Sarah Ward Nursery

NEWARK, NJLicensed Child Care CenterLicensed

3.1based on state inspection data
Capacity101
Est. price$899/mo

Contact information

Address105 Lock Street, Newark, NJ, 07103

CityNEWARK, NJ 07103

CountyEssex

Phone973-645-0442

Websitehttp.sarahward,org

Operating details

Capacity101

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 2/17/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High8
  • Medium-High8
  • Medium4
  • Medium-Low5
  • Low0

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Location

Using Address for Location

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

105 Lock Street, Newark, NJ, 07103, NEWARK, NJ 07103

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. This is a large program - ask how children are grouped, how ratios are kept in each room, and how staff cover breaks
  4. Ask about teacher-to-child ratios and how supervision is maintained through the day

Violation summary

Last 2 years · Last inspection: 2/17/2026

  • High8
  • Medium-High8
  • Medium4
  • Medium-Low5
  • Low0

2026

  1. High risk2/17/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 3 new staff. 4/22/2026: Missing for 1 staff

    Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 3 new staff. 4/22/2026: Missing for 1 staff Regulation: Within two weeks after a new staff member begins working at the center, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall submit to the Department a completed CARI consent form for the new staff member. Until the results of the CARI background check for a new staff member have been received from the Department, the center shall ensure oversight of the new staff member by another staff member, and ensure that person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children.

    Corrected 6/8/2026
  2. Medium-Low risk2/17/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. At the time of the inspection an updated copy of the staff records checklist was not available.

    Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. At the time of the inspection an updated copy of the staff records checklist was not available. 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 6/8/2026

2025

  1. Medium risk10/17/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(i) — Cease the use of pacifier straps or other types of attachment devices.

    Cease the use of pacifier straps or other types of attachment devices. Regulation: Children shall not use pacifiers with straps or other types of attachment devices.

    Corrected 10/17/2025
  2. Medium risk7/1/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(i) — Cease the use of pacifier straps or other types of attachment devices. This was correct onsite.

    Cease the use of pacifier straps or other types of attachment devices. This was correct onsite. Regulation: Children shall not use pacifiers with straps or other types of attachment devices.

    Corrected 7/1/2025
  3. Medium-High risk7/1/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Ensure that all indoor equipment is safe, free of hazards and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in room #6. Repair or replace the red seat and the blue plush seat.

    Ensure that all indoor equipment is safe, free of hazards and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in room #6. Repair or replace the red seat and the blue plush seat. 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 9/4/2025
  4. Medium-High risk7/1/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Ensure that the white cabinets in rooms #5 and #2 are sturdy, safe, and free of hazards.

    Ensure that the white cabinets in rooms #5 and #2 are sturdy, safe, and free of hazards. 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 9/4/2025
  5. Medium-High risk7/1/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.9(a)(1) — Maintain an illness log on file at the center that includes: the child's name; symptoms of illness; actions taken by the center; and dates of exclusion and return.

    Maintain an illness log on file at the center that includes: the child's name; symptoms of illness; actions taken by the center; and dates of exclusion and return. Regulation: The center shall maintain on file a log of the initial illnesses, symptoms of illness, or diseases that are exhibited by each child while in the center’s care, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1(c) and (d). This illness log shall include: the child's name; the date and time the illness, symptoms of illness or diseases were observed at the center; a description of the symptoms of illness manifested by the child; the action taken by the center to assist: the child who is demonstrating symptoms of illness; and the director in determining if exclusion of the child from the center is necessary; any significant change in the child's symptoms of illness; the date, if applicable, that: the child was removed from the center; the child returned to the center with a note from a health care provider attesting to the child's admissibility to the center and recovery from a reportable disease, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:57; the child returned to the center with a parent’s note attesting that six days have elapsed since the onset of chicken pox, or that all chicken pox sores have dried and crusted; or the child returned to the center symptom-free.

    Corrected 1/7/2026
  6. High risk7/1/2025

    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 1/7/2026
  7. Medium-High risk7/1/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(a)(1) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL. At the time of the inspection a children's records checklist was not available.

    Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL. At the time of the inspection a children's records checklist was not available. 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 1/7/2026
  8. Medium risk7/1/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.4(a)(1) — Provide protective coverings for all electrical outlets accessible to the children in room #3.

    Provide protective coverings for all electrical outlets accessible to the children in room #3. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, all electrical outlets that are accessible to the children shall have protective covers.

    Corrected 12/3/2025
  9. Medium-Low risk7/1/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(b)(7)(ii) — Develop a written policy for the use of television, computers and other technology.

    Develop a written policy for the use of television, computers and other technology. Regulation: ii. Centers shall develop a written policy regarding the use of television, computers, and other equipment for children over the age of two and maintain on file written plans for such use and the length of time for their use. In addition, centers shall develop a written policy for the use of such equipment as it pertains to children in care less than four hours and children in care more than four hours. iii. Centers shall develop written plans for children with special needs who may benefit from the educational or instruction use of a television, computer, or other video equipment.

    Corrected 1/7/2026
  10. High risk7/1/2025

    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 1/7/2026
  11. Medium-High risk7/1/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3) — Ensure that diapering surfaces are clean, and in sanitary condition in room #6.

    Ensure that diapering surfaces are clean, and in sanitary condition in room #6. Regulation: the diapering surface shall be flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent, and in good repair.

    Corrected 9/4/2025
  12. Medium-Low risk7/1/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.4(a) — Provide documentation that the center has current comprehensive general liability insurance coverage.

    Provide documentation that the center has current comprehensive general liability insurance coverage. Regulation: The sponsor or sponsor representative shall secure comprehensive general liability insurance coverage for the center and shall maintain on file a copy of the insurance policy or documentation of current insurance coverage.

    Corrected 12/3/2025
  13. High risk7/1/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a) — Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including a special care plan and all required accompanying medication. One child was missing 1 medication that was listed on the special care plan.

    Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including a special care plan and all required accompanying medication. One child was missing 1 medication that was listed on the special care plan. 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 state

    Corrected 10/17/2025
  14. High risk7/1/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l) — Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes all required components.

    Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes all required components. 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 special needs of children e

    Corrected 6/8/2026
  15. High risk7/1/2025

    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 4/22/2026
  16. Medium-Low risk7/1/2025

    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 4/22/2026
  17. High risk7/1/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually.

    Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually. 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 4/22/2026
  18. High risk7/1/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required and maintained on file for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. 1/7/26: Missing for 3 staff 2/17/26: Missing for 6 staff

    Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required and maintained on file for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. 1/7/26: Missing for 3 staff 2/17/26: Missing for 6 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 6/8/2026
  19. Medium-Low risk7/1/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. At the time of the inspection a copy of the staff records checklist was not available.

    Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. At the time of the inspection a copy of the staff records checklist was not available. 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 1/7/2026
  20. Medium-High risk7/1/2025

    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 10/17/2025
  21. Medium-High risk7/1/2025

    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 1/7/2026
  22. Medium risk7/1/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(f)(2) — Securely fasten bathroom equipment including the toilet paper holder in room #1.

    Securely fasten bathroom equipment including the toilet paper holder in room #1. Regulation: Toilet facility requirements are as follows: mirrors, dispensers, and other equipment shall be fastened securely.

    Corrected 9/4/2025
  23. Medium-High risk7/1/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(5) — Ensure garbage receptacles are covered in a secure manner in room #1.

    Ensure garbage receptacles are covered in a secure manner in room #1. Regulation: garbage receptacles shall be: made of durable, leak-proof and nonabsorbent materials; covered in a secure manner; emptied to the outdoor garbage receptacle when filled; maintained in a sanitary manner.

    Corrected 9/4/2025

Showing the 25 most recent of 126 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

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  • 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: 101
  • Type: Licensed Child Care Center

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