Home › NJ › Somerset › HOPES CAP, Inc. Belmont Site
HOPES CAP, Inc. Belmont Site
113 Belmont Drive, Somerset NJ 08873 · License #140900056 · Child Care Center
Contact
- Director
- Barbara Panas
- Phone
- (201) 795-1576
- jestevez@hopes.org
- Website
- www.hopes.org
- Address
- 113 Belmont Drive, Somerset NJ 08873 · 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
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.
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 Apr 20, 2026
- Violation
3A:52-5.2(c) · If the center prepares meals, the center shall obtain 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. The center shall maintain on file the Sanitary Inspection Certificate. 6.3(a)2 If the center chooses to provide food, the center shall ensure that all food served to children is prepared by either: i. The center on-site or off-site; or ii. A caterer who is licensed, registered, certified, or otherwise approved, as appropriate, by the local or county health department or State Department of Health, as applicable.
Provide a current health certificate as required.
Corrected by Jun 12, 2026
- Violation
3A:52-4.11(b) · When the center applies for a new license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that each staff member at least 18 years of age who is or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis completes the CHRI fingerprinting process specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a). Within two weeks after a new staff member begins working at the center, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that the new staff member completes the CHRI fingerprinting process specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a). Until the center receives the results of the CHRI background check for a new staff member, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that the person is not alone to supervise a child or group of children.
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 2 staff.
Corrected by Jun 12, 2026
- Violation
3A:52-4.6(c)(1) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: or all centers, the head teacher or consulting head teacher shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the seven options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(c) for education and experience.
Provide documentation that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.
Corrected by Aug 21, 2025
- Violation
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 substances are inaccessible to the children. There is a large black mouse trap located outdoors next to the bench on the playground.
Corrected by May 6, 2024
- Violation
3A:52-4.6(c)(1) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: for all centers, the head teacher or consulting head teacher shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the seven options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(c) for education and experience.
Ensure that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.
Corrected by May 6, 2024
- 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.
Provide a current fire certificate as required. The certificate expired on February 2024.
Corrected by May 6, 2024
- 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 surfaces are kept clean and in good repair in room 5. Repair the back splash at the adult sink.
Corrected by May 6, 2024
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(a)(9) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: toilets, wash basins, kitchen sinks, and other plumbing shall be maintained in good operating and sanitary condition.
Ensure that toilets, wash basins, kitchen sinks and other plumbing are maintained in operating and sanitary condition. Repair the leaking faucet in room 1.
Corrected by May 6, 2024
- Violation
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 that all outdoor hazards are removed as required. Remove the rust from the bench on the large playground.
Corrected by Sep 24, 2024
- 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 the rust from the base of the large climber near the slide.
Corrected by May 6, 2024
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(p) · Play equipment, materials, and furniture for indoor and outdoor use shall be of sturdy and safe construction, non-toxic, free of hazards, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The center may not use play equipment intended for outdoor use indoors.
Ensure that all indoor and outdoor equipment is sturdy, safe, free of hazards and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Remove the hazard of the heater cords in rooms 1, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
Corrected by May 6, 2024
- Violation
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. There were 2 bottles without the dates in room 6.
Corrected by May 6, 2024
- Violation
3A:52-7.10(a) · The director, sponsor, or sponsor representative, upon learning that an enrolled child or staff member at the center has been diagnosed as having contracted or is suspected of having a reportable disease, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1(d), shall report this knowledge by the next working day to the local health department.
Based on report, ensure that the center notifies the Office of Licensing by the next working day. The center director reported the incident to another agency who reported the incident the Office of Licensing.
Corrected by May 15, 2024
- 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.
Based on report, ensure that adequate supervision is maintained at all times throughout the center. The staff actively supervised the children during the before care program and during the reported incident and wrote up an incident report.
Corrected by May 15, 2024
- 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). The caterpillar is missing a plastic screw on the top.
Corrected by Jul 5, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(a)(9) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: toilets, wash basins, kitchen sinks, and other plumbing shall be maintained in good operating and sanitary condition.
Ensure that the wash basin is maintained in operating and sanitary condition in room B8. The faucet was splashing out of the sink when the water was turned on.
Corrected by Jul 5, 2023
- Violation
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 7 staff members complete orientation training which may be included for six of the required annual training hours.
Corrected by Jul 5, 2023
- Violation
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 by Jul 5, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-4.5(a)(3)(i)(2) · 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 job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff.
Ensure that the center develops and implements job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff.
Corrected by Jul 5, 2023
- Violation
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 by Jul 5, 2023
- 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 for the center's license renewal.
Corrected by Aug 11, 2023
- 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 surfaces are in good repair in room B4. The door under the sink is not working properly.
Corrected by Jul 5, 2023
- 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.
Provide a current fire certificate as required.
Corrected by Jul 5, 2023
- Violation
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 substances are inaccessible to the children. There was an insect adhesive trap in the bathroom of room B1. At the time of the inspection, the trap was removed.
Corrected by May 16, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(a)(17) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all televisions and computers shall be secured on a stable surface and shelving shall be secured and not be overloaded.
Ensure that the computer monitor in room B2 is secured to a stable surface.
Corrected by Jul 5, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-6.3(b)(1) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, centers operating for more than three consecutive hours shall have a working refrigerator.
Ensure that the center has a working refrigerator in room B6. The classroom refrigerator was registering at 52 degrees.
Corrected by Jul 5, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-6.4(g)(2) · When sheets, blankets and other coverings are not stored with sleeping equipment, each of these items shall be stored separately for each child.
Ensure that each child's bedding is stored separately in room B10.
Corrected by Sep 29, 2023
- 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.
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 Jul 5, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-2.1(b) · A person applying for an initial license or renewal license to operate a center or relocation of a center shall submit a completed application to the Office of Licensing at least 45 days prior to the anticipated opening of the center or to the expiration of its existing regular license.
Complete and submit a DCF Renewal Attestation and all required documents.
Corrected by Jul 5, 2023
- 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 a Universal Health Record is completed upon enrollment and updated annually, including the immunization records and special care plans as required. The provided Universal health form did not have a date.
Corrected by Jul 5, 2023
- 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 is signed by the parent.
Corrected by Jul 5, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-7.6(a)(2) · The center shall take immediate necessary action to protect the child from further harm and shall immediately notify the child's parent(s) when a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head.
Ensure that parents are notified immediately when a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head.
Corrected by Jul 5, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: diapering requirements for centers serving children who are not toilet trained are as follows, diapering area and surface requirements are as follows, the diapering surface shall be flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent, and in good repair.
Ensure that diapering surface is in good repair in room B7. There is a hole in the diapering mat.
Corrected by Jul 5, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-7.9(a)(1)(vi)(4) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the center shall maintain on file a log of the initial illnesses, symptoms of illness, or diseases that are exhibited by each child while in the center’s care, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1(c) and (d). This illness log shall include the date, if applicable, that the child returned to the center symptom-free.
Maintain an illness log on file at the center and ensure that it contains all of the required components, including the date when the child returned to the center symptom-free.
Corrected by Aug 11, 2023
- Violation
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 by Aug 11, 2023
- 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 center's fire protective systems are operative at all times. The fire protective system is registering trouble due to a problem with the phone lines as per monitoring company. the company confirmed that the system is monitoring the center 24 hours 7 days a week. The company will have a tech at the center by 8/15/23.
Corrected by Aug 17, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-5.2(c) · If the center prepares meals, the center shall obtain 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. The center shall maintain on file the Sanitary Inspection Certificate.
Provide a current health certificate as required.
Corrected by Jul 8, 2022
- Violation
3A:52-4.6(c)(3) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the group teacher shall meet the requirements for experience and education
Ensure that the group teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.
Corrected by May 26, 2022
- 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 all staff within two weeks of hire.
Corrected by Sep 2, 2022
- Violation
3A:52-4.6(c)(1) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: for all centers, the head teacher or consulting head teacher shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the seven options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(c) for education and experience.
Ensure that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.
Corrected by Jun 1, 2022
- 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.
Provide a current fire certificate as required.
Corrected by Oct 3, 2022
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(a)(17) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all televisions and computers shall be secured on a stable surface and shelving shall be secured and not be overloaded.
Ensure that the computer monitor is secured to a stable surface in room B10.
Corrected by Jul 8, 2022
- 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 surfaces are kept clean in room B10. Clean behind the faucet at the sink in the bathroom.
Corrected by Aug 9, 2022
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(a)(9) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: toilets, wash basins, kitchen sinks, and other plumbing shall be maintained in good operating and sanitary condition.
Ensure that the kitchen sinks is maintained in operating condition in room B5. The sink is slow to drain.
Corrected by Aug 9, 2022
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(f)(2) · Toilet facility requirements are as follows: mirrors, dispensers, and other equipment shall be fastened securely.
Ensure that all bathroom equipment is fastened securely in room B1. The faucet is loose.
Corrected by Jul 8, 2022
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(p) · Play equipment, materials, and furniture for indoor and outdoor use shall be of sturdy and safe construction, non-toxic, free of hazards, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The center may not use play equipment intended for outdoor use indoors.
Ensure that all indoor equipment is sturdy, safe, free of hazards and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that the heater's cord is not accessible to the children in rooms B-6,7,8,9,10.
Corrected by Jul 8, 2022
- 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 center's fire protective systems are operative at all times. At the time of the inspection, the center's fire alarm panel was reading two trouble signals. The center director called the central monitoring station to inquire about the center being online and monitoring the building. The representative from the fire alarm system stated that the center was being monitored and if a fire would occur, the fire company would be dispatched to the center. The director will forward to the inspector any repair correspondence from the fire alarm company.
Corrected by Sep 8, 2022
- 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.
Provide to OOL a current fire certificate.
Corrected by May 24, 2021
- 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 the lights are operable in the gym.
Corrected by Jun 7, 2019
Questions to ask on your tour
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
- 1The Mar 31, 2026 inspection noted: “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 certifi…” — what has changed since then?
- 2The Aug 6, 2025 inspection noted: “Provide documentation that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.” — what has changed since then?
- 3The Mar 12, 2024 inspection noted: “Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. There is a large black mouse trap located outdoors next to the bench on the playground.” — what has changed since then?
Data synced from New Jersey DCF, Office of Licensing · Source records · Report an error