New Jersey › Hightstown › Better Beginnings Child Development Center

Better Beginnings Child Development Center

Child care center · 318 N Main Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520-0187 · License 11BET0001

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 99. 2½ to 13 Grow NJ Kids: Level 4

Violation history (41)

Severity	Date	Standard / narrative	Corrected
?	Fri Nov 07 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.6(d) — For school-age child care programs the program supervisor shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the applicable options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(d) for education, training, and experience, based on the center's licensed capacity. Provide documentation that the program supervisor meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.	Yes
?	Fri Nov 07 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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.	Yes
?	Fri Nov 07 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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 current Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH.	Yes
?	Fri Nov 07 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 04 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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 current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 04 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.1(d) — the Staff Records Checklist for the current director and all staff members currently working at the center shall be maintained on file at the center. Ensure that Physicals and Mantoux are completed for staff. 10/22/25 10 staff. 11/7/2025 3 staff. 11/13/2025 2 staff.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 04 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.1(d) — the Staff Records Checklist for the current director and all staff members currently working at the center shall be maintained on file at the center. Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 04 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.10(a) — 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 consent to a CARI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediately 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 the center's license renewal. 10/22/25 11 staff. 11/7/2025 4 staff. 11/17/2025 1 staff.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 04 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.11(b) — When the center applies for a new license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that each staff member at least 18 years of age who is or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis completes the CHRI fingerprinting process specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a). Within two weeks after a new staff member begins working at the center, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that the new staff member completes the CHRI fingerprinting process specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a). Until the center receives the results of the CHRI background check for a new staff member, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that the person is not alone to supervise a child or group of children. Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 7 regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal. 10/22/25 7 staff. 11/7/2025 1 staff.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 04 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.8(k) — The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the use of social media including, but not limited to the use of social networking sites and other websites; the use of e-mail, text messages, and other electronic means of communication with staff and parents; the types of social media that the center uses, the methods and devices the staff use to communicate with the parent, the guidelines for appropriate conduct by staff members, and the guidelines for parents, including but not limited to, prohibiting the posting of photographs or videos of any child other than their own. The center shall distribute a copy of the social media policy to the parent of each enrolled child and to each staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s signature and each staff member’s signature attesting to the receipt of the policy. Maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the center's social media policy.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 04 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.5(a)(3) — 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.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 04 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.8(g) — 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. Maintain documentation related to staff development on file at the center.	Yes
?	Fri Oct 04 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(a)(19) — 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. Test for the presence of radon gas as required.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 03 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 03 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.8(k)(5) — The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the use of social media including, but not limited to the guidelines for appropriate conduct by staff members. Ensure that the center's social media policy includes guidelines for appropriate conduct by staff, including but not limited to, prohibiting the posting of photographs or videos of children on their personal social media.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 03 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(c)(1) — Lighting requirements are as follows: all fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs shall have protective covers or shields. Ensure emergency light in hallway is operable.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 03 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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 at the center and includes the name of the person or organization that provided the training.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 03 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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. Test for the presence of radon gas in every room on the lowest floor used by children in each building and post the test results in a prominent location in each building.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 03 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.1(d)(1) — The staff records specified in 3A:52-4.1(a) through (c) shall be maintained on file as follows: the Staff Records Checklist for the current director and all staff members currently working at the center shall be maintained on file at the center. Ensure that Physicals and Mantoux are completed for staff.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 03 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.1(d)(1) — The staff records specified in 3A:52-4.1(a) through (c) shall be maintained on file as follows: the Staff Records Checklist for the current director and all staff members currently working at the center shall be maintained on file at the center. Ensure that the information on the Staff Records Checklist is current and that it is maintained on file at the center.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 03 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 03 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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 7 regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 03 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 03 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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.	Yes
?	Thu Oct 03 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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 updated Benadryl is provided for 4 children.	Yes
?	Mon Aug 21 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.8(j)(1)(ii) — The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the expulsion of children from enrollment at the center. The expulsion policy shall include the method that the center will use to notify parents of concerns that could lead to expulsion, such as written notification or a parent conference. Based on complaint #22438, ensure that all incident reports are completed that could lead to expulsion of child.	Yes
?	Mon Jul 24 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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 updated special care plan is updated 1 child.	Yes
?	Mon Jul 24 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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 updated epi pen is provided for 1 child.	Yes
?	Mon Jul 24 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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.	Yes
?	Mon Jul 24 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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. Dust vents in Youth Lounge.	Yes
?	Mon Jul 24 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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.	Yes
?	Mon Jul 24 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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 adequate supervision is maintained at all times throughout the center. A school aged child was walking to the bathroom unsupervised.	Yes
?	Mon Jun 27 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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 cap is provided for toilet bolt in girls bathroom.	Yes
?	Mon Jun 27 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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 cap is provided for toilet bolt in room 7 bathroom.	Yes
?	Mon Jun 27 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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 special care plan is updated for 2 children.	Yes
?	Mon Jun 27 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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 toilet is operable in girls bathroom.	Yes
?	Mon Jun 27 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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. Replace stained ceiling tile in youth lounge.	Yes
?	Wed Feb 05 2020 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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. Repair/Replace blue sofa in room 9.	Yes
?	Wed Feb 05 2020 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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. N/A 7/9/2020: Not applicable due to COVID-19. Conduct two lockdown drills per year.	Yes
?	Wed Feb 05 2020 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.2(a)(5) — The center shall be permitted to obtain a valid fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, and submit a copy of the certificate to the Office of Licensing in lieu of a CO or CCO, if the center serves only children 2 ½ years of age or older and is located in a public school building that is used as a public school. Ensure that the center's fire protective system are operable at all times. The fire system read trouble in zone 1. The fire monitoring company was contacted by the assistant director during the inspection. The monitoring company indicated that they able to monitor the school on the system.	Yes
?	Wed Feb 05 2020 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.4(a)(4) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, a supply of hot tap water not exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit and cold running water shall be provided. 8/19/20: Center sent a picture of the sink temperature in the girls bathroom.	Yes

Severity 5 = most serious. Source: official state record.

Inspections (43)

43 inspection record(s) on file from NJ-DCF.

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