be labeled with the child's name, date, and type of food. The food shall be stored in the refrigerator, returned to the parent, or discarded with the parent's consent. All unused food shall be discarded if not consumed by the end of the day.

    Ensure that food is labeled and stored appropriately and discarded by the end of the day if not consumed throughout the center.

    Corrected by Dec 23, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.3(a) · The children shall be supervised directly by a staff member at all times, including during outdoor activities, rest and sleep, and walking through hallways. Toileting procedures shall be supervised by a staff member as appropriate for the ages and developmental needs of the children. 1. At least one staff member shall be physically present in the room or area in which children are napping and shall be able to summon other staff members without leaving the room or area. 3. Naptime preparations shall have been completed and all children 18 months or above are resting or sleeping, while all children under 18 months of age are sleeping.

    Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times including during transitions and walking the hallways.

    Corrected by Dec 23, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.11(a) · 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). If a staff member refuses to consent to a CHRI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediately terminate the staff member’s employment at the center.

    Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. There is 1 CHRI needed.

    Corrected by Dec 23, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-7.5(b)(10) · (9) 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: before administering a health care procedure associated with a child’s health condition, such as the use of a blood glucose monitor, nebulizer, or epinephrine pen, the center shall ensure that all staff members who administer the procedure are taught to do so by the child’s parent or another appropriately-trained person. There shall be at least two staff members present at the center who are trained in such health care procedures. 10. 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).

    Ensure Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan that includes procedures for contacting parents and emergency medical services, and both epi-pens are present when two are required in room 5.

    Corrected by Dec 23, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-6.4(b)(2) · i. Each cot used for children between 13 and 18 months of age shall not exceed 14 inches above the floor level. ii. Each cot or mat used for rest and sleep shall be covered with a sheet, blanket or other covering. An additional covering shall be provided for use as a covering for each child. iii. Each mat used for rest and sleep shall be:(1) Placed on a surface that is warm, dry, clean and draft-free; (2) Water-repellent; (3) At least one inch thick; and (4) Stored so that there is no contact with the sleeping surface of another mat, or disinfected after each use, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)1.

    Ensure cots are stored in a safe manner in room 3.

    Corrected by Dec 23, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(b)(7) · 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.

    Ensure that all playground equipment meets public playground design standards (ASTM F-1487). Remove Little Tykes slide and slide and climber playset.

    Corrected by Dec 23, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(a)(1) · (a) Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: 1. The center shall be free of moisture resulting from water leaks or seepage. 2. Floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair. 4. Carpeting shall be securely fastened to the floor. 9. Toilets, wash basins, kitchen sinks, and other plumbing shall be maintained in good operating and sanitary condition.

    Maintain the loose toilet seat in the second stall of the girl's bathroom on the second floor.

    Corrected by Dec 23, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) · Tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal.

    Ensure tables are washed and disinfected before each meal in room 5.

    Corrected by Dec 23, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(r) · 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.

    Ensure that staff's personal belongings are keep out of in room 6.

    Corrected by Dec 23, 2025

    View state record

May 1, 2024 — Monitoring
11 violations cited · view state record
11 violations
  • Violation

    3A:52-6.1(e) · The center shall ensure that pacifiers are removed when the children are crawling or walking.

    Ensure that pacifiers are removed when children are crawling or walking in room 2.

    Corrected by Jun 4, 2024

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-6.4(i) · Children shall not use pacifiers with straps or other types of attachment devices.

    Cease the use of pacifier straps or other types of attachment devices in room 2.

    Corrected by Jun 4, 2024

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(a)(2) · 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.

    Sand and paint the rusted bathroom stall dividers in the second floor's boy's bathroom.

    Corrected by Jun 4, 2024

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(a)(19) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall test for the presence of radon gas in each classroom on the lowest floor level used by children at least once every five years and shall post the test results in a prominent location in all buildings at the center, as specified in N.J.S.A. 30:5B-5.2.

    Complete radon testing in every room on the lowest floor used by children and post the results in a prominent location.

    Corrected by Jun 4, 2024

    View state record

  • Violation

    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).

    Ensure that all Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan and that two are present when required.

    Corrected by Jun 4, 2024

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.10(a)(1) · 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.

    Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 2 named staff within two weeks of hire.

    Corrected by Jun 4, 2024

    View state record

  • Violation

    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.

    Ensure that 2 named staff complete a CHRI background check as required.

    Corrected by Jun 4, 2024

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) · The schedule for disinfecting shall be as follows: tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal.

    Ensure that the staff in room 1 washes and disinfects the tables used by the children for eating before each meal.

    Corrected by Jun 4, 2024

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(ii) · Handwashing requirements are as follows: the center shall ensure that children three months of age and older wash their hands with soap and running water immediately after using the toilet or having diapers changed.

    Ensure that children in room 2 wash their hands immediately after using the toilet or having their diaper changed.

    Corrected by Jun 4, 2024

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-7.8(a)(4)(i) · Handwashing requirements are as follows: staff members shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately before preparing or serving food.

    Ensure that staff in room 4 wash their hands immediately before preparing or serving food.

    Corrected by Jun 4, 2024

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-7.8(a)(4)(iii) · Handwashing requirements are as follows: staff members shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately after assisting a child in toileting.

    Ensure that staff in room 2 wash their hands immediately after assisting a child in toileting.

    Corrected by Jun 4, 2024

    View state record

Apr 3, 2023 — Monitoring,Age Change
No violations cited · view state record
Clean
Dec 19, 2022 — Renewal
4 violations cited · view state record
4 violations
  • Violation

    3A:52-5.2(a)(5) · The center shall be permitted to obtain a valid fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, and submit a copy of the certificate to the Office of Licensing in lieu of a CO or CCO, if the center serves only children 2 ½ years of age or older and is located in a public school building that is used as a public school.

    Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable. Remove the bookshelf which was being stored in the emergency exit and partially blocking the egress from the third floor. The book shelf was moved during the inspection.

    Corrected by Dec 19, 2022

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-7.5(b)(3)(iii) · 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: all medication and health care equipment shall be kept either in a locked cabinet or in an area that is inaccessible to the children. unused or expired medication and health care equipment shall be returned to the child’s parent or disposed of safely in a child-resistant waste receptacle when no longer being administered.

    Ensure that all expired medication is returned to the child's parent or disposed of appropriately.

    Corrected by Jan 9, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(a)(16)(i) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of excessive peeling or chipped paint.

    Repair and/or paint the walls and other surfaces as required. Repair / repaint over the large section of peeled paint located in the gym.

    Corrected by Jan 9, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(a)(2) · 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.

    Ensure that all ceiling tiles are kept clean and in good repair. Repair / replace the stained ceiling tile in classroom 3. The cause of the leak was identified and repaired already.

    Corrected by Jan 9, 2023

    View state record

Aug 19, 2022 — Monitoring,Increase,Space Evaluation
1 violation cited · view state record
1 violation
  • Violation

    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.

    Ensure that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required. Missing 2 CHRI background checks for new staff.

    Corrected by Sep 21, 2022

    View state record

Nov 19, 2021 — Space Evaluation
No violations cited · view state record
Clean
Jul 16, 2021 — Monitoring
1 violation cited · view state record
1 violation
  • Violation

    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.

    Missing Criminal History Record Information background checks for 2 staff.

    Corrected by Jul 22, 2021

    View state record

Jan 6, 2020 — Renewal
11 violations cited · view state record
11 violations
  • Violation

    3A:52-4.5(c)(2)(ii) · The director or his or her designee(s) shall be on the premises at all times when the center is operating and the designee shall complete staff development in understanding licensing rules as provided by the Office.

    Ensure that the director designee attends the 5 hour understanding licensing workshop offered by the Office of Licensing. 3/18/2020: This violation was abated due to a class closure. Director designee is registered for a future class.

    Corrected by Mar 18, 2020

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.6(a) · 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).

    Maintain the staff files to include all of the required components from the staff records checklist.

    Corrected by Jun 17, 2020

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(c)(2) · Lighting requirements are as follows: during program activities, at least 20 foot-candles of natural or artificial light shall be provided in all rooms used by the children. This illumination shall be measured three feet above the floor at the farthest point from the light source.

    Ensure that all of the lights are operable in the bathroom on the first floor.

    Corrected by Feb 13, 2020

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(f)(2) · Toilet facility requirements are as follows: mirrors, dispensers, and other equipment shall be fastened securely.

    Ensure that the right sink located in the bathroom on the second floor across from classroom 5 is secured to the wall. At the time of the inspection, the sink was loose and the caulk seal were separating from each other.

    Corrected by Feb 13, 2020

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(i) · 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.

    Submit a current water test for the renewal. Test at least 50% of the water faucets utilized by the center for both lead and copper.

    Corrected by Feb 13, 2020

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(i)(8) · Environmental condition precautions are as follows: at the time of the initial application, any renewal application, relocation of an existing licensed center, and, as determined by the Office of Licensing, on a case-by-case basis, the facility operator shall submit to the Office of Licensing a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the Department of Health that indicates that no further remediation is needed for the interior of the building in which the center is located.

    Submit a current Safe Building Interior Certificate to the Office of Licensing.

    Corrected by Feb 13, 2020

    View state record

  • Violation

    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.

    Ensure that the center conducts a nap time fire drill at least once per year.

    Corrected by Mar 18, 2020

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-7.5(b)(7) · 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 maintain on file a record of the following

    As per the special care plan, ensure that all of the medication listed is available at the center.

    Corrected by Feb 13, 2020

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.2(a)(5) · The center shall be permitted to obtain a valid fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, and submit a copy of the certificate to the Office of Licensing in lieu of a CO or CCO, if the center serves only children 2 ½ years of age or older and is located in a public school building that is used as a public school.

    Ensure that the emergency lights are operable in the foyer leading from the second exit off of the second floor.

    Corrected by Feb 13, 2020

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-6.8(a)(1) · The center shall complete and maintain on file for each enrolled child a Children’s Records Checklist, signed by the director, sponsor, or sponsor representative and designated by the Office of Licensing, indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the child's name, address, birth date, and date of enrollment.

    Maintain on file all of the required components of the children's records checklist.

    Corrected by Feb 13, 2020

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-7.3(a)(2) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: for each child not enrolled in a public or private school, upon admission, the center shall maintain on file at the center a Universal Child Health Record (Department of Health Form CH-14) or its equivalent, updated annually, along with an immunization record, and a special care plan, if applicable. A 30-day grace period is permitted in N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.5(e)

    Ensure that the children have a current universal health record.

    Corrected by Feb 13, 2020

    View state record

Jul 1, 2019 — Complaint
No violations cited · view state record
Clean

Questions to ask on your tour

Generated from this facility's specific inspection record

  1. 1The Nov 19, 2025 inspection noted: “Ensure that each child's bedding and sleeping equipment are labeled and stored separately with the child's name throughout the center.” — what has changed since then?
  2. 2The May 1, 2024 inspection noted: “Ensure that pacifiers are removed when children are crawling or walking in room 2.” — what has changed since then?
  3. 3The Dec 19, 2022 inspection noted: “Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable. Remove the bookshelf which was being stored in th…” — what has changed since then?

Data synced from New Jersey DCF, Office of Licensing · Source records · Report an error