Margaret P. Muscarelle Child Development Center
GARFIELD, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address1 Walnut Street, Garfield, NJ, 07026
CountyBergen
Phone973-478-3080
Operating details
Capacity150
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 3/17/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High8
- Medium-High14
- Medium2
- Medium-Low1
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
1 Walnut Street, Garfield, NJ, 07026, GARFIELD, NJ 07026
Questions to ask on a tour
Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.
- Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses
- This is a large program - ask how children are grouped, how ratios are kept in each room, and how staff cover breaks
- 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: 3/17/2026
- High3
- Medium-High4
- Medium1
- Medium-Low1
- Low0
2026
- High risk3/17/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Based on report, retrain the named staff on the center's discipline policy.
Based on report, retrain the named staff on the center's discipline policy. 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 4/16/2026 - High risk3/17/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6(a) — Based on report, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline.
Based on report, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline. Regulation: (a) The methods of guidance and discipline used shall: 1. Be positive; 2. Be consistent with the age and developmental needs of the children; and 3. Lead to the child's ability to develop and maintain self-control. (b) Staff members shall not discipline children for failing to eat or sleep or for soiling themselves. (c) Staff shall not withhold active play time as a means of discipline unless the child's actions or behavior present a danger to themselves or others. (d) Children may be removed from a group activity to another area, provided that the child so removed is either under the supervision of another staff member or continuously visible to a staff member.
Corrected 4/16/2026 - High risk2/9/2026
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 3/16/2026 - Medium-High risk1/9/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) — Remove branches that are sticking out from the fence into the playground.
Remove branches that are sticking out from the fence into the playground. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: The building, land, walkways, and outdoor play area shall be free from hazards to the health, safety or well-being of the children.
Corrected 2/9/2026 - Medium-High risk1/9/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) — Replenish resilient surfacing as required in all play equipment use zones in accordance with ASTM F1292.
Replenish resilient surfacing as required in all play equipment use zones in accordance with ASTM F1292. 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 4/16/2026 - Medium risk1/9/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(c)(1) — Replace light bulbs that are not working in room 2.
Replace light bulbs that are not working in room 2. Regulation: Lighting requirements are as follows: all fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs shall have protective covers or shields. During program activities, at least 20 foot-candles of natural or artificial light shall be provided in all rooms used by the children. This illumination shall be measured three feet above the floor at the farthest point from the light source. Parking areas, pedestrian walkways, or other exterior portions of the premises subject to use by center occupants at night shall be illuminated to provide safe entrance to and egress from the center.
Corrected 2/9/2026
2025
- Medium-Low risk1/10/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(g)(1) — Based on information, retrain all staff on the center's discipline policy.
Based on information, retrain all staff on the center's discipline policy. Regulation: The center shall maintain on file documentation of the date, time, topic, presenter, and attendance for all staff development and orientation completed by center staff members. For staff development provided by the center, the center shall maintain on file documentation or a copy of all staff development materials used.
Corrected 1/10/2025 - Medium-High risk1/10/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(r) — Based on information, provide a Corrective Action Plan to DCF as required.
Based on information, provide a Corrective Action Plan to DCF as required. Regulation: 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.
Corrected 1/10/2025 - Medium-High risk1/10/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6(a)(1) — Based on information, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline. A named staff handled 4 named children in a rough manner, including grabbing children by the arm, having a child eat food from a plate
Based on information, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline. A named staff handled 4 named children in a rough manner, including grabbing children by the arm, having a child eat food from a plate on the floor, preventing a child from feeding himself and then force feeding the child herself. Regulation: The methods of guidance and discipline used shall: be positive.
Corrected 1/10/2025
Showing the 25 most recent of 38 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
$899/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: GARFIELD, Bergen County
- Capacity: 150
- Type: Licensed Child Care Center
What parents actually pay
No parent-reported prices yet. If your child attends here, you can be the first to add one.
Parent Reviews
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