Home NJ Union Espin Preschool Learning Center

Espin Preschool Learning Center

975 Lehigh Ave, Union NJ 07083 · License #CCC128578 · Child Care Center

Active
3-Star programLast inspected Aug 28, 2025
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Contact

Director
Kimberly Brown
Address
975 Lehigh Ave, Union NJ 07083 · Directions

Hours

Mon07:30 AM–05:00 PM
Tue07:30 AM–05:00 PM
Wed07:30 AM–05:00 PM
Thu07:30 AM–05:00 PM
Fri07:30 AM–05:00 PM
SatClosed
SunClosed

Care & schedule

When they operate

Schedule type not published.

Ages served

Ages not published.

  • 3-Star quality rating
  • Accepts child care subsidy (CCDF)
31
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
3
Inspections, past 3 yrs
Monitoring & assessments

How this facility compares

Violations per inspection, 3-yr
This facility
10.3
New Jersey average
9.1

Inspection history & violations

Source: New Jersey DCF, Office of Licensing
Aug 28, 2025 — Monitoring
14 violations cited · view state record
14 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.

    Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually. 12/16/2025: Conduct and document at least one additional lockdown drill.

    Corrected by Jan 22, 2026

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(a)(16) · Walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of: i. Excessive peeling or chipped paint; or ii. Heavily soiled conditions.

    Provide paint to the exposed areas of the walls in Room 4.

    Corrected by Jan 22, 2026

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.8(e) · Directors shall complete staff development in understanding licensing regulations as provided by the Office of Licensing within 90 days of hire. Such staff development may be included in the required 20 hours of staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(d).

    Ensure that the center director completes the OOL's Understanding Licensing training within 90 days of hire.

    Corrected by Aug 29, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.8(d) · 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; special needs programming and program development; social-emotional and behavioral development for young children; legal issues, including ADA guidelines and leadership and advocacy.

    Ensure that all credentialed staff members complete 20 hours of staff development annually. 12/12/2025: Ensure that the head teacher completes 20 hours of staff development annually.

    Corrected by Jan 22, 2026

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.6(b) · The director shall meet the following qualification requirements for early childhood programs licensed to serve more than 30 children, the director shall meet the qualification requirements as specified in N.J.A.C 3A:52-4.6(b) for education and experience.

    Provide documentation that the director meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

    Corrected by Mar 2, 2026

    View state record

  • 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 that one child's Epi-pens are accompanied by a special care plan that is signed by a parent and the health care provider and includes procedures for contacting parents and emergency medical services.

    Corrected by Dec 16, 2025

    View state record

  • 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 all windows and other glass surfaces that are not made of safety glass and that are located within 36 inches above the floor have protective guards.

    Corrected by Dec 16, 2025

    View state record

  • 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 the missing ceiling tile in the bathroom across from Room 4.

    Corrected by Dec 16, 2025

    View state record

  • 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

    Provide documentation that the group teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

    Corrected by Apr 9, 2026

    View state record

  • 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 Apr 13, 2026

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.5(c)(2) · 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 not have full-time classroom responsibilities during the times when the director is not present at the center and shall complete staff development in understanding licensing rules as provided by the Office of Licensing.

    Ensure that the director designee completes the OOL's Understanding Licensing training.

    Corrected by Aug 29, 2025

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(q)(3) · The center shall identify all rooms of the center that have been approved by the Office of Licensing. This identification shall consist of numbers, letters, names or any other means of identification and shall be located either inside or directly outside each room.

    Ensure that all rooms approved for use by children are labeled.

    Corrected by Dec 16, 2025

    View state record

  • 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 Mar 2, 2026

    View state record

  • 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).

    Provide updated special care plan signed by a health care provider for 1 named child in room 5.

    Corrected by Apr 9, 2026

    View state record

Feb 24, 2025 — Other
1 violation cited · view state record
1 violation
  • Violation

    3A:52-5.6(c)(1) · For rooms and areas used by children, except as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.6(e), the following monitoring requirements shall apply: the center shall equip every room or area designated for use by children, except for kitchen and toilet facilities, with one of the following options in order to promote maximum visibility and audibility: a centrally supervised audio or visual monitoring system; uncovered and unobstructed glass panels or two-way mirrors that comprise at least 10 percent of the square footage of one interior wall, provided that such panels or mirrors are not in conflict with applicable provisions of the NJUCC or the NJUFC; security mirror(s) in hallways that reflect activities in the room(s) used by children; at least one interior door leading to every room designated for use by children, which shall meet one of the following conditions, provided that such conditions are not in conflict with applicable provisions of the NJUCC and the NJUFC: be left open; have uncovered and unobstructed windows or cutouts; be a dutch door variety, with the top half open; or be removed; or any other Office of Licensing-approved monitoring system or equipment that provides equivalent visibility and audibility.

    Ensure that the center provides one of the four monitoring options listed in the manual in room 1.

    Corrected by Jun 4, 2025

    View state record

Aug 27, 2024 — New Center
16 violations cited · view state record
16 violations
  • 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 members who have current pediatric first aid and CPR certifications are present at the center at all times.

    Corrected by Nov 15, 2024

    View state record

  • 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 Oct 4, 2024

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(l)(1)(vii) · Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating a diagram showing how the center is to be evacuated in case of emergency from each classroom and the outdoor play area.

    Post a diagram depicting how the center is to be evacuated during emergencies from each classroom and the outdoor play area, and ensure that a copy is included in the center's emergency plan. 10-04-2024: Ensure that the center's diagram includes room numbers.

    Corrected by Nov 15, 2024

    View state record

  • 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.

    Conduct and document fire drills at least once per month during each session provided at the center, including one fire drill annually that is conducted during nap time.

    Corrected by Jan 27, 2025

    View state record

  • 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 by state and local laws and regulations. 12-19-2024: A Universal Health Record and immunization record is needed for one child.

    Corrected by Jan 27, 2025

    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 Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan or other equivalent documentation from a healthcare provider, and that two are present when two are required by the plan. 12-19-2024: Clarification on prescribed epi pen is needed on the special care plan for one child.

    Corrected by Jan 27, 2025

    View state record

  • 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 staff designated to administer medication or perform health care procedures such as using blood glucose monitors, nebulizers, or epi-pens are trained to do so, and that at least two staff members at the center have received the training.

    Corrected by Nov 15, 2024

    View state record

  • 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; and job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff.

    Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility, and job descriptions.

    Corrected by Nov 15, 2024

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.3(l)(1)(iii) · 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

    Ensure evacuation procedures include an alternate indoor location for evacuation that operates during the same operating hours as the center, and is within a safe walking distance or includes a written procedure for obtaining transportation to the location.

    Corrected by Nov 15, 2024

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-4.8(g)(1) · The center shall maintain on file documentation of the date, time, topic, presenter, and attendance for all staff development and orientation completed by center staff members. For staff development provided by the center, the center shall maintain on file documentation or a copy of all staff development materials used.

    Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, and that documentation is maintained on file.

    Corrected by Nov 15, 2024

    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 all regularly scheduled staff complete CHRI background checks and maintain clearances on file at the center.

    Corrected by Nov 15, 2024

    View state record

  • 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.

    Complete and maintain at the center daily time sheets for staff with arrival and departure times.

    Corrected by Nov 15, 2024

    View state record

  • 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.

    Complete and maintain at the center daily time sheets for children with arrival and departure times.

    Corrected by Nov 15, 2024

    View state record

  • 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).

    Complete and maintain on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.

    Corrected by Nov 15, 2024

    View state record

  • Violation

    3A:52-5.6(c)(1) · For rooms and areas used by children, except as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.6(e), the following monitoring requirements shall apply: the center shall equip every room or area designated for use by children, except for kitchen and toilet facilities, with one of the following options in order to promote maximum visibility and audibility:

    Ensure that the center provides one of the four monitoring options listed in the manual in room 1.

    Corrected by Feb 24, 2025

    View state record

  • 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 cleaning supplies are inaccessible to the children in room 3 and room 5.

    Corrected by Dec 19, 2024

    View state record

Questions to ask on your tour

Generated from this facility's specific inspection record

  1. 1The Aug 28, 2025 inspection noted: “Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually. 12/16/2025: Conduct and document at least one additional lockdown drill.” — what has changed since then?
  2. 2The Feb 24, 2025 inspection noted: “Ensure that the center provides one of the four monitoring options listed in the manual in room 1.” — what has changed since then?
  3. 3The Aug 27, 2024 inspection noted: “Ensure that at least two staff members who have current pediatric first aid and CPR certifications are present at the center at all times.” — what has changed since then?

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