Home › NJ › Paterson › Small Stepz Academy Corporation
Small Stepz Academy Corporation
173 Haledon Avenue, Paterson NJ 07522 · License #071000122 · Child Care Center
Contact
- Director
- Jade Evans
- Phone
- (973) 956-1777
- aebless27@gmail.com
- Address
- 173 Haledon Avenue, Paterson NJ 07522 · Directions
Hours
Care & schedule
When they operate
Schedule type not published.
Ages served
Ages not published.
- 2-Star quality rating
- Accepts child care subsidy (CCDF)
How this facility compares
Violations per inspection, 3-yrInspection history & violations
Source: New Jersey DCF, Office of Licensing- Violation
Ensure that each child's bedding and sleeping equipment are labeled with the child's name.
Corrected by Oct 10, 2025
- Violation
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. There are 2 missing CARI's.
Corrected by Jan 5, 2026
- Violation
Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal. There is 1 missing CHRI.
Corrected by Jan 5, 2026
- Violation
Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually.
Corrected by Jan 5, 2026
- Violation
Ensure fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center, one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time, if applicable, and all children are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill.
Corrected by Jan 5, 2026
- Violation
Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist. There are 2 missing staff medical clearance's.
Corrected by Jan 28, 2026
- Violation
3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) · 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.
Corrected by Oct 10, 2025
- 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.
Corrected by Oct 10, 2025
- Violation
Repair or replace the broken toilet in the bathroom.
Corrected by Oct 10, 2025
- Violation
Provide a current fire certificate as required.
Corrected by Jan 28, 2026
- Violation
Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff.
Corrected by Mar 4, 2025
- Violation
Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.
Corrected by Mar 4, 2025
- Violation
Ensure that at least two staff members who have current pediatric first aid and CPR certifications are present at the center at all times.
Corrected by Mar 4, 2025
- Violation
Ensure fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center, one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time.
Corrected by Mar 4, 2025
- Violation
Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually.
Corrected by Aug 6, 2025
- Violation
Ensure that all staff complete orientation training which may be included for six of the required annual training hours.
Corrected by Aug 6, 2025
- Violation
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff.
Corrected by Mar 4, 2025
- Violation
Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually. Ensure children and staff participate in the drills.
Corrected by Mar 4, 2025
- Violation
Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH.
Corrected by Aug 27, 2025
- Violation
Ensure all outdoor hazards are removed from the outdoor play area as required. Ensure the entrance to the outdoor play area is repaired or covered to avoid a tripping hazard.
Corrected by Mar 4, 2025
- Violation
Test for the presence of radon gas in every room on the lowest floor used by children in each building and post the test results in a prominent location in each bulding.
Corrected by Aug 6, 2025
- Violation
Ensure that the consulting head teacher makes at least two on-site visits to the center per month to observe the center's program and provide staff development as required.
Corrected by Mar 4, 2025
- Violation
Ensure that all cribs are equipped with snugly fitting mattress sheet.
Corrected by Mar 4, 2025
- Violation
Ensure that all illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting are operable at all times in the back hallway
Corrected by Mar 4, 2025
- Violation
Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes evacuations, disaster and lockdown procedures.
Corrected by Aug 6, 2025
- Violation
Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually.
Corrected by Aug 6, 2025
- Violation
Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. At the inspectors request the Lysol can was removed.
Corrected by Sep 17, 2024
- Violation
Ensure all outdoor hazards are removed as required. Ensure the entrance to the outdoor play area is repaired or covered to avoid a tripping hazard,
Corrected by Feb 24, 2025
- Violation
Ensure that all illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting are operable at all times in the back hallway.
Corrected by Feb 24, 2025
- Violation
Provide a current life/hazard use registration certificate applicable to the center's licensed capacity and ages served.
Corrected by Jan 23, 2025
- Violation
Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH.
Corrected by Feb 24, 2025
- Violation
Test for the presence of radon gas in every room on the lowest floor used by children in each building and post the test results in a prominent location in each building.
Corrected by Feb 24, 2025
- Violation
Ensure that at least two staff members who have current pediatric first aid and CPR certifications and are present at the center at all times.
Corrected by Feb 24, 2025
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(l)(1) · Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating
Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes evacuation, disaster and lockdown procedures.
Corrected by Feb 24, 2025
- Violation
Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually. Ensure children and staff participate in the drills.
Corrected by Feb 24, 2025
- Violation
Ensure to provide access to an unobstructed 3-foot wide aisle that leads to an exit. At the inspectors request the door was unblocked.
Corrected by Sep 17, 2024
- Violation
Conduct and document 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 by Feb 24, 2025
- Violation
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff.
Corrected by Feb 24, 2025
- Violation
Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff.
Corrected by Feb 24, 2025
- Violation
Update on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.
Corrected by Feb 24, 2025
- Violation
3A:52-4.8(c) · The center shall ensure that all staff members who work at the center complete 12 hours of continuing staff development each year.
Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually.
Corrected by Feb 24, 2025
- Violation
Ensure that all staff complete orientation training which may be included for six of the required annual training hours.
Corrected by Feb 24, 2025
- Violation
Ensure that the consulting head teacher makes at least two on-site visits to the center per month to observe the center's program and provide staff development as required.
Corrected by Feb 24, 2025
- Violation
Maintain garbage receptacles are as required in the 1st bathroom.
Corrected by Nov 4, 2024
- Violation
Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually.
Corrected by Feb 24, 2025
- Violation
Ensure that all cribs are equipped with snugly fitting mattress sheet.
Corrected by Feb 24, 2025
- Violation
Identify and maintain space requirements for all rooms approved by the OOL for children's use. Remove the changing table blocking the urinal in the 2nd bathroom.
Corrected by Nov 4, 2024
- Violation
3A:52-6.3(a)(12)(ii) · All centers shall comply with the following requirements, the center shall ensure that these safety and sanitation practices are followed: sippy cups shall be labeled with the child’s name.
Ensure that each child's sippy cup is labeled with the child's name.
Corrected by Nov 4, 2024
- Violation
Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the children served. At the inspectors request the staff's pocketbook was moved.
Corrected by Sep 17, 2024
- Violation
Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date.
Corrected by Nov 4, 2024
- Violation
Ensure that children under 12 months of age are initially placed in a face-up position in their sleeping equipment, unless it is contraindicated in writing by the child's health care provider. At the inspectors request the child was positioned properly.
Corrected by Sep 17, 2024
- Violation
Ensure that the center washes and disinfects surfaces after each use, as required. Fabric clothes should not be reused if not washed.
Corrected by Nov 4, 2024
- Violation
Based on complaint # 23092 ensure that adequate supervision is maintained at all times throughout the center.
Corrected by Jun 11, 2024
- Violation
Ensure that unapproved space is inaccessible to the children at all times.
Corrected by Jun 11, 2024
- Violation
3A:52-6.8(j)(1) · The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the expulsion of children from enrollment at the center. The expulsion policy shall include
Update the expulsion policy to meet OOL requirements.
Corrected by Apr 4, 2023
- Violation
Ensure that the center maintains and distributes to all families the center's communicable disease policy and that it includes the list of symptoms for which a child will be excluded from the center.
Corrected by Apr 4, 2023
- Violation
Remove debris and overgrown vegetation from the outdoor play area.
Corrected by Feb 15, 2022
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(c)(1) · Lighting requirements are as follows: all fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs shall have protective covers or shields.
Ensure that all fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs have protective coverings.
Corrected by May 5, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that at least two staff have current first aid and CPR certifications and are present at all times at the center.
Corrected by Apr 4, 2023
- Violation
Provide a current life/hazard use registration certificate applicable to the center's licensed capacity and ages served.
Corrected by Oct 19, 2022
- Violation
Provide a current fire certificate as required.
Corrected by Sep 6, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required. Upload the CHRI checks to NJCCIS. 9/6/2022- There are 4 staff CHRIs missing. 9/7/2022- There are 3 staff CHRIs missing.
Corrected by Apr 4, 2023
- Violation
Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for all staff within two weeks of hire. Upload the CARI checks to NJCCIS.
Corrected by Aug 5, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that the center completes and maintains on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. Upload the document to NJCCIS.
Corrected by Apr 4, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-4.8(a)(2) · Topics of orientation training shall include understanding center operations, policies and procedures, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)3.
Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, including understanding center operations, policies and procedures.
Corrected by Apr 4, 2023
- Violation
Ensure that the center maintains daily time sheets for the children that indicate the children's arrival and departure times.
Corrected by Oct 20, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that the center has a table of organization that includes job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff. Upload the documents to NJCCIS.
Corrected by Oct 19, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that the center maintains daily time sheets for staff that indicate the hours the staff worked at the center.
Corrected by Oct 19, 2022
- Violation
Prepare a discipline policy that includes the acceptable actions staff members may take when disciplining a child. Upload the policy to NJCCIS.
Corrected by Oct 19, 2022
- Violation
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 by Oct 19, 2022
- Violation
Maintain an illness log on file at the center and ensure that it contains all of the required components. Upload the document to NJCCIS. Indicate in writing if there are no illnesses.
Corrected by Oct 19, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that the center has a current comprehensive general liability insurance policy and maintains the documentation on file.
Corrected by Jun 30, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that adequate procedures for tracking children are adhered to at all times throughout the center. The staff in the 3 year old class had to count the children.
Corrected by Jun 30, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable. There was a table and toys blocking the egress near the 3 year old classroom. The exit was cleared during the inspection.
Corrected by May 5, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that all staff working with children under 2.5 years of age have training specific to this age group initiated within 90 days of hire and completed within one year.
Corrected by Apr 4, 2023
- Violation
Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually.
Corrected by Apr 4, 2023
- Violation
Ensure that all fire extinguishers are serviced and tagged annually and recharged as needed.
Corrected by Apr 4, 2023
- Violation
Complete radon testing in every room on the lowest floor used by children and post the results in a prominent location.
Corrected by Oct 19, 2022
- Violation
Complete and submit a DCF Drinking Water Testing Checklist and Statement of Assurance and a copy of the center's water testing completed by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protection.
Corrected by Aug 26, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that adequate procedures for tracking children are adhered to at all times throughout the center. The staff stated there were 8 children, when only 7 were present.
Corrected by Sep 6, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the center. There was 1 staff with 6 children aged 5-18 months, a second staff was needed.
Corrected by Sep 6, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date.
Corrected by Sep 6, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required for the center's license renewal. 9/6/2022- There are 5 renewal CHRIs missing.
Corrected by Apr 4, 2023
- Violation
Ensure that the center maintains and distributes to all families and staff a copy of the Information to Parents document and maintains on file signatures of all staff and families attesting to the receipt of the policy.
Corrected by Oct 19, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that the information on the Staff Records Checklist is current and that it is maintained on file at the center, including the staff's CARI and CHRI background checks.
Corrected by Apr 4, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-4.5(c)(1) · The director shall be scheduled to work at the center at least 50 percent of the center’s daily operating hours.
Ensure that the director is at the center at least 50% of the center's daily operating hours.
Corrected by Feb 23, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-4.8(c) · The center shall ensure that all staff members who work at the center complete 12 hours of continuing staff development each year.
Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually.
Corrected by Apr 4, 2023
- Violation
Ensure that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.
Corrected by Apr 1, 2024
- Violation
Cease swaddling infants.
Corrected by Sep 6, 2022
- 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.
Corrected by Oct 19, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that children are provided with time and space within the classroom to be apart from the group and the opportunity to participate in an alternate activity if they choose to do so. There was a child inside when her group was outside with no activities.
Corrected by Oct 19, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that the center completes and maintains on file a children's records checklist, including the child's name, address, birth date and date of enrollment.
Corrected by Apr 4, 2023
- Violation
Ensure that the center maintains and distributes to all families and staff the center's policy on the release of children, including a provision that children can only be released to the parent or other authorized individuals.
Corrected by Apr 4, 2023
- Violation
Ensure that the center's social media policy includes its policies regarding the use of social networking sites and other websites.
Corrected by Oct 19, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that a Universal Health Record is completed upon enrollment and updated annually, including the immunization records and special care plans as required.
Corrected by Oct 19, 2022
- Violation
Complete accident reports as required.
Corrected by Oct 19, 2022
- Violation
Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the center. At the time of the inspection there was 1 staff with 7 children ages 0-18 months, a second staff was needed.
Corrected by Jan 4, 2024
- Violation
Provide the current certificate.
Corrected by Feb 24, 2021
- Violation
Replace the missing floor tiles throughout the center.
Corrected by Aug 20, 2019
- Violation
- Violation
- Violation
- Violation
Corrected by Jan 16, 2020
- Violation
Corrected by Jan 16, 2020
- Violation
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.
Operate within the center's licensed capacity, wherein the center is licensed for 30 and 32 children were present. Thirty four children are enrolled and have been present on the same day. 4/29/2019- The center is licensed for 30, 31 children present. 5/15/2019- The center is licensed for 30, 31 children present.
Corrected by May 31, 2019
- Violation
Submit the current liability insurance.
Corrected by Jul 11, 2019
- Violation
Submit the current fire certificate.
Corrected by Jul 11, 2019
- Violation
Remove the broken toy play house.
Corrected by Jul 11, 2019
- Violation
Repair the sink knobs in both the boy's and girl's room. Ensure that the knobs can not be removed. Secure the tiles on the sinks in both restrooms. 4/29/19- Repair the toilet in the women's room.
Corrected by Jul 11, 2019
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(f)(2) · Toilet facility requirements are as follows: mirrors, dispensers, and other equipment shall be fastened securely.
Securely fasten the stall in the boy's bathroom.
Corrected by Jul 10, 2019
- Violation
The center has 21 children ages 2.5-4 napping with no staff person.
Corrected by Jul 11, 2019
- Violation
Repair the indoor dividers. Replace the safety gate leading to the basement staircase.
Corrected by Aug 20, 2019
- Violation
3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(i) · 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 before intake of food.
Ensure the children's hands are washed before snack is served. One child went directly from the cot to the table for snack.
Corrected by Aug 20, 2019
- Violation
Submit the renewal attestation form.
Corrected by Sep 13, 2019
- Violation
Provide a longer gate for the kitchenette area.
Corrected by Sep 20, 2019
- Violation
Ensure that the children are supervised at all times wherein two children (staff's family members) were allowed to roam freely throughout the center and onto the playground unsupervised. Although, there was a class on the playground, children must not be allowed to move in and out of the center unsupervised.
Corrected by Sep 20, 2019
- Violation
Ensure staff are aware of how many children are in care at all times, wherein, a staff member had to count the children when asked how many children were in care in her classroom.
Corrected by Sep 20, 2019
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(n)(3) · Fire prevention requirements are as follows: the center shall maintain on file a record of each fire drill, as specified in the NJUFC, which record shall include
Conduct and document all fire drills.
Corrected by Sep 20, 2019
- Violation
Provide the written feeding plan for the one child under the age of 12 months.
Corrected by Sep 20, 2019
- Violation
Ensure that all children are signed in and out on a daily basis, wherein, fourteen children were signed in the center and 24 children were present.
Corrected by Oct 24, 2019
- Violation
Ensure that 2 staff members receive a CARI check and maintain the clearance letter on file at the center. 11/15/18- Ensure that one new staff member receives a CARI check and maintain the clearance letter on file at the center. 8/20/2019- Ensure three new staff members receive a CARI check and maintain the clearance letters on file at the centers.
Corrected by Oct 24, 2019
- Violation
Repair the toilet in the boy's bathroom.
Corrected by Oct 24, 2019
- Violation
3A:52-6.4(i) · Children shall not use pacifiers with straps or other types of attachment devices.
Pertains to the child in the toddler group.
Corrected by Oct 24, 2019
- Violation
Develop and maintain on file, a written policy on the release of the children .
Corrected by Oct 24, 2019
- Violation
Develop a table of organization.
Corrected by Jan 2, 2020
- Violation
Distribute to all staff and parents. Secure and maintain signatures on file for all staff and parents.
Corrected by Jan 2, 2020
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(l)(1) · Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating
Ensure the emergency plans are written and contain all applicable required components. Maintain on file at the center.
Corrected by Jan 2, 2020
- Violation
Ensure that at least two people have CPR First aid certification are in the center at all times.
Corrected by Jan 2, 2020
- Violation
Submit the current life hazard use registration certificate.
Corrected by Jan 2, 2020
- Violation
Corrected by Jan 2, 2020
- Violation
Ensure all the children have a current universal health record.
Corrected by Jan 2, 2020
- Violation
Ensure all staff receives a renewal CARI clearance letter and maintain the clearance letters on file at the center.
Corrected by Jan 16, 2020
- Violation
- Violation
- Violation
- Violation
Ensure the director and designee attends the understanding licensing training.
Corrected by Feb 25, 2020
- Violation
Update the staff record's checklist and ensure that each employee file contains the required documentation. 8/19/2019- Ensure all staff have all the components of the staff record's checklist in their files.
Corrected by Feb 25, 2020
- Violation
Ensure the feeding plans for all children over the age of 12 months up to 18 months are known to staff.
Corrected by Feb 25, 2020
- Violation
Submit the water test and all applicable forms.
Corrected by Jan 16, 2020
- Violation
Update the children's record's checklist.
Corrected by Nov 16, 2020
- Violation
Submit the current safe building interior certification.
Corrected by Feb 4, 2021
- Violation
Ensure that 2 staff members receive a CHRI check and maintain the clearance letter on file at the center. 11/15/2018- Ensure that one new staff member receives a CHRI check and maintain the clearance letter on file at the center. 8/20/2019- Ensure that three new staff members receive a CHRI check and maintain the clearance letters on file at the center.
Corrected by Jan 28, 2021
Questions to ask on your tour
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
- 1The Sep 8, 2025 inspection noted: “Ensure that each child's bedding and sleeping equipment are labeled with the child's name.” — what has changed since then?
- 2The Feb 24, 2025 inspection noted: “Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff.” — what has changed since then?
- 3The Sep 17, 2024 inspection noted: “Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. At the inspectors request the Lysol can was removed.” — what has changed since then?
Data synced from New Jersey DCF, Office of Licensing · Source records · Report an error