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Smart Start Academy

Child care center · 532 Jersey Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302 · License 151200085

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 100. 0 to 13 Grow NJ Kids: Level 1

Violation history (37)

Severity	Date	Standard / narrative	Corrected
?	Wed Jun 24 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.2(a)(1) — The center shall provide a supply of age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program equipment including play equipment, child-size furniture and supplies that are sufficient to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program. Replenish the activity center's in Room 3.	—
?	Wed Jun 24 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3) — the diapering surface shall be flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent, and in good repair. Ensure the diapering surface is in good repair in Room 5.	—
?	Wed Jun 24 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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. Secure the brown carpet in Room 7.	—
?	Wed Jun 24 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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 stained ceiling tile in Room 6.	—
?	Wed Jun 24 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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. Repair or replace the chipped toilet tank cover in the children's hallway bathroom.	—
?	Wed Jun 24 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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. Repair or replace the blue couch in Room 7.	—
?	Wed Jun 24 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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. Repair or replace the blue couch in Room 4.	—
?	Wed Jun 24 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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. Repair or replace the blocks in the gym.	—
?	Wed Jun 24 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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 the hallway vent in front of the gym is free of dust.	—
?	Wed Jun 24 2026 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 all cleaning supplies are inaccessible to the children.	Yes
?	Wed Jun 24 2026 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.	—
?	Tue Dec 06 2022 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 a copy of the center's water testing completed by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protection.	Yes
?	Tue Dec 06 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-6.1(b)(2) — The staff member(s) specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5 who are responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of the center's daily activities shall ensure that children have opportunities to choose materials freely and materials are accessible at all times except during lunch and nap time. Ensure that books and other materials are accessible to the children at all times, except during lunch and nap time.	Yes
?	Tue Dec 06 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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.	Yes
?	Tue Dec 06 2022 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.	Yes
?	Tue Dec 06 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.8(a)(2) — Topics of orientation training shall include understanding center operations, policies and procedures, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)3. Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually.	Yes
?	Tue Dec 06 2022 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 Dec 06 2022 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.	Yes
?	Tue Dec 06 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 all Epi-pens and other medications are not expired.	Yes
?	Tue Dec 06 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 all medications listed on the special care plan are present at the center.	Yes
?	Tue Dec 06 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.6(b)(6)(iv) — The center shall maintain on file a written record of each incident resulting in an injury as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(a). These records shall include the following: a written description of the follow-up action taken by the center, including Ensure that the time of parental notification is included on accident reports.	Yes
?	Tue Dec 06 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iv) — For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: in addition to the items specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)3, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use, toys mouthed by infants and toddlers before being given to another child. Ensure that the center washes and disinfects toys mouthed by infants and toddlers before being given to another child in room 2.	Yes
?	Fri Sep 09 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-5.3(r) — The center shall take any steps required by the Office of Licensing to correct conditions in the building or center that may endanger the health, safety, and well-being of the children served. Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the children served, including following any dietary restrictions.	Yes
?	Tue Apr 12 2022 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 Apr 12 2022 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.	Yes
?	Tue Apr 12 2022 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. 6/28/2022 provide 1 outstanding CHRI clearance.	Yes
?	Tue Apr 12 2022 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
?	Thu Oct 21 2021 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 a current fire certificate as required.	Yes
?	Fri Jan 17 2020 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-7.3(a)(2)(i) — 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) for children coming from other states or countries in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.6 and 4.7. Ensure Universal Health Records are updated annually.	Yes
?	Fri Jan 17 2020 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 Epi-pens are maintained in their original box with the prescription label.	Yes
?	Fri Jan 17 2020 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 both Epi-pens are present when 2 are required according to the special care plan.	Yes
?	Fri Jan 17 2020 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 all medications listed on the special care plan are present at the center, including Benadryl.	Yes
?	Fri Jan 17 2020 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 renewal CARIs are completed within 6 months of Renewal date.	Yes
?	Thu Sep 19 2019 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. Based on information, ensure that adequate supervision is maintained at all times throughout the center. Three named staff failed to adequately supervise the children and a named child was bitten 4 times over a number of days.	Yes
?	Thu Sep 19 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	3A:52-4.8(a)(1) — Topics of orientation training shall include supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a). Based on information, retrain all staff on the center's supervision policy.	Yes
?	Fri Jun 28 2019 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)	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. Fire certificate.	Yes
?	Fri Jun 28 2019 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.	Yes

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

Inspections (24)

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

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