LaCasa de DonPedro HeadStart at St Francis
NEWARK, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address87-89 St. Francis Street, Newark, NJ, 07105
CityNEWARK, NJ 07105
CountyEssex
Phone862-237-9260
Operating details
Capacity259
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 5/5/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High4
- Medium-High7
- Medium0
- Medium-Low14
- 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:
87-89 St. Francis Street, Newark, NJ, 07105, NEWARK, NJ 07105
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
- 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
Violation summary
Last 2 years · Last inspection: 5/5/2026
- High4
- Medium-High4
- Medium0
- Medium-Low14
- Low0
2026
- Medium-Low risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b) — Maintain at the center and distribute to all families and staff, a copy of the Information to Parents document designated by the OOL; maintain on file a record of parental and staff receipt of the policy.
Maintain at the center and distribute to all families and staff, a copy of the Information to Parents document designated by the OOL; maintain on file a record of parental and staff receipt of the policy. Regulation: The center shall distribute a copy of the Information to Parents document to each child’s parent(s) upon enrollment and to every person upon becoming a staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s and staff member’s signature attesting to receipt of the document.
Corrected 6/18/2026 - Medium-Low risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(e) — Ensure that the center director & director designee complete the OOL's Understanding Licensing training within 90 days of hire.
Ensure that the center director & director designee complete the OOL's Understanding Licensing training within 90 days of hire. Regulation: Directors shall complete staff development in understanding licensing regulations as provided by the Office of Licensing within 90 days of hire. Such staff development may be included in the required 20 hours of staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(d).
Corrected 6/18/2026 - Medium-High risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Ensure that all indoor equipment is sturdy, safe, free of hazards and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Repair or replace the red seat in room #3.
Ensure that all indoor equipment is sturdy, safe, free of hazards and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Repair or replace the red seat in room #3. Regulation: Play equipment, materials, and furniture for indoor and outdoor use shall be of sturdy and safe construction, non-toxic, free of hazards, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The center may not use play equipment intended for outdoor use indoors.
Corrected 6/18/2026 - Medium-Low risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5(b) — Maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the center's release policy.
Maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the center's release policy. Regulation: The center shall distribute a copy of the release policy to the parent of each enrolled child and each staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s and staff member’s signature attesting to receipt of the policy.
Corrected 6/18/2026 - Medium-Low risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6(f) — Maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the center's discipline policy.
Maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the center's discipline policy. Regulation: The center shall secure and maintain on file each staff member's signature, attesting to receipt of the policy on the disciplining of children by staff members.
Corrected 6/18/2026 - Medium-Low risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(l) — Maintain on file a record of parental receipt of the center's social media policy.
Maintain on file a record of parental receipt of the center's social media policy. Regulation: 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.
Corrected 6/18/2026 - Medium-Low risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.11(b) — Maintain on file a record of parental receipt of the communicable disease policy.
Maintain on file a record of parental receipt of the communicable disease policy. 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 6/18/2026 - High risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a) — Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including all required up to date medication listed on the special care plan for 4 children.
Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including all required up to date medication listed on the special care plan for 4 children. Regulation: (a) For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: 1. Each child not enrolled in a public or private school shall have had a health examination performed by a health care provider within: i. Six months prior to admission, for children who are 2½ years of age or younger; or ii. One year prior to admission, for children above 2½ years of age. 2. 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): i. For children coming from other states or countries in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.6 and 4.7; and ii. For children who are in foster care or experiencing homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11434a(2). 3. For children enrolled in a public or private school, the center shall obtain a written statement from each child's parent indicating: I. That the child is in good health and can participate in the normal activities of the program; and ii. Any conditions or specific needs that may require special accommodations. 4. If immunizations are contraindicated for medical reasons, the center may choose to admit the child, provided that the parent submits to the center a written statement from a health care provider attesting to the following: i. The reason the immunization is medically contraindicated; and ii. The specific time period that the immunization is medically contraindicated. 5. A child shall be exempted from a physical examination, immunization, or medical treatment if the parent objects thereto in a written statement submitted to the center, signed by the parent, expl
Corrected 6/18/2026 - Medium-High risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a) — Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including the special care plan for 1 child.
Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including the special care plan for 1 child. Regulation: (a) For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: 1. Each child not enrolled in a public or private school shall have had a health examination performed by a health care provider within: i. Six months prior to admission, for children who are 2½ years of age or younger; or ii. One year prior to admission, for children above 2½ years of age. 2. 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): i. For children coming from other states or countries in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.6 and 4.7; and ii. For children who are in foster care or experiencing homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11434a(2). 3. For children enrolled in a public or private school, the center shall obtain a written statement from each child's parent indicating: I. That the child is in good health and can participate in the normal activities of the program; and ii. Any conditions or specific needs that may require special accommodations. 4. If immunizations are contraindicated for medical reasons, the center may choose to admit the child, provided that the parent submits to the center a written statement from a health care provider attesting to the following: i. The reason the immunization is medically contraindicated; and ii. The specific time period that the immunization is medically contraindicated. 5. A child shall be exempted from a physical examination, immunization, or medical treatment if the parent objects thereto in a written statement submitted to the center, signed by the parent, explaining how the examination, immunization, or med
Corrected 6/18/2026 - Medium-Low risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(k) — Maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the center's social media policy.
Maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the center's social media policy. 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.
Corrected 6/18/2026 - High risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5(a) — Maintain at the center and distribute to all families, a written policy on the release of children that includes all required components.
Maintain at the center and distribute to all families, a written policy on the release of children that includes all required components. Regulation: (a) The center shall maintain on file and follow a written policy on the release of children, which shall include: 1. The provision that each child may be released only to the child's parent(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s), as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(a)3, to take the child from the center and to assume responsibility for the child in an emergency if the parent(s) cannot be reached; 61 2. The provision that, if a particular non-custodial parent has been denied access, or granted limited access, to the child by a court order, the center shall secure documentation to this effect, maintain a copy on file, and comply with the terms of the court order; 3. Written procedures to be followed by staff member(s) if the parent(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s), as specified in (a)1 above, fails to pick up a child at the time of the center's daily closing. The procedures shall require that: i. The child is supervised at all times; ii. Staff members attempt to contact the parent(s) or person(s) authorized by the parents; and iii. An hour or more after closing time, and provided that other arrangements for releasing the child to his or her parent(s) or authorized person(s) have failed and the staff member(s) cannot continue to supervise the child at the center, the staff member shall call the Department's State Central Registry Hotline (1-877 NJ ABUSE/1-877-652-2873) to seek assistance in caring for the child until the parent(s) or person(s) authorized by the child's parent(s) is able to pick up the child; and 4. Written procedures to be followed by a staff member(s) if the parent(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s), as specified in (a)1 above, appear to be physically or emotionally impaired to the extent that, in the judgment of the director or staff member, the child would be placed at risk of
Corrected 6/18/2026 - Medium-Low risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(b) — Provide documentation that the director meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.
Provide documentation that the director meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Regulation: The director shall meet the following qualification requirements for early childhood programs licensed to serve more than 30 children, the director shall meet the qualification requirements as specified in N.J.A.C 3A:52-4.6(b) for education and experience.
Corrected 6/18/2026 - Medium-Low risk5/5/2026
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 6/18/2026 - Medium-Low risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(k) — Ensure the center's social media policy includes all required components.
Ensure the center's social media policy includes all required components. 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.
Corrected 6/18/2026 - Medium-Low risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(j)(3) — Maintain on file a record of parental receipt of the center's expulsion policy.
Maintain on file a record of parental receipt of the center's expulsion policy. Regulation: The center shall distribute a copy of the expulsion 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 6/18/2026 - Medium-Low risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(j)(1) — Ensure the center's expulsion policy includes : circumstances; methods to notify parents; sufficient time limits; and reasons for immediate expulsion.
Ensure the center's expulsion policy includes : circumstances; methods to notify parents; sufficient time limits; and reasons for immediate expulsion. Regulation: The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the expulsion of children from enrollment at the center. The expulsion policy shall include: the circumstances under which a child may be expelled; the method that the center will use to notify parents of concerns that could lead to expulsion, such as written notification or a parent conference; sufficient time limits before expulsion to enable parents to make alternative child care arrangements or to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child to remain at the center, except as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(j)1iv; and circumstances that may warrant immediate expulsion of a child from the center, such as potentially dangerous behavior by a child or parent.(2) The center shall not expel a child based solely on the child’s parent making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a center’s alleged violations of the licensing rules or questioning a center directly regarding policies and procedures.
Corrected 6/18/2026 - Medium-Low risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(e)(1) — Ensure permission slips are maintained on file for walking trips.
Ensure permission slips are maintained on file for walking trips. Regulation: The center may utilize a blanket permission slip for taking children on walks only if walks are within the center's neighborhood, the walk involves no entrance into a facility unless the facility has been indicated on the blanket permission slip. (2) The center may utilize a blanket permission slip for taking children on walks only if the center makes arrangements for the handling of visits or telephone calls from parents either by: having someone remain at the center; utilizing a telephone answering machine and posting a notice on the entrance door of the center to inform parents of the children's location.
Corrected 6/24/2026 - Medium-High risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition throughout the center.
Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition throughout the center. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ventilation outlets shall be clean and free from obstructions, and filters shall be replaced when saturated.
Corrected 6/18/2026 - Medium-High risk5/5/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are in good repair including the border on the wall in room #3.
Ensure all surfaces are in good repair including the border on the wall 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 6/18/2026
2025
- High risk9/2/2025
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. New staff
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. New 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 3/11/2026 - High risk9/2/2025
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. New 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. New 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 3/11/2026 - Medium-Low risk9/2/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. Submit updated checklist with new staff and remove old staff no longer at the center.
Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. Submit updated checklist with new staff and remove old staff no longer at the center. 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 3/11/2026
Showing the 25 most recent of 130 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: NEWARK, Essex County
- Capacity: 259
- 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.