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HOPES CAP Inc Hamilton Site
900 Hamilton Street, Somerset NJ 08873 · License #140900057 · Child Care Center
Contact
- Director
- Joselyn Estevez-Vargas
- Phone
- (201) 795-1576
- jestevez@hopes.org
- Website
- www.hopes.org
- Address
- 900 Hamilton Street, 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(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.
Replace all stained caulking around the base of the toilets throughout the center.
Corrected by May 18, 2026
- 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 for the center's license renewal.
Corrected by Apr 28, 2026
- Violation
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.
Provide a current fire certificate as required.
Corrected by Apr 28, 2026
- 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 director.
Corrected by Sep 22, 2025
- 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. The center shall ensure that all children present are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill.
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 Oct 7, 2025
- Violation
3A:52-4.4(a)(2) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply for infants (under 18 months of age) and toddlers (18 months to 2½ years of age):a group shall consist of four infants or six toddlers to whom a primary caregiver has been assigned.
Ensure that a primary caregiver is assigned to each group of four infants or six toddlers.
Corrected by Sep 22, 2025
- Violation
3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(i) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: the center shall develop mutually with each child's parent(s) and follow a feeding plan regarding the feeding schedule, specific formula, breastfeeding arrangements and accommodations, and/or expressed breast milk, nutritional needs, and introduction of new food for each child. For children less than 12 months of age, the feeding plan shall be: documented in writing; maintained on file.
Develop and follow a feeding plan for each child under 18 months of age and ensure that each child under 12 months of age has a written feeding plan maintained on file.
Corrected by Oct 7, 2025
- 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 surfaces are flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent and in good repair in room 1.
Corrected by Jul 1, 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 Apr 26, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-6.6(e)(3) · The center shall maintain on file a written policy on the disciplining of children by staff members. The policy shall be posted in a prominent location within the center.
Post the center's discipline policy in a prominent location.
Corrected by Jun 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. 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 Nov 29, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-4.4(a)(2) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply for infants (under 18 months of age) and toddlers (18 months to 2½ years of age): a group shall consist of four infants or six toddlers to whom a primary caregiver has been assigned.
Ensure that a primary caregiver is assigned to each group of six toddlers in room 2.
Corrected by Jul 1, 2022
- 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 in the bathroom in room 3.
Corrected by Jul 1, 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 ceiling tiles are kept clean and in good repair in room 6.
Corrected by Jul 1, 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 toilet is maintained in operating condition in room 4..
Corrected by Jul 1, 2022
- 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 completes the Understanding Licensing training provided by OOL.
Corrected by Apr 26, 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. the refrigerator was reading at 49 degrees.
Corrected by Jul 1, 2022
- Violation
3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(i) · For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: the center shall develop mutually with each child's parent(s) and follow a feeding plan regarding the feeding schedule, specific formula, breastfeeding arrangements and accommodations, and/or expressed breast milk, nutritional needs, and introduction of new food for each child.
Ensure that each child under 12 months of age has a written feeding plan in room 1.
Corrected by Jul 1, 2022
- 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 the health, safety, and well-being of the children served. There were a knife and a pair of scissors at the reach of the children in a drawer at the sink in room 3. The items were removed at the time of the inspection.
Corrected by May 13, 2022
- 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 the health, safety, and well-being of the children served. The water cooler in the hallway near the toddler and infant room had the hot water tap "on".
Corrected by Aug 2, 2022
- 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 for room 9 on the second floor.
Corrected by Nov 29, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(a)(15) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ventilation outlets shall be clean and free from obstructions, and filters shall be replaced when saturated.
Maintain all mechanical ventilation is clean in room 8.
Corrected by Jun 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 in room 4. There were handbags at the children's reach and were removed at the time of the inspection.
Corrected by Apr 26, 2023
- 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 on the handle on the large playground.
Corrected by Sep 3, 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 in good repair in room 3. The bathroom mirror is cracked.
Corrected by Jun 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 basins are maintained in operating in room 6. The sink is slow to drain.
Corrected by Jun 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 Sep 19, 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 Sep 19, 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 Dec 13, 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 Dec 13, 2023
- 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 Jul 7, 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 all staff complete orientation training which may be included for six of the required annual training hours.
Corrected by Oct 25, 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 all emergency lighting are operable at all times in room 4.
Corrected by Jul 7, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-7.8(a)(1) · 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
Ensure that children over three months of age wash their hands with soap and running water in room 1. The staff member used wet and soapy paper towl to wash a child's hands after the child wipes their nose with their hands.
Corrected by Jun 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 throughout the center.
Corrected by Jun 5, 2023
- 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 faucet is fastened securely in room 4
Corrected by Jul 7, 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 25, 2024
- 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 surfaces are flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent and in good repair in room 2.
Corrected by Jun 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 Jun 5, 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 Sep 19, 2023
- 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 the health, safety, and well-being of the children served. The staff from the infant room were walking the children who were in strollers in the center's parking lot.
Corrected by Sep 19, 2023
- 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.
Provide and maintain the resilient surfacing and use zones under all play equipment as required. Repair the resilient surfacing which has a few holes and cracks.
Corrected by Aug 5, 2024
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(k)(5) · Swimming pool requirements are as follows: wading pools that are 24 inches or less, are filled as needed, are portable, and do not have a filtration system are prohibited.
Cease the use of wading pools. The center was using a type of water devise wherein the water pools or gathers in the base.
Corrected by Aug 11, 2023
- 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 1 new staff within two weeks of hire.
Corrected by Dec 13, 2023
- 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.
Provide OOL with the current Safe Building Interior Certificate.
Corrected by Jul 28, 2021
- Violation
3A:52-6.4(i) · Children shall not use pacifiers with straps or other types of attachment devices.
Ensure that the pacifier straps or other attachment devises are not used in room 1. The pacifier strap was removed at the time of the inspection.
Corrected by Apr 29, 2021
- 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 OOL a current fire certificate.
Corrected by Nov 19, 2021
- 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 the staff receive orientation training to include six hours in the required topics. Provide the documents to OOL.
Corrected by Jun 16, 2021
- 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).
Corrected by Jun 20, 2019
- 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).
Corrected by Jun 20, 2019
- 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 the CARI clearance is completed for 4 staff members.
Corrected by Jun 20, 2019
- 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.
Clean the half door to the bathroom of paint in room2
Corrected by Jun 20, 2019
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(a)(12) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: install window guards, with approval of the local fire official, or provide an alternative method to ensure that children cannot fall out of windows.
Install window guards on 2 windows in room 8.
Corrected by Jul 23, 2019
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(d)(1) · Heating requirements are as follows: a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit shall be maintained in all areas used by children, including, but not limited to, classrooms and bathrooms.
Ensure that rooms 1, 2, 3, 4 are maintained at a minimum of 68 degrees. The rooms were registering at 65 degrees. The children were moved to the indoor play area and to room 7 on the second floor.
Corrected by Jul 23, 2019
- Violation
3A:52-6.2(a)(1) · The center shall provide a supply of age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program equipment including play equipment, child-size furniture and supplies that are sufficient to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program.
Provide enough supplies for the children in the indoor play area.
Corrected by Jul 23, 2019
- 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 light in room 4 is operable. ensure that the emergency light in the hallway on the second floor is operable; 10A.
Corrected by Sep 16, 2019
- Violation
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 the conference room on the second floor is approved by the Office of Licensing prior to the center using the room for indoor play.
Corrected by Feb 21, 2020
Questions to ask on your tour
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
- 1The Mar 23, 2026 inspection noted: “Replace all stained caulking around the base of the toilets throughout the center.” — what has changed since then?
- 2The Sep 22, 2025 inspection noted: “Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the director.” — what has changed since then?
- 3The May 13, 2022 inspection noted: “Ensure that diapering surfaces are flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent and in good repair in room 1.” — what has changed since then?
Data synced from New Jersey DCF, Office of Licensing · Source records · Report an error