Home NJ Toms River Hilltop Nursery School

Hilltop Nursery School

1917 Route 37 West, Toms River NJ 08757 · License #15HIL0003 · Child Care Center

Active
4-Star programLast inspected Oct 21, 2025
Are you the owner of Hilltop Nursery School?

Claim this profile to add your website, a description, and keep hours & contact details current.

Sign up to claim

Contact

Website
Add via profile claim
Address
1917 Route 37 West, Toms River NJ 08757 · Directions

Hours

Mon06:30 AM–06:00 PM
Tue06:30 AM–06:00 PM
Wed06:30 AM–06:00 PM
Thu06:30 AM–06:00 PM
Fri06:30 AM–06:00 PM
SatClosed
SunClosed

Care & schedule

When they operate

Schedule type not published.

Ages served

Ages not published.

  • 4-Star quality rating
  • Accepts child care subsidy (CCDF)
15
Violations, past 3 yrs
From inspections (not complaints)
0
High-risk violations
Serious / high-risk non-compliance
0
Substantiated complaints
Published by New Jersey DCF
2
Inspections, past 3 yrs
Monitoring & assessments

How this facility compares

Violations per inspection, 3-yr
This facility
7.5
New Jersey average
9.1

Inspection history & violations

Source: New Jersey DCF, Office of Licensing
Oct 21, 2025 — Monitoring
2 violations cited · view state record
2 violations
  • Violation

    3A:52-7.5(b)(10) · (9) The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: before administering a health care procedure associated with a child’s health condition, such as the use of a blood glucose monitor, nebulizer, or epinephrine pen, the center shall ensure that all staff members who administer the procedure are taught to do so by the child’s parent or another appropriately-trained person. There shall be at least two staff members present at the center who are trained in such health care procedures. 10. The center shall store prescribed epinephrine pens in their original boxes with the child’s name and prescription. A special care plan or other documentation from a health care provider shall accompany the epinephrine pen. If two epinephrine pens are required, both shall be available. Each center under the jurisdiction of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5 shall store back-up epinephrine pens on site consistent with the requirements stated at N.J.S.A. 18A:40- 12.5.e(1).

    Ensure Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes.

    Corrected by Dec 15, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(b)(1) · Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: 1. The building, land, walkways, and outdoor play area shall be free from hazards to the health, safety or well-being of the children. 2. The outdoor play area shall be graded or provided with drains to dispose of surface water.

    Remove all the debris from the outdoor play area.

    Corrected by Dec 15, 2025

    View state record

Oct 28, 2024 — Renewal,Monitoring
13 violations cited · view state record
13 violations
  • 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.

    Provide documentation that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual for 2 head teachers.

    Corrected by Jan 3, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.7(a)(1) · The center shall meet the following requirements for orientation training: the center shall ensure that all newly-hired staff receive orientation training within two weeks of hire and that no individual is left alone to supervise a child or group of children until orientation training is completed.

    Provide documentation of training for staff for the medication for 1 child.

    Corrected by Jan 3, 2025

    View state record

  • 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 shelving is secure and not overloaded in the bathrooms. Remove or secure the bins.

    Corrected by Jan 3, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(a)(2) · Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair.

    Ensure the ventilation is in sanitary condition throughout the center.

    Corrected by Jan 3, 2025

    View state record

  • 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 all outdoor hazards are removed as required.

    Corrected by Jan 3, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-3.6(b)(1) · The center shall distribute a copy of the Information to Parents document to each child’s parent(s) upon enrollment and to every person upon becoming a staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s and staff member’s signature attesting to receipt of the document. The center shall maintain on file a copy of the Information to Parents document.

    Maintain at the center and distribute to all families and staff, a copy of the Information to Parents document designated by the OOL; maintain on file a record of parental and staff receipt of the policy.

    Corrected by Jan 3, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.10(a)(2) · As a condition of securing a new or renewal license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall provide for himself or herself, and shall obtain from all staff members who are or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis, written consent for the Department to conduct a Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) background check to determine whether an incident of child abuse or neglect has been substantiated against any such person. If a staff member refused to conset to a CARI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediation terminate the staff member's employment at the center.

    Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for 8 staff for license renewal.

    Corrected by Jan 3, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.11(a)(3) · As a condition of securing a license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) fingerprint background check is completed for himself or herself, and for all staff members at least 18 years of age who are or will be working at the center on a regularly- scheduled basis, to determine whether any such person has been convicted of a crime, as specified in P.L. 2000, c. 77 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-6.10 to 6.17). If a staff member refuses to consent to a CHRI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediately terminate the staff member’s employment at the center.

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

    Corrected by Jan 3, 2025

    View state record

  • 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.

    Corrected by Jan 3, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-6.8(f) · The center shall maintain on file a record of signed blanket permission slips for walks and signed individual permission slips for field trips, outings or special events.

    Ensure that the center maintains on file a record of signed individual permission slips for visits with the therapy dog.

    Corrected by Jan 3, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-6.8(k)(2) · The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the use of social media including, but not limited to the use of e-mail, text messages, and other electronic means of communication with staff and parents.

    Ensure that the center's social media policy includes its policies regarding the use of e-mail, text messages and other electronic means of communication with staff and parents.

    Corrected by Jan 3, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(iii) · 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 coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, or other body fluids or secretions.

    Ensure that children wash their hands immediately after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions or other bodily secretions.

    Corrected by Jan 3, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-6.8(a)(1) · The center shall complete and maintain on file for each enrolled child a Children’s Records Checklist, signed by the director, sponsor, or sponsor representative and designated by the Office of Licensing, indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the child's name, address, birth date, and date of enrollment; the name(s), home and work address(es), home and work telephone number(s) and signature(s) of the parent(s); the name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of any person(s) authorized by the parent(s) to visit the child at the center and/or take the child from the center, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5(a)1; and the name, address, and telephone number of the child's health care provider; signed authorization from the parent(s) for emergency medical treatment; the parent’s signature attesting to the receipt of the Information to Parents document, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b); the parent’s signature attesting to the receipt of the Information to Parents document, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b).; health information for each child, as follows: for early childhood programs, a record of the child’s health examination and immunizations, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a); and for school-age child care programs, a record of the parent’s statement concerning the child’s health, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(b).

    Complete and maintain on file a Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL. Update the children's records checklist.

    Corrected by Jan 3, 2025

    View state record

Jun 14, 2023 — Monitoring
6 violations cited · view state record
6 violations
  • Violation

    3A:52-7.5(b)(10) · The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: the center shall store prescribed epinephrine pens in their original boxes with the child’s name and prescription. A special care plan or other documentation from a health care provider shall accompany the epinephrine pen. If two epinephrine pens are required, both shall be available. Each center under the jurisdiction of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5 shall store back-up epinephrine pens on site consistent with the requirements stated at N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5.e(1).

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

    Corrected by Sep 18, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-7.5(b)(7) · The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: the center shall maintain on file a record of the following

    Ensure medications are not expired.

    Corrected by Jul 25, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.2(a)(8) · The center shall obtain a Life Hazard Use Registration certificate applicable to the center’s licensed capacity and ages served pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq. The center shall post this document in a prominent location within the center.

    Provide a current life/hazard use registration certificate applicable to the center's licensed capacity and ages served.

    Corrected by Jul 25, 2023

    View state record

  • 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.

    Corrected by Jul 25, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(b)(7) · Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall comply with the Playground Safety Subcode of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23-11.

    Provide and maintain the resilient surfacing and use zones under all play equipment as required. Ensure that the sand around the climbers is the required depth.

    Corrected by Sep 18, 2023

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.3(a)(1) · The center shall develop and implement an Office of Licensing-approved method to keep track of the location and ensure the safety of all children at all times when under the center’s supervision, including the transfer of supervision from and to parents during arrival and departure and the utilization of off-site locations, including playgrounds and field trips.

    Ensure that adequate procedures for tracking children are adhered to at all times in Room 3.

    Corrected by Jul 28, 2023

    View state record

Oct 6, 2022 — Monitoring
4 violations cited · view state record
4 violations
  • Violation

    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 by Nov 18, 2022

    View state record

  • Violation

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

    Ensure that all illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting are operable at all times throughout the center.

    Corrected by Nov 18, 2022

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-7.5(b)(10) · The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: the center shall store prescribed epinephrine pens in their original boxes with the child’s name and prescription. A special care plan or other documentation from a health care provider shall accompany the epinephrine pen. If two epinephrine pens are required, both shall be available. Each center under the jurisdiction of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5 shall store back-up epinephrine pens on site consistent with the requirements stated at N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5.e(1).

    Ensure that all Epi-pens are accompanied by a special care plan and other listed medication.

    Corrected by Nov 18, 2022

    View state record

  • 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 Nov 18, 2022

    View state record

Dec 14, 2021 — Renewal
1 violation cited · view state record
1 violation
  • Violation

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

    Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH.

    Corrected by Apr 18, 2022

    View state record

Sep 20, 2019 — Monitoring
4 violations cited · view state record
4 violations
  • Violation

    3A:52-4.8(a)(7) · Topics of orientation training shall include implementing the center's statement of policy on the disciplining of children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6.

    Based on information, retrain all staff on the center's discipline policy. The center completed retraining immediately following the incident in February 2019 and again during annual training in August 2019. Therefore, this violation was cited and abated on the date of the inspection.

    Corrected by Sep 20, 2019

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-6.6(a)(1) · The methods of guidance and discipline used shall: be positive.

    Based on information, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline at all times throughout the center. In February 2019, a named staff picked up a child in a rough manner and moved the child's face to talk to the child. The center took immediate action and terminated the named staff. At the time of the inspection on 9/20/19, positive guidance and discipline was observed throughout the center. Therefore, this violation was cited and abated on the same date.

    Corrected by Sep 20, 2019

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.3(a) · The children shall be supervised directly by a staff member at all times, including during outdoor activities, rest and sleep, and walking through hallways. Toileting procedures shall be supervised by a staff member as appropriate for the ages and developmental needs of the children.

    Ensure that children are supervised at all times to include during tummy time.

    Corrected by Oct 18, 2019

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-6.4(a)(2) · For early childhood programs, the center shall provide opportunities for daily rest and sleep as follows: for children from 13 to 18 months of age, the center shall provide daily rest and sleep according to the child's physical needs and ensure that blankets or pillows do not cover the child's face.

    Endure that bibs are removed from a child sleeping in the crib. At the time of the inspection, staff removed the bib upon request.

    Corrected by Oct 18, 2019

    View state record

Questions to ask on your tour

Generated from this facility's specific inspection record

  1. 1The Oct 21, 2025 inspection noted: “Ensure Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes.” — what has changed since then?
  2. 2The Oct 28, 2024 inspection noted: “Provide documentation that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual for 2 head teachers.” — what has changed since then?
  3. 3The Jun 14, 2023 inspection noted: “Ensure that all Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan and that two are present…” — what has changed since then?

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