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Home › NJ › Jersey City › Smart Start Academy
462 Central Ave., Jersey City NJ 07307 · License #100700235 · Center · Child Care Center
Not published by the state. Owners can add hours via profile claim.
When they operate
Schedule type not published.
Ages served
Ages not published.
3A:52-5.3(h)(7) · Lead paint precautions are as follows: if a previous lead paint inspection indicates the presence of lead, or a lead paint risk management plan is in progress at the center, the center shall: ensure that a lead paint risk assessment is conducted by a Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor who is certified and employed as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(h)3, upon renewal of the center’s license; and submit the results of the risk assessment to the Office of Licensing and the local department of health.
Submit a lead paint risk assessment for the center's license renewal.
Corrected Corrected by Jul 25, 2025
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date in Room 1.
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
Data synced from New Jersey DCF, Office of Licensing on Jul 9, 2026 · Source records · Report an error
Corrected Corrected by Jan 22, 2025
Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(iii) · Space and room requirements are as follows: at no time shall a center operate in violation of the written conditions on its license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval including, but not limited to, capacity or age restrictions for specific classrooms.
Comply with the written conditions of the center's license including age restrictions for specific classrooms. At the time of the inspection, there were 2 children under the age of 2 1/2 years present in the Room 4/5.
Corrected Corrected by Jan 22, 2025
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.3(b)(1) · Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the building, land, walkways, and outdoor play area shall be free from hazards to the health, safety or well-being of the children.
Ensure all resilient surfacing tiles are secured in place and do not pose a tripping hazard in the outdoor play area.
Corrected Corrected by Jan 22, 2025
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
Provide and maintain use zone under climber with a slide as required. The center took an immediate action and moved the caterpillar tunnel that was adjacent to the climber with a slide.
Corrected Corrected by Dec 4, 2024
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.3(a)(10) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all corrosive agents, insecticides, bleaches, detergents, polishes, any products under pressure in an aerosol spray can, and any toxic substance shall be stored in a locked cabinet or in an enclosure located in an area not accessible to the children.
Ensure that all toxic cleaning substances are inaccessible to the children in Room 4/5.
Corrected Corrected by Dec 4, 2024
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-4.8(d)(2) · In lieu of the child care staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(b), the director, head teacher(s), group teacher(s), and program supervisor(s) shall each complete 20 hours of staff development each year. Recommended topics of training for these staff include special needs programming and program development.
Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually. Two members of staff are missing staff development hours.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 22, 2023
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
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 all staff within two weeks of hire. Four members of staff are missing CARI background checks.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 22, 2023
Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-4.6(d)(1) · For school-age child care programs the program supervisor shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the applicable options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(d) for education, training, and experience, based on the center's licensed capacity.
Ensure that the program supervisor meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.
Corrected Corrected by Dec 1, 2023
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
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).
Ensure that all staff complete orientation training which may be included for six of the required annual training hours. One member of staff is missing orientation training hours.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 22, 2023
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
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. Four members of staff are missing CHRI background checks.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 22, 2023
Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-4.5(a)(3)(i)(1) · The sponsor or sponsor representative shall designate individuals with the authority and responsibility to develop and implement written policies and procedures for the operation of the center, including a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility and communication.
Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility and communication.
Corrected Corrected by Oct 6, 2023
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-4.5(b)(2)(i) · The director shall have the authority and responsibility for the implementation of policies and procedures for the day-to-day operation of the center, including maintenance of staff attendance records indicating daily hours worked.
Ensure that the center maintains daily time sheets for staff that indicate the hours the staff worked at the center. One member of staff is missing attendance record.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 13, 2023
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
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 Corrected by Oct 6, 2023
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(ii) · Space and room requirements are as follows: at no time shall a center allow more children in attendance than the licensed room capacity.
Ensure that the center complies with the licensed capacity of the classrooms at all times throughout the center. Room 2 has a licensed capacity of five and six children were in attendance. One child was later relocated to Room 3.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 17, 2023
Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.3(l)(4) · Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall conduct two lockdown drills per year and maintain on file a record of each lockdown drill. The center shall ensure that lockdown drills are conducted during each session provided at the center.
Ensure that the center conducts at least two lockdown drills per year during each session provided at the center and maintains records of the drills on file.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 22, 2023
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
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 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.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 22, 2023
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date. The bottles contained three different dates.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 13, 2023
Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
Ensure that the center has a current comprehensive general liability insurance policy and maintains the documentation on file.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 22, 2023
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
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 the special care plan for the Epi-pens for a named child in Room 1 is updated to include the physician's signature.
Corrected Corrected by Oct 6, 2023
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
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 center washes and disinfects the tables used by the children for eating before each meal.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 13, 2023
Category: nutrition. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(i) · Space and room requirements are as follows: at no time shall a center allow more children in attendance than the licensed capacity as specified on the license or the Certificate of Life/Safety Approval.
Ensure that the center operates within its licensed capacity at all times. The center has a licensed capacity of 45 and 46 children were in attendance.
Corrected Corrected by Dec 15, 2023
Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(ii) · Space and room requirements are as follows: at no time shall a center allow more children in attendance than the licensed room capacity.
Ensure that the center complies with the licensed capacity of the classrooms at all times throughout the center. Room 2 has a licensed capacity of five and six children were in attendance.
Corrected Corrected by Dec 15, 2023
Marked corrected in the state record.
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 center ceases using the outdoor play area until they are able to provide an egress to the street.
Corrected Corrected by May 18, 2023
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-4.10(b)(1) · 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.
Ensure that all staff submit a CARI background check upon renewal.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 7, 2022
Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.
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 for the center's license renewal.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 7, 2022
Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.
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).
Ensure that the center completes and maintains on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 19, 2022
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.3(q)(1)(ii) · Space and room requirements are as follows: all space and rooms within the center to be used by children shall be inspected and approved by the Office of Licensing prior to their use. In making its determination, the Office of Licensing shall consider whether the space is too far removed, remote, or isolated from other areas of the center to be used by children. rooms or areas of the center that are not Office of Licensing-approved for use by children shall be made inaccessible to children.
Ensure that unapproved space is inaccessible to the children at all times. Ensure the door to the mechanical room in room 5 is inaccessible to children.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 19, 2022
Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.3(q)(3)(v) · Space and room requirements are as follows: Indoor space requirements for play rooms and sleep rooms are as follows the center shall identify all rooms of the center that have been approved by the Office of Licensing. This identification shall consist of numbers, letters, names or any other means of identification and shall be located either inside or directly outside each room.
Post a diagram of all approved areas and ensure that all rooms approved for use by the children are labeled.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 19, 2022
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
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 a Universal Health Record is completed upon enrollment and updated annually, including the immunization records and special care plans as required.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 7, 2022
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 19, 2022
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
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 rooms 2 and 3 wash their hands immediately after using the toilet or having their diaper changed.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 19, 2022
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(v) · 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 outdoor play.
Ensure that children wash their hands immediately after outdoor play.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 19, 2022
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
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 3 wash their hands immediately after assisting a child in toileting or changing diapers.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 19, 2022
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-6.4(b)(1)(ii) · 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 sleeping equipment shall be free of pillows and soft bedding, including, but not limited to bumper pads, when occupied by a sleeping child.
Ensure that sleeping equipment is free of pillows, soft bedding, bumpers and other hazards when occupied by a sleeping child.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 19, 2022
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(ii) · Space and room requirements are as follows: at no time shall a center allow more children in attendance than the licensed room capacity.
Ensure that the center complies with the licensed capacity of the classrooms at all times throughout the center. Room 3 has a licensed capacity of 5 and there were 6 children present. 03/16/23 Room 2 has a licensed capacity of 5 and there were 6 children present.
Corrected Corrected by Apr 17, 2023
Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(i) · Space and room requirements are as follows: at no time shall a center allow more children in attendance than the licensed capacity as specified on the license or the Certificate of Life/Safety Approval.
Ensure that the center operates within its licensed capacity at all times. The center has a license capacity of 45 and 48 children were in attendance. 3/16/23 The center has a license capacity of 45 and 49 children were in attendance.
Corrected Corrected by Mar 31, 2023
Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
Cease using the outdoor play area until they are able to provide an egress to the street. At the time of inspection, two classes were using the playground.
Corrected Corrected by Mar 31, 2023
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
Provide a current fire certificate as required.
Corrected Corrected by May 18, 2022
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
Repair or replace stained ceiling tile on room 3.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 18, 2019
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.3(a)(10) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all corrosive agents, insecticides, bleaches, detergents, polishes, any products under pressure in an aerosol spray can, and any toxic substance shall be stored in a locked cabinet or in an enclosure located in an area not accessible to the children.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 9, 2019
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-5.2(d) · An applicant seeking the renewal of a license or of a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval to continue operating a center shall obtain and maintain on file a fire safety inspection certificate for the building based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months. If the center prepares meals, the applicant seeking renewal shall obtain and maintain on file a satisfactory Sanitary Inspection Certificate, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:24, indicating that the kitchen is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the State Sanitary Code, based on a sanitary inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months.
Ensure fire certificate is up to date.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 18, 2019
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
3A:52-7.6(b)(6)(iv)(1) · The center shall maintain on file a written record of each incident resulting in an injury as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(a). These records shall include the following: a written description of the follow-up action taken by the center, including the follow-up action taken by the center, including application of first aid.
Ensure the time of parental notification is included on accident reports.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 18, 2019
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.