DaycareLens
New JerseySouth Plainfield › Creative Kids Academy

Creative Kids Academy

Child care center · 1615 Clinton Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 · License 12CRE0008

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 61. 0 to 6 Grow NJ Kids: Level 1

Violation history (39)

SeverityDateStandard / narrativeCorrected
?Mon Nov 10 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-6.1(g)(3) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: centers serving children 18 months of age and older shall provide at least five types of children's daily activities including, but not limited to, language; science and mathematics; manipulative; large muscle; building; art; music; drama; or other comparable activities; and at least five types of supplies and equipment for each daily activity chosen by the center.
Provide at least five different activity areas with at least five different types of supplies and equipment in rooms 1 and 2 (bldg. 1).
Yes
?Mon Nov 10 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) — 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.
Yes
?Mon Nov 10 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(m)(3) — 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 one evacuation crib for every 4 non-ambulatory children.
Yes
?Mon Nov 10 2025 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 one named staff.
Yes
?Tue Oct 08 2024 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.
Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition. Dust the vents in Room 2 in Building 2.
Yes
?Tue Oct 08 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 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.
Secure televisions in all rooms in both buildings.
Yes
?Tue Oct 08 2024 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 emergency lighting is operable at all times in Room 2 and the Great Room in Building 2.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 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).
Provide receipt of required policies for staff.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 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. Provide CHRI clearance for seven staff. 10/25/23 Three staff. 11/22/23 One staff.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 2023 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 all staff submit a CARI background check upon renewal.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 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).
Provide record of medical exam and mantoux results for staff. 11/22/23 Three staff. 1/25/24 Two staff.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 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.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 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. 10/25/23 Provide for the director.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 2023 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.
Ensure that the center completes and maintains on file a children's records checklist.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 2023 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.
Provide receipt of required policies for parents.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-5.3(a)(10) — Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all corrosive agents, insecticides, bleaches, detergents, polishes, any products under pressure in an aerosol spray can, and any toxic substance shall be stored in a locked cabinet or in an enclosure located in an area not accessible to the children.
Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. Cleaning supplies were made inaccessible to children in room 1 in building 2.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.8(g)(3) — 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. The center shall record each staff member’s completion of staff development and orientation on the Staff Records Checklist, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(b).
Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually and that the completion of the training is documented on the Staff Records Checklist.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 2023 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.
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.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 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.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 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.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 2023 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.
Sand and paint the rusted bathroom stall divider to the left in building 1. 10/11/23 Abated via photo.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 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.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.10(a)(1) — The sponsor or sponsor representative, and each staff member shall complete a signed consent form provided by the Department that indicates the identifying information necessary to conduct a CARI background check, including the person’s name, address, date of birth, sex, race, and Social Security number. Pursuant to the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579), the Department shall advise each such person that the disclosure of his or her Social Security number is voluntary, and that the Social Security number will only be used for the purpose of conducting a CARI background check.
Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for all staff within two weeks of hire. Provide CARI clearances for five staff.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 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 wherein several children were observed walking to the bathroom down the hallway unsupervised in building 1.
Yes
?Tue Sep 12 2023 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.11(a)(1) — As a condition of securing a license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) fingerprint background check is completed for himself or herself, and for all staff members at least 18 years of age who are or will be working at the center on a regularly- scheduled basis, to determine whether any such person has been convicted of a crime, as specified in P.L. 2000, c. 77 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-6.10 to 6.17). The sponsor or sponsor representative and each staff member shall complete the electronic fingerprinting process through the vendor authorized by the State to conduct CHRI background checks through the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Ensure that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required for the center's license renewal. 10/25/23 Two staff.
Yes
?Mon Aug 02 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 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.
Provide CHRI clearances for six staff. 8/25/2021 Three staff. 10/22/2021 One staff.
Yes
?Wed Jun 23 2021 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.
Provide renewal CARI clearances for six staff (includes both sponsor representatives). 8/2/21 Three staff (includes both sponsor representatives).
Yes
?Thu Apr 01 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 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.
Submit or upload to NJCCIS File Cabinet a copy of the center’s NJ DCF Drinking Water Checklist and Statement of Assurance along with documentation that the center (supplied by a community water system) completed water testing conducted by a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) certified lab for water testing for lead and copper from all faucets and sources used for drinking water or food preparation and at least 50% of all indoor water faucets used by the center.
Yes
?Thu Apr 01 2021 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).
Submit or upload to NJCCIS File Cabinet the center’s staff records checklist. Ensure Orientation training includes all required components and the date for completion of Orientation Training is documented; staff 18 years of age and older that do not have a cleared CHRI have an appointment date documented; and that all staff, including the sponsor/sponsor representative submitted a CARI for Renewal and indicate the date cleared (or date submitted if not yet cleared).
Yes
?Thu Apr 01 2021 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.
Submit or upload to NJCCIS File Cabinet the center’s table of organization indicating lines of authority, responsibility and job descriptions of current staff.
Yes
?Thu Apr 01 2021 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 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.
Submit or upload to NJCCIS File Cabinet documentation indicating that at least 2 staff members present at the center have current basic knowledge of first aid principles and CPR.
Yes
?Fri Feb 07 2020 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.10(a)(1) — The sponsor or sponsor representative, and each staff member shall complete a signed consent form provided by the Department that indicates the identifying information necessary to conduct a CARI background check, including the person’s name, address, date of birth, sex, race, and Social Security number. Pursuant to the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579), the Department shall advise each such person that the disclosure of his or her Social Security number is voluntary, and that the Social Security number will only be used for the purpose of conducting a CARI background check.
Provide CARI clearances for three staff.
Yes
?Fri Feb 07 2020 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 3A:52-4.8(g)(2) — 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 another source, the center shall maintain on file documentation of the name of the person or organization that provided the staff development.
Provided annual orientation for all staff.
Yes
?Fri Feb 07 2020 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 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).
Provide director designee's understanding licensing workshop certificate.
Yes
?Fri Feb 07 2020 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 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.
Provide annual staff development hours for all staff.
Yes
?Fri Feb 07 2020 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).
Provide receipt of required policies for three staff.
Yes
?Fri Feb 07 2020 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 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.
Provide CHRI clearances for three staff.
Yes
?Fri Feb 07 2020 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) 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.
Provide CPR and 1st aid certifications for staff so that two people are present at all times with both certifications.
Yes
?Fri Feb 07 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.
Provide current fire certificate.
Yes

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

Inspections (27)

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

Nearby alternatives

FacilityScoreCityDistance
South Plainfield BOE Latchkey Riley School 28 South Plainfield
South Plainfield BOE Latchkey Roosevelt School 4 South Plainfield
A Small World 0 South Plainfield
Greatstart Early Learning of South Plainfield 0 South Plainfield
South Plainfield BOE Latchkey Franklin School 0 South Plainfield
South Plainfield BOE Latchkey Grant School 0 South Plainfield

Licensed facilities near this one, highest compliance score first.

Get violation alerts for this daycare

We'll email you when a new inspection or violation is posted. Free.