Bright Start Educational Center, Inc
FAIR LAWN, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address4-24 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ, 07410
CountyBergen
Phone201-703-1730
Operating details
Capacity51
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 6/18/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High8
- Medium-High9
- Medium4
- Medium-Low4
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
4-24 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ, 07410, FAIR LAWN, NJ 07410
Questions to ask on a tour
Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.
- This facility has staffing or training findings on its state record - ask about background checks, required training completion, and staff turnover
- Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses
- Ask about teacher-to-child ratios and how supervision is maintained through the day
- Ask about their illness policy and which symptoms require a child to stay home
Violation summary
Last 2 years · Last inspection: 6/18/2026
- High8
- Medium-High9
- Medium4
- Medium-Low4
- Low0
2026
- Medium-High risk6/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(o)(1) — Ensure that at least two staff members who have current pediatric first aid and CPR certifications are present at the center at all times and that the training includes a hands-on component in addition to any online training. A
Ensure that at least two staff members who have current pediatric first aid and CPR certifications are present at the center at all times and that the training includes a hands-on component in addition to any online training. Although all staff have CPR and FA the course was only done on line. Center must complete the course with the practicum as well. Regulation: 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. The first aid and CPR training shall include a hands-on training component in addition to any online training coursework.
Not corrected - High risk6/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(e)(1) — Develop a policy for parental notification of injuries since the center is using a method other than a telephone call. Current policy does not speak to injury or illness as required. Update.
Develop a policy for parental notification of injuries since the center is using a method other than a telephone call. Current policy does not speak to injury or illness as required. Update. Regulation: The center shall develop and follow a written policy for parental notification if a method other than a telephone call is used at the center for parental notification. 1. The center shall distribute a copy of this policy to the parent of each enrolled child and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s signature attesting to receipt of this policy.
Not corrected - Medium-Low risk6/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(k) — Maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the center's social media policy. Update to reflect the app that the center is using to communicate with parents.
Maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the center's social media policy. Update to reflect the app that the center is using to communicate with parents. Regulation: 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.
Not corrected - Medium risk6/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) — Ensure tables are washed and disinfected before each meal. Only 1 step used at the time of the inspection.
Ensure tables are washed and disinfected before each meal. Only 1 step used at the time of the inspection. Regulation: Tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal.
Not corrected - High risk6/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(a)(3) — Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility, and job descriptions. Update to include Director designee.
Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility, and job descriptions. Update to include Director designee. Regulation: 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.
Not corrected - Medium risk6/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(e)(1) — Ensure that the head teacher is on site daily for a minimum of 6 hours or 75% of the daily operating hours, whichever is less.
Ensure that the head teacher is on site daily for a minimum of 6 hours or 75% of the daily operating hours, whichever is less. Regulation: For early childhood programs the head teacher shall be scheduled to work at the center for at least 75 percent of the center's daily operating hours or at least six hours a day, whichever is less; and plan, discuss and observe the implementation of program activities by staff members for all groups of children.
Not corrected - Medium risk6/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(c)(1) — Ensure that the director is at the center at least 50% of the center's daily operating hours. Director not on site daily.
Ensure that the director is at the center at least 50% of the center's daily operating hours. Director not on site daily. Regulation: The director shall be scheduled to work at the center at least 50 percent of the center’s daily operating hours.
Not corrected - Medium-Low risk6/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. Named staff person needs a new physical and Mantoux as it is from several years ago.
Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. Named staff person needs a new physical and Mantoux as it is from several years ago. Regulation: 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.
Not corrected - Medium-High risk5/11/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) — Provide documentation from the manufacturer or a certified playground inspector indicating that the playground equipment meets ASTM F1487 (or ASTM F2373 for children under 2.5 years of age). FOR THE SEESAWS. Provide documentati
Provide documentation from the manufacturer or a certified playground inspector indicating that the playground equipment meets ASTM F1487 (or ASTM F2373 for children under 2.5 years of age). FOR THE SEESAWS. Provide documentation that the playground surfacing meets ASTM F1292. VERIFY IF GREEN SURFACING IS JUST A CARPET OR IS RESILIENT SURFACING. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall comply with the Playground Safety Subcode of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23-11.
Corrected 6/18/2026 - Medium-High risk5/11/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) — Ensure all outdoor hazards are removed from the outdoor play area as required including removing all excess remnants of ripped carpet and broken plastic debris that is sharp.
Ensure all outdoor hazards are removed from the outdoor play area as required including removing all excess remnants of ripped carpet and broken plastic debris that is sharp. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: 1. The building, land, walkways, and outdoor play area shall be free from hazards to the health, safety or well-being of the children. 2. The outdoor play area shall be graded or provided with drains to dispose of surface water.
Corrected 6/18/2026 - Medium-High risk5/11/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) — Ensure all outdoor hazards are removed from the outdoor play area as required including removing weeds around the perimeter of the playground closest to the building and remove weeds growing through the green surfacing.
Ensure all outdoor hazards are removed from the outdoor play area as required including removing weeds around the perimeter of the playground closest to the building and remove weeds growing through the green surfacing. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: 1. The building, land, walkways, and outdoor play area shall be free from hazards to the health, safety or well-being of the children. 2. The outdoor play area shall be graded or provided with drains to dispose of surface water.
Corrected 6/18/2026
2025
- Medium-High risk6/4/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(i) — Operate within the center's licensed capacity and within each room's capacity. At the time of the inspection room 2 was over occupied by 2 children. There were 19 present occupying a room for 17 children. Ensure classrooms
Operate within the center's licensed capacity and within each room's capacity. At the time of the inspection room 2 was over occupied by 2 children. There were 19 present occupying a room for 17 children. Ensure classrooms do not combine at any time so as to not over occupy. Regulation: At no time shall a center: i. Allow more children in attendance than the licensed capacity as specified on the license or the Certificate of Life/Safety Approval; ii. Allow more children in attendance than the licensed room capacity;
Corrected 7/14/2025 - Medium-High risk4/21/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.11(b) — Maintain on file a record of parental receipt of the communicable disease policy. Ensure center follows communicable disease policy by advising parents of a communicable disease occurrence, and informing the local health departme
Maintain on file a record of parental receipt of the communicable disease policy. Ensure center follows communicable disease policy by advising parents of a communicable disease occurrence, and informing the local health department and OOL if an outbreak occurs. Regulation: The center shall distribute a copy of the communicable disease policy to the parent of each enrolled child and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s signature attesting to receipt of the policy.
Corrected 2/6/2026 - Medium-High risk4/21/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.10(a) — Ensure that the center notifies the local health department of any reportable diseases occurring at the center by the next working day.
Ensure that the center notifies the local health department of any reportable diseases occurring at the center by the next working day. Regulation: The director, sponsor, or sponsor representative, upon learning that an enrolled child or staff member at the center has been diagnosed as having contracted or is suspected of having a reportable disease, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1(d), shall report this knowledge by the next working day to the local health department.
Corrected 2/6/2026 - Medium risk4/21/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(e) — Ensure sheets are changed as required. Ensure sheets and blankets are sent home weekly to be cleaned.
Ensure sheets are changed as required. Ensure sheets and blankets are sent home weekly to be cleaned. Regulation: Sheets, blankets and other coverings shall be: 1. Changed when wet, soiled or damaged; and 2. Changed before use by another child.
Corrected 6/4/2025 - High risk4/21/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(a) — Ensure that children's activity supplies are within reach of the children throughout the building.
Ensure that children's activity supplies are within reach of the children throughout the building. Regulation: (a) The center shall develop and provide a variety of children's planned activities, geared to the ages and developmental levels of the children served, that: 1. Promote the development of language, thinking and problem-solving skills, curiosity, exploration, large and small muscles, coordination and movement skills, social competence, self-esteem, and positive self-identity; and 2. Are relevant to the cultural background of the children and foster intercultural awareness. (b) 1. Time frames for each activity are geared to the age and developmental level of each child served and are flexible enough to accommodate spontaneous occurrences or children's suggestions and inquiries; 2. Children have opportunities to choose materials freely and materials are accessible at all times except during lunch and nap time; 3. Children are presented with and encouraged to participate in a mixture of active and quiet experiences; 4. Both staff-directed and child-selected activities are provided; 5. Children are: i. Encouraged, but not required, to participate in every group activity; and ii. Provided with the time and space within the area to be apart from the group and to participate in an alternate activity if they choose to do so;
Corrected 6/18/2026 - High risk4/21/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(d) — Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually. Not ready for review at the time of the inspection.
Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually. Not ready for review at the time of the inspection. Regulation: The director, head teacher(s), group teacher(s), and program supervisor(s) shall each complete 20 hours of staff development each year. Recommended topics of training for these staff include educational and physical activity; special needs programming and program development; social-emotional and behavioral development for young children; legal issues, including ADA guidelines and leadership and advocacy.
Corrected 2/6/2026 - Medium-Low risk4/21/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(c) — Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually. Not ready for review at the time of the inspection.
Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually. Not ready for review at the time of the inspection. Regulation: The center shall ensure that all staff members who work at the center complete 12 hours of continuing staff development each year. Orientation training as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) may be included for six of the required hours of staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(c) and (d).
Corrected 2/6/2026 - High risk4/21/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, Provide documentation for review. Not ready for review at the time of the inspection.
Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, Provide documentation for review. Not ready for review at the time of the inspection. Regulation: (a) Topics of orientation training shall include all of the following: 1. Supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a); 2. Understanding center operations, policies and procedures, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)3; 3. Implementing group size limits and primary caregiver responsibilities, as applicable, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.4; 4. Recognizing and reporting child abuse or neglect, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.9; 5. Evacuating the center and using the fire alarms, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l); 6.Implementing the center’s release policy, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5; 7. Implementing the center's statement of policy on the disciplining of children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6; 8. Implementing health practices, including medication administration and responding to symptoms of illness, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1 through 7.11; 9. Implementing safe sleep practices to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; 10. Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma; 11. Recognizing and responding to injuries and emergencies, including the prevention of and response to emergencies due to food-related allergies and other allergic reactions; and 12. Including children with special needs in the center’s program.
Corrected 2/6/2026 - High risk4/21/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. Provide documentation for all staff as it was not ready at the time of the inspection.
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. Provide documentation for all staff as it was not ready at the time of the inspection. 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 2/6/2026 - High risk4/21/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(a) — 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. Submit CARI's for all staff.
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. Submit CARI's for all staff. 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 consent to a CARI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediately terminate the staff member's employment at the center.
Corrected 2/6/2026 - Medium-Low risk4/21/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. Update and maintain. Not ready for review at the time of the inspection.
Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. Update and maintain. Not ready for review at the time of the inspection. Regulation: 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.
Corrected 2/6/2026 - Medium-High risk4/21/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1) — Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required including before eating snack. Children were observed playing and then not washing hands immediately before eating.
Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required including before eating snack. Children were observed playing and then not washing hands immediately before eating. 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 6/18/2026 - High risk4/21/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(b)(6) — Ensure accident reports are completed as required including all required components and a written description is provided by the next operating day upon parental request.
Ensure accident reports are completed as required including all required components and a written description is provided by the next operating day upon parental request. Regulation: (b) The center shall maintain on file a written record of each incident resulting in an injury as specified in (a) above. These records shall include the following: 1. The name of the injured child; 2. The date, time and location of the incident; 3. The name and address of the center; 4. The name of the person completing the report; 5. The date the report was completed; and 6. A written description of the following: i. The incident; ii. The injury to the child; iii. The names of witnesses to the incident; and iv. The follow-up action taken by the center, including: (1) Application of first aid; and (2) Consultation or treatment by a licensed physician or other health care provider, if applicable. (d) Upon request of the child's parent, the center shall provide a written description of the incident by the end of the next operating day.
Corrected 2/6/2026 - Medium-High risk4/21/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(a)(1) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL.
Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL. Regulation: 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).
Corrected 2/6/2026
Showing the 25 most recent of 154 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.
(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
$949/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: FAIR LAWN, Bergen County
- Capacity: 51
- Type: Licensed Child Care Center
What parents actually pay
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