The First Step Nursery School & Day Care Center Inc.

FORT LEE, NJLicensed Child Care CenterLicensed

2.8based on state inspection data
Capacity44
Est. price$999/mo

Contact information

Address1350 15th Street, Fort Lee, NJ, 07024

CityFORT LEE, NJ 07024

CountyBergen

Phone201-944-9642

Operating details

Capacity44

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 5/29/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High8
  • Medium-High16
  • Medium1
  • Medium-Low0
  • Low0

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Location

Using Address for Location

Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:

1350 15th Street, Fort Lee, NJ, 07024, FORT LEE, NJ 07024

Questions to ask on a tour

Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.

  1. Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses
  2. Ask about teacher-to-child ratios and how supervision is maintained through the day
  3. Ask about their illness policy and which symptoms require a child to stay home
  4. Ask about their security measures, visitor policy, and pickup procedures

Violation summary

Last 2 years · Last inspection: 5/29/2026

  • High8
  • Medium-High16
  • Medium1
  • Medium-Low0
  • Low0

2026

  1. High risk5/29/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(7) — Ensure that all medication is kept current and include records of the date and time medication was administered to the child.

    Ensure that all medication is kept current and include records of the date and time medication was administered to the child. Regulation: The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: the center shall maintain on file a record of the following: the child's name and parental authorization for the center to administer medication or health care procedures; the name of the medication or health care procedure; the condition for which the medication or health care procedure is being used; the instructions for administration, including the dosage and frequency; the date and time medication or a health care procedure was administered to a child and the name or initials of the staff member who administered it; and any adverse effect the medication can have or has had on the child.

    Corrected 6/30/2026
  2. High risk5/29/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Ensure Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan that includes procedures for contacting parents and emergency medical services, and both epi-pens are

    Ensure Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan that includes procedures for contacting parents and emergency medical services, and both epi-pens are present when two are required. Regulation: (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).

    Corrected 6/30/2026
  3. Medium-High risk5/29/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1) — Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required after a diaper change in Room 3.

    Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required after a diaper change in Room 3. Regulation: Handwashing requirements are as follows: the center shall ensure that children three months of age and older wash their hands with soap and running water before intake of food; immediately after using the toilet or having diapers changed; immediately after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, or other body fluids or secretions; immediately after coming in contact with an animal's body secretions; and immediately after outdoor play. (2)for children under three months of age or for those children three months of age and older wherein hand washing with soap and running water may not be developmentally appropriate, the center may use an alternate means for hand washing, including but not limited to disposable baby wipes.

    Corrected 6/30/2026
  4. Medium-High risk5/29/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(4) — Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water as required after coming into contact with nasal secretions in Room 1.

    Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water as required after coming into contact with nasal secretions in Room 1. Regulation: Handwashing requirements are as follows: staff members shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately before preparing or serving food; after toileting; after assisting a child in toileting; after caring for a child who appears to be sick; after coming in contact with an animal's body secretions; and after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, or other body fluids or secretions. 7.8(d)3- Staff members hands are washed after changing each diaper.

    Corrected 6/30/2026
  5. Medium-High risk5/29/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3) — Ensure that diapering surfaces are flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent and in good repair in Room 1.

    Ensure that diapering surfaces are flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent and in good repair in Room 1. Regulation: the diapering surface shall be flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent, and in good repair.

    Corrected 6/30/2026
  6. Medium-High risk5/29/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(3)(i) — Maintain the building structure to prevent water from entering in Room 3.

    Maintain the building structure to prevent water from entering in Room 3. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the building structure shall be maintained to prevent water from entering; excessive drafts or heat loss; and infestation from rodents and insects.

    Corrected 6/30/2026
  7. High risk5/29/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.2(a)(8) — Provide a current life/hazard use registration certificate applicable to the center's licensed capacity and ages served.

    Provide a current life/hazard use registration certificate applicable to the center's licensed capacity and ages served. Regulation: 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.

    Corrected 6/30/2026
  8. Medium-High risk5/29/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Replace stained ceiling tiles in Room 3.

    Replace stained ceiling tiles in Room 3. Regulation: (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.

    Corrected 6/30/2026

2025

  1. High risk1/15/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(i) — 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.

    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. Regulation: 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.

    Corrected 2/21/2025
  2. Medium-High risk1/15/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(9) — Replace caulking around the sink in the 2 hallway bathrooms.

    Replace caulking around the sink in the 2 hallway bathrooms. Regulation: 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.

    Corrected 2/24/2025
  3. Medium-High risk1/15/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(18) — Ensure that microwave, toaster AND wires are secured to a stable surface in Room 1.

    Ensure that microwave, toaster AND wires are secured to a stable surface in Room 1. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ensure that microwave ovens, toaster ovens, and other portable devices used to heat or prepare food are out of children's reach, secured on a stable surface, and not in use when children are in the area in order to ensure the safety of children.

    Corrected 2/21/2025
  4. Medium-High risk1/15/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(2) — Replace missing ceiling tiles in Room 4/gym.

    Replace missing ceiling tiles in Room 4/gym. Regulation: 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.

    Corrected 2/21/2025
  5. Medium-High risk1/15/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(2) — Replace stained ceiling tiles in Room 3.

    Replace stained ceiling tiles in Room 3. Regulation: 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.

    Corrected 2/24/2025
  6. Medium-High risk1/15/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.2(d) — Provide a current fire certificate as required.

    Provide a current fire certificate as required. Regulation: 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.

    Corrected 2/24/2025
  7. High risk1/15/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a)(2) — Ensure that all staff are trained on the center's multi-use building door lock policy. Submit policy and training information with staff signatures to the OOL.

    Ensure that all staff are trained on the center's multi-use building door lock policy. Submit policy and training information with staff signatures to the OOL. Regulation: 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.

    Corrected 2/21/2025
  8. Medium-High risk1/15/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a)(3) — Retrain all staff on the center's hand washing policy. Submit training information with staff signatures to OOL.

    Retrain all staff on the center's hand washing policy. Submit training information with staff signatures to OOL. Regulation: Topics of orientation training shall include implementing group size limits and primary caregiver responsibilities, as applicable, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.4.

    Corrected 2/5/2025
  9. High risk1/15/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a)(3) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff; 1 named staff member.

    Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff; 1 named staff member. Regulation: 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.

    Corrected 2/24/2025
  10. Medium risk1/15/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-2.3(d)(3)(i) — Ensure that the center adheres to all requirements to prevent comingling in multi-use buildings, including ensuring that all licensed areas are secure from other building uses. At the time of inspection, the center's indoor

    Ensure that the center adheres to all requirements to prevent comingling in multi-use buildings, including ensuring that all licensed areas are secure from other building uses. At the time of inspection, the center's indoor gym, which is located in the multi-use building hallway was unlocked with children inside and the center's main exit to the multi-use building was observed propped open. Regulation: The requirements for co-location of a center within a multi-use building are as follows, during operating hours, the Office of Licensing may require the center to operate in a separate room, floor, or section of the building.

    Corrected 2/5/2025
  11. High risk1/15/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(a)(2) — 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.

    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. Regulation: 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 conset to a CARI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediation terminate the staff member's employment at the center.

    Corrected 2/5/2025
  12. High risk1/15/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(a)(2) — Ensure that parents are notified immediately when a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head. Additionally, the time of notification to parent must be included on the accident report.

    Ensure that parents are notified immediately when a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head. Additionally, the time of notification to parent must be included on the accident report. Regulation: The center shall take immediate necessary action to protect the child from further harm and shall immediately notify the child's parent(s) when a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head.

    Corrected 2/24/2025
  13. Medium-High risk1/15/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(i) — Ensure that children wash their hands before the intake of food throughout the center; Room 1.

    Ensure that children wash their hands before the intake of food throughout the center; Room 1. Regulation: Handwashing requirements are as follows: the center shall ensure that children three months of age and older wash their hands with soap and running water before intake of food.

    Corrected 2/5/2025
  14. Medium-High risk1/15/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(ii) — Ensure that children wash their hands immediately after using the toilet or having their diaper changed throughout the center; Room 1.

    Ensure that children wash their hands immediately after using the toilet or having their diaper changed throughout the center; Room 1. Regulation: Handwashing requirements are as follows: the center shall ensure that children three months of age and older wash their hands with soap and running water immediately after using the toilet or having diapers changed.

    Corrected 2/5/2025
  15. Medium-High risk1/15/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Repair and/or paint the walls in areas of disrepair in Room 3.

    Repair and/or paint the walls in areas of disrepair in Room 3. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of: excessive peeling or chipped paint; or heavily soiled conditions.

    Corrected 2/24/2025
  16. Medium-High risk1/15/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Replace stained ceiling tiles in Room 3.

    Replace stained ceiling tiles in Room 3. Regulation: (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.

    Corrected 4/25/2025
  17. Medium-High risk1/15/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Replace caulking around the sink in the two hallway bathrooms.

    Replace caulking around the sink in the two hallway bathrooms. Regulation: (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.

    Corrected 5/27/2025

Showing the 25 most recent of 43 records on file; the full history loads with the interactive view.

Safety & Compliance Analysis

This daycare has multiple recorded violations. Review the details to make an informed decision.

25Total Violations
8Recent Violations
(Past 6 Months)

Parent Recommendations

Based on the violation data, here are some recommendations:

  • Review the detailed violations listed above.
  • Ask the daycare about their response to these violations.
  • Look at the correction status to see how quickly issues were addressed.
  • Schedule a visit during regular hours to observe daily operations.

Note: This analysis is based on publicly available violation data and is intended as a tool to help parents make informed decisions. Always visit a daycare in person and ask specific questions about areas of concern.

Estimated monthly cost

$999/month

This is a modeled estimate — based on location, ages served, and program data — not the provider's actual tuition. Real prices vary by age group and services. Contact the daycare for current rates, fees, and availability.

Typical prices in New Jersey run about $1,247/month for infant care at a center (federal median)see daycare costs in New Jersey by age group.

About this daycare

  • Location: FORT LEE, Bergen County
  • Capacity: 44
  • Type: Licensed Child Care Center

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