Small Stepz Academy Corporation

PATERSON, NJLicensed Child Care CenterLicensed

4.3based on state inspection data
Capacity48
Est. price$999/mo

Contact information

Address173 Haledon Avenue, Paterson, NJ, 07522

CityPATERSON, NJ 07522

CountyPassaic

Phone973-956-1778

Websitehttps://smallstepzacademycorporation.com

Operating details

Capacity48

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 9/17/2025 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High8
  • Medium-High10
  • Medium3
  • Medium-Low4
  • Low0

Join the waitlist

Not ready to tour? Get on the waitlist and we'll notify the center you're interested.

Location

Using Address for Location

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

173 Haledon Avenue, Paterson, NJ, 07522, PATERSON, NJ 07522

Questions to ask on a tour

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

  1. This facility has staffing or training findings on its state record - ask about background checks, required training completion, and staff turnover
  2. Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses
  3. Ask about teacher-to-child ratios and how supervision is maintained through the day
  4. Ask about their illness policy and which symptoms require a child to stay home

Violation summary

Last 2 years · Last inspection: 9/17/2025

  • High8
  • Medium-High10
  • Medium3
  • Medium-Low4
  • Low0

2025

  1. High risk9/17/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l) — Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes evacuations, disaster and lockdown procedures.

    Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes evacuations, disaster and lockdown procedures. Regulation: (l) Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: 1. The center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating: i. The location of the first aid kit and any additional first aid supplies; ii. The name, address and telephone number of the physician retained by the center or of the health facility to be used in emergencies; iii. An alternate indoor location that operates during the same operating hours as the center. The center shall: (1) Select an alternate indoor location within safe walking distance; or (2) Develop a written procedure for obtaining emergency transportation to the alternate location; iv. The hospital or clinic to which injured or ill children will be taken; v. The telephone numbers for obtaining police, fire, ambulance and poison control services, including the National Poison Emergency Hotline at (800) 222-1222; vi. The location of written authorization from parent(s) for emergency medical care for each child; vii. A diagram showing how the center is to be evacuated in case of emergency from each classroom and the outdoor play area; viii. The location of fire alarms and fire extinguishers; and ix. Procedures for ensuring children’s safety and communicating with parents in the event of evacuation, lockdown, natural or civil disaster, and other emergencies. The procedures shall indicate: (1) The plan for informing parents of their children’s whereabouts; and (2) The local law enforcement agency or emergency management office that has been notified of the center’s identifying information, as specified in (l)3 below. 2. The emergency procedures shall be readily accessible in a designated location within the center. 3. The center shall ensure that the appropriate local law enforcement agency or emergency management office is notified of: i. The center’s name and location; ii. The number, ages, and speci

    Corrected 8/6/2025
  2. High risk9/17/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(d) — Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually.

    Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually. 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 8/6/2025
  3. High risk9/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(f) — Ensure that each child's bedding and sleeping equipment are labeled with the child's name.

    Ensure that each child's bedding and sleeping equipment are labeled with the child's name. Regulation: When cribs, playpens, cots, mats or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment are stored with sheets, blankets, or other coverings as single units, at least one item of each unit shall be labeled with child-identifying information. (g) When sheets, blankets and other coverings are not stored with sleeping equipment, each of these items shall be: 1. Labeled for each child; and 2. Stored separately for each child.

    Corrected 10/10/2025
  4. Medium-High risk9/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(n)(1) — Ensure fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center, one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time, if applicable, and all children are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each

    Ensure fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center, one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time, if applicable, and all children are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill. Regulation: 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. The center shall ensure that all children present are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill.

    Corrected 1/5/2026
  5. Medium-Low risk9/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist. There are 2 missing staff medical clearance's.

    Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist. There are 2 missing staff medical clearance's. 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 1/28/2026
  6. High risk9/8/2025

    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. There are 2 missing CARI's.

    Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. There are 2 missing CARI's. 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 1/5/2026
  7. High risk9/8/2025

    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. There is 1 missing CHRI.

    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. There is 1 missing CHRI. 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 1/5/2026
  8. Medium-High risk9/8/2025

    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 1/28/2026
  9. Medium risk9/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) — Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date.

    Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date. Regulation: 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.

    Corrected 10/10/2025
  10. Medium risk9/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) — Ensure tables are washed and disinfected before each meal.

    Ensure tables are washed and disinfected before each meal. Regulation: Tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal.

    Corrected 10/10/2025
  11. Medium-High risk9/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l)(4) — Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually.

    Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually. Regulation: 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.

    Corrected 1/5/2026
  12. Medium-High risk9/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Repair or replace the broken toilet in the bathroom.

    Repair or replace the broken toilet in the bathroom. 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 10/10/2025

2024

  1. Medium-Low risk9/17/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(c) — Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually.

    Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually. 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 8/6/2025
  2. High risk9/17/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training which may be included for six of the required annual training hours.

    Ensure that all staff complete orientation training which may be included for six of the required annual training hours. 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 8/6/2025
  3. High risk9/17/2024

    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.

    Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. 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 3/4/2025
  4. High risk9/17/2024

    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.

    Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled 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 3/4/2025
  5. Medium-Low risk9/17/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.

    Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. 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 3/4/2025
  6. Medium-High risk9/17/2024

    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.

    Ensure that at least two staff members who have current pediatric first aid and CPR certifications are present at the center at all times. 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.

    Corrected 3/4/2025
  7. Medium-High risk9/17/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.2(b) — Ensure that all illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting are operable at all times in the back hallway

    Ensure that all illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting are operable at all times in the back hallway Regulation: An applicant seeking a license or a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval to operate a center shall comply with all applicable provisions of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:70 and hereinafter referred to as the NJUFC. The center shall obtain the building's fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, reflecting the center's compliance with all applicable provisions of the NJUFC. The center shall maintain on file the building's fire safety inspection certificate.

    Corrected 3/4/2025
  8. Medium-High risk9/17/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l)(4) — Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually. Ensure children and staff participate in the drills.

    Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually. Ensure children and staff participate in the drills. Regulation: 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.

    Corrected 3/4/2025
  9. Medium-High risk9/17/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(i)(8) — Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH.

    Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH. Regulation: at the time of the initial application, any renewal application, relocation of an existing licensed center, and, as determined by the Office of Licensing, on a case-by-case basis, the facility operator shall submit to the Office of Licensing a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the Department of Health that indicates that no further remediation is needed for the interior of the building in which the center is located. the Office of Licensing shall not issue licenses or renewals to child care centers that are co-located in a building or other structure that contains a dry cleaner or nail salon unless the applicant obtains indoor air sampling that demonstrates that there is no impact to the child care center.

    Corrected 8/27/2025
  10. Medium-High risk9/17/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) — Ensure all outdoor hazards are removed from the outdoor play area as required. Ensure the entrance to the outdoor play area is repaired or covered to avoid a tripping hazard.

    Ensure all outdoor hazards are removed from the outdoor play area as required. Ensure the entrance to the outdoor play area is repaired or covered to avoid a tripping hazard. 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 3/4/2025
  11. Medium risk9/17/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(19) — Test for the presence of radon gas in every room on the lowest floor used by children in each building and post the test results in a prominent location in each bulding.

    Test for the presence of radon gas in every room on the lowest floor used by children in each building and post the test results in a prominent location in each bulding. Regulation: the center shall test for the presence of radon gas in each classroom on the lowest floor level used by children at least once every five years and shall post the test results in a prominent location in all buildings at the center, as specified in N.J.S.A. 30:5B-5.2.

    Corrected 8/6/2025
  12. Medium-High risk9/17/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(n)(1) — Ensure fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center, one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time.

    Ensure fire drills are conducted during each session provided at the center, one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time. Regulation: 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. The center shall ensure that all children present are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill.

    Corrected 3/4/2025
  13. Medium-Low risk9/17/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(e)(7) — Ensure that the consulting head teacher makes at least two on-site visits to the center per month to observe the center's program and provide staff development as required.

    Ensure that the consulting head teacher makes at least two on-site visits to the center per month to observe the center's program and provide staff development as required. Regulation: For early childhood programs for centers using a consulting head teacher, the consulting head teacher shall make at least two on-site visits to the center per month, for a sufficient length of time to conduct staff development, observe the center's program, and ensure that the provisions specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(e)1 are met. The center shall maintain on file a written record of the date, time, purpose, and nature of each visit by the consulting head teacher; and the consulting head teacher’s observation of the program and evaluation of the staff member in charge of the program.

    Corrected 3/4/2025

Showing the 25 most recent of 143 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
0Recent 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: PATERSON, Passaic County
  • Capacity: 48
  • 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.

Add what you pay

Anonymous. One report per family. It helps other parents budget honestly.

Parent Reviews

More daycares in PATERSON, NJ