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Children First Academy
331 Hamilton Ave, Trenton NJ 08609 · License #11CHI0024 · Child Care Center
Contact
- Phone
- (609) 396-3838
- Website
- Add via profile claim
- Address
- 331 Hamilton Ave, Trenton NJ 08609 · Directions
Hours
Care & schedule
When they operate
Schedule type not published.
Ages served
Ages not published.
- 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:52-5.2(b) · An applicant seeking a license or a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval to operate a center shall comply with all applicable provisions of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:70 and hereinafter referred to as the NJUFC. The center shall obtain the building's fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, reflecting the center's compliance with all applicable provisions of the NJUFC. The center shall maintain on file the building's fire safety inspection certificate.
Ensure the center's fire protective systems are operative at all times.
Corrected by Jan 20, 2026
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(i)(8) · 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. the Office of Licensing shall not issue licenses or renewals to child care centers that are co-located in a building or other structure that contains a dry cleaner or nail salon unless the applicant obtains indoor air sampling that demonstrates that there is no impact to the child care center.
Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH.
Corrected by Jun 30, 2026
- 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 in a clean and operating condition in the bathroom in the green room.
Corrected by Jan 20, 2026
- 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.
Ensure toilets are maintained in good operating condition including covering the exposed bolt that attaches the toilet to the floor in the bathroom outside the yellow classroom.
Corrected by Jan 20, 2026
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(h)(7) · Lead paint precautions are as follows: if a previous lead paint inspection indicates the presence of lead, or a lead paint risk management plan is in progress at the center, the center shall: ensure that a lead paint risk assessment is conducted by a Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor who is certified and employed as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(h)3, upon renewal of the center’s license; and submit the results of the risk assessment to the Office of Licensing and the local department of health.
Submit a lead paint risk assessment as required.
Corrected by Apr 29, 2025
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(h)(5) · Lead paint precautions are as follows: if any area of the center is renovated or damaged after a lead paint risk assessment has been conducted, the center shall: ensure that an additional risk assessment is conducted by a Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor who is certified and employed as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(h)3 above; and submit the results of the additional risk assessment to the Office of Licensing and the local department of health.
Submit a lead paint risk assessment as required.
Corrected by Feb 24, 2025
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(d)(2) · Heating requirements are as follows: steam and hot water pipes and radiators shall be protected by screens, guards, insulation, or any other suitable, non-combustible protective device.
Provide and maintain suitable protective devices for radiators, steam and hot water pipes. ( Room 3 bathroom)
Corrected by Mar 10, 2025
- 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 Mar 10, 2025
- 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 Jan 8, 2025
- 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 in a clean condition.
Corrected by Mar 10, 2025
- 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 CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal.
Corrected by Mar 10, 2025
- 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. ( 1 needed for staff member)
Corrected by Nov 28, 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 exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable. ( Room 1)
Corrected by Sep 28, 2023
- 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.
Ensure that the center complies with the licensed capacity of the classrooms at all times throughout the center.
Corrected by Oct 30, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-7.9(a)(1) · 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
Maintain an illness log on file at the center and ensure that it contains all of the required components.
Corrected by Mar 7, 2022
- 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 Mar 7, 2022
- 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.
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 Mar 7, 2022
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(o)(1) · First aid requirements are as follows: at least two staff members who have current certified basic knowledge of first aid principles and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as defined by a recognized health organization (such as the American Red Cross), shall be in the center at all times when enrolled children are present.
Ensure that at least two staff have current first aid and CPR certifications and are present at all times at the center.
Corrected by Feb 18, 2022
- 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 Jun 17, 2022
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(h)(2) · Lead paint precautions are as follows: the center shall comply with the lead paint inspection requirements specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(h)3, unless the center
Submit a lead paint risk assessment as required.
Corrected by Mar 7, 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 in every room on the lowest floor used by children and post the results in a prominent location.
Corrected by Mar 7, 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 flooring and carpeting are kept clean and in good repair. Replace missing floor tiles in yellow room. Clean area rug in green room.
Corrected by Mar 10, 2022
- 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).
Ensure that the center completes and maintains on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.
Corrected by May 24, 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 May 24, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-4.8(d)(1) · In lieu of the child care staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(b), the director, head teacher(s), group teacher(s), and program supervisor(s) shall each complete 20 hours of staff development each year. Recommended topics of training for these staff include educational and physical activity.
Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually.
Corrected by May 24, 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 May 24, 2023
- Violation
3A:52-4.5(b)(2)(i) · The director shall have the authority and responsibility for the implementation of policies and procedures for the day-to-day operation of the center, including maintenance of staff attendance records indicating daily hours worked.
Ensure that the center maintains daily time sheets for staff that indicate the hours the staff worked at the center.
Corrected by Mar 7, 2022
- Violation
3A:52-4.5(b)(2)(ii) · The director shall have the authority and responsibility for the implementation of policies and procedures for the day-to-day operation of the center, including maintenance of children's daily attendance records, including the daily time of arrival and departure.
Ensure that the center maintains daily time sheets for the children that indicate the children's arrival and departure times.
Corrected by Mar 7, 2022
- 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 May 24, 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. Update 6/14/23- Renewal CARI remaining for 1 staff member.
Corrected by Aug 29, 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 Mar 10, 2022
- 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 Mar 7, 2022
- 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 in a clean and operating condition. Clean all bathroom ceiling vents and light covers.
Corrected by Mar 10, 2022
- Violation
3A:52-6.6(e)(1) · The center shall maintain on file a written policy on the disciplining of children by staff members. The policy shall reflect the provisions specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6(a) through (c) and include the acceptable actions that a staff member may take when disciplining a child (that is, discussion with the child, time-out, etc.).
Prepare a discipline policy that includes the acceptable actions staff members may take when disciplining a child. POST
Corrected by Mar 7, 2022
- 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
Develop and maintain on file an expulsion policy.
Corrected by Mar 7, 2022
- Violation
3A:52-7.11(a)(1) · Each center shall develop a written policy on the management of communicable diseases. This policy shall include the following: the list of illnesses and symptoms of illness for which a child will be separated from the group and possibly sent home, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1©.
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 Mar 7, 2022
- 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 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 29, 2023
- 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.
Conduct and document a lockdown drill.
Corrected by Jun 21, 2019
- 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.
There are 3 missing CHRI checks. 1/31/19: There are 2 missing CHRI checks.
Corrected by Jun 21, 2019
- 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 the director designee completes that Understanding Licensing course.
Corrected by Jun 21, 2019
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(l)(1)(iii)(1) · Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating an alternate indoor location that operates during the same operating hours as the center. The center shall select an alternate indoor location within safe walking distance.
Ensure the center's evacuation procedures includes an alternate indoor evacuation location.
Corrected by Jun 21, 2019
- Violation
3A:52-7.5(b)(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.
Ensure there are at least two staff designated and trained to administer medication.
Corrected by Jun 21, 2019
- Violation
3A:52-5.3(h)(2) · Lead paint precautions are as follows: the center shall comply with the lead paint inspection requirements specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(h)3, unless the center
Provide documentation that the center completed a lead paint risk assessment.
Corrected by Jun 26, 2019
- 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.
Provide documentation of water testing completed by a laboratory certified by the DEP.
Corrected by Jun 26, 2019
- Violation
3A:52-7.5(b)(7)(i) · 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 the child's name and parental authorization for the center to administer medication or health care procedures.
Ensure that medication records include parental authorization. Ensure medication listed on asthma special care plans is available at the center.
Corrected by Jun 26, 2019
Questions to ask on your tour
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
- 1The Oct 17, 2025 inspection noted: “Ensure the center's fire protective systems are operative at all times.” — what has changed since then?
- 2The Feb 24, 2025 inspection noted: “Submit a lead paint risk assessment as required.” — what has changed since then?
- 3The Nov 26, 2024 inspection noted: “Submit a lead paint risk assessment as required.” — what has changed since then?
Data synced from New Jersey DCF, Office of Licensing · Source records · Report an error