The Special Children's Center, Inc

LAKEWOOD, NJLicensed Child Care CenterLicensed

1.5based on state inspection data
Capacity180
Est. price$899/mo

Contact information

Address1400 Prospect Street, Lakewood, NJ, 08701

CityLAKEWOOD, NJ 08701

CountyOcean

Phone732-367-0099

Operating details

Capacity180

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 3/9/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High9
  • Medium-High13
  • 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:

1400 Prospect Street, Lakewood, NJ, 08701, LAKEWOOD, NJ 08701

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: 3/9/2026

  • High9
  • Medium-High13
  • Medium2
  • Medium-Low1
  • Low0

2026

  1. Medium-High risk3/9/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(12) — Install window guards on the 2nd floor windows, with the approval of the local fire official, or provide an alternative method to ensure that children cannot fall out of windows.

    Install window guards on the 2nd floor windows, with the approval of the local fire official, or provide an alternative method to ensure that children cannot fall out of windows. Regulation: install window guards, with approval of the local fire official, or provide an alternative method to ensure that children cannot fall out of windows.

    Corrected 4/27/2026
  2. Medium risk3/9/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.4(a)(3) — Provide screens on all doors and windows used for ventilation, in crawl spaces and in attic spaces.

    Provide screens on all doors and windows used for ventilation, in crawl spaces and in attic spaces. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, crawl spaces, attic spaces, and all doors and windows used for natural ventilation shall be provided with insect screening.

    Corrected 4/16/2026
  3. High risk2/19/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a)(1) — Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. Staff in room 129 stated that they had 11 children however only 10 children were present.

    Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. Staff in room 129 stated that they had 11 children however only 10 children were present. Regulation: The center shall develop and implement an Office of Licensing-approved method to keep track of the location and ensure the safety of all children at all times when under the center’s supervision, including the transfer of supervision from and to parents during arrival and departure and the utilization of off-site locations, including playgrounds and field trips.

    Corrected 3/9/2026
  4. Medium-High risk2/19/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(10) — Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. In room 125, a staff purse was accessible to children. Abated at the time of inspection.

    Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. In room 125, a staff purse was accessible to children. Abated at the time of inspection. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all corrosive agents, insecticides, bleaches, detergents, polishes, any products under pressure in an aerosol spray can, and any toxic substance shall be stored in a locked cabinet or in an enclosure located in an area not accessible to the children.

    Corrected 2/19/2026

2025

  1. Medium-High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Ensure high chair seats are used in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Seats that are intended to be strapped to chairs are being used on the floor.

    Ensure high chair seats are used in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Seats that are intended to be strapped to chairs are being used on the floor. 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 2/19/2026
  2. Medium-High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Remove the trampoline from room 119.

    Remove the trampoline from room 119. 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 2/19/2026
  3. Medium-High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(r) — Ensure other children do not have access to children's feeding tubes and equipment. In room 119, a child had a large amount of their feeding tube cord accessible to other children crawling and playing on the floor.

    Ensure other children do not have access to children's feeding tubes and equipment. In room 119, a child had a large amount of their feeding tube cord accessible to other children crawling and playing on the floor. 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 1/12/2026
  4. Medium-High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a) — Ensure every child has a universal health record on file at the center and the health records are filled out completely.

    Ensure every child has a universal health record on file at the center and the health records are filled out completely. 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, i

    Corrected 2/19/2026
  5. High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(f) — Ensure that blankets and sheets are stored individually and not all stacked on top of each other and touching in rooms 119 and 128.

    Ensure that blankets and sheets are stored individually and not all stacked on top of each other and touching in rooms 119 and 128. 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 1/12/2026
  6. High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that orientation training is documented with the date and hours for all staff. 2-19-26: 1 needed.

    Ensure that orientation training is documented with the date and hours for all staff. 2-19-26: 1 needed. 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 3/9/2026
  7. High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a) — Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times. In room 218, children were standing on chairs without staff intervening.

    Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times. In room 218, children were standing on chairs without staff intervening. Regulation: The children shall be supervised directly by a staff member at all times, including during outdoor activities, rest and sleep, and walking through hallways. Toileting procedures shall be supervised by a staff member as appropriate for the ages and developmental needs of the children. 1. At least one staff member shall be physically present in the room or area in which children are napping and shall be able to summon other staff members without leaving the room or area. 3. Naptime preparations shall have been completed and all children 18 months or above are resting or sleeping, while all children under 18 months of age are sleeping.

    Corrected 1/12/2026
  8. Medium-Low risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Maintain a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL with correct dates.

    Maintain a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL with correct dates. 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 3/9/2026
  9. Medium-High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(4) — Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water before serving food. 2-19-26: After wiping noses in room 131.

    Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water before serving food. 2-19-26: After wiping noses in room 131. Regulation: Handwashing requirements are as follows: staff members shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately before preparing or serving food; after toileting; after assisting a child in toileting; after caring for a child who appears to be sick; after coming in contact with an animal's body secretions; and after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, or other body fluids or secretions. 7.8(d)3- Staff members hands are washed after changing each diaper.

    Corrected 3/9/2026
  10. Medium-High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1) — Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required before meals.

    Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required before meals. 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 2/19/2026
  11. High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Ensure that any child with a chronic health condition requiring medication or health care procedures on a long term basis has a special health care plan provided by the health care provider. The plan shall include all required

    Ensure that any child with a chronic health condition requiring medication or health care procedures on a long term basis has a special health care plan provided by the health care provider. The plan shall include all required components as specified in the OOL childcare manual and all medications on the plan shall be onsite at the center. Regulation: (9) The center shall develop and follow a policy on the administration of medication and health care procedures to children, which shall include the following provisions: before administering a health care procedure associated with a child’s health condition, such as the use of a blood glucose monitor, nebulizer, or epinephrine pen, the center shall ensure that all staff members who administer the procedure are taught to do so by the child’s parent or another appropriately-trained person. There shall be at least two staff members present at the center who are trained in such health care procedures. 10. The center shall store prescribed epinephrine pens in their original boxes with the child’s name and prescription. A special care plan or other documentation from a health care provider shall accompany the epinephrine pen. If two epinephrine pens are required, both shall be available. Each center under the jurisdiction of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5 shall store back-up epinephrine pens on site consistent with the requirements stated at N.J.S.A. 18A:40- 12.5.e(1).

    Corrected 4/16/2026
  12. High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(b)(1) — Ensure pack n plays are used in accordance with manufacturers instructions. Cease using additional mattresses inside the cribs.

    Ensure pack n plays are used in accordance with manufacturers instructions. Cease using additional mattresses inside the cribs. Regulation: 1. For children 12 months of age and younger, the center shall provide for each child a crib, that complies with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) Federal Safety Standards for Full-Size and Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs; 16 CFR 1219 and 1220, which is incorporated herein by reference, and can be obtained through the CPSC's website at View official inspection document Education-Centers/cribs , playpen, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment that meets the following requirements: i. Each cot used for children between 13 and 18 months of age shall not exceed 14 inches above the floor level. iii. Each mat used for rest and sleep shall be: (1) Placed on a surface that is warm, dry, clean and draft-free; (2) Water-repellent; (3) At least one inch thick; and (4) Stored so that there is no contact with the sleeping surface of another mat, or disinfected after each use, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-

    Corrected 1/12/2026
  13. High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(b)(1) — Remove the broken crib from room 126. Abated 1-12-26. Repair or replace the cribs with the broken clear panels in room 131.

    Remove the broken crib from room 126. Abated 1-12-26. Repair or replace the cribs with the broken clear panels in room 131. Regulation: 1. For children 12 months of age and younger, the center shall provide for each child a crib, that complies with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) Federal Safety Standards for Full-Size and Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs; 16 CFR 1219 and 1220, which is incorporated herein by reference, and can be obtained through the CPSC's website at View official inspection document Education-Centers/cribs , playpen, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment that meets the following requirements: i. Each cot used for children between 13 and 18 months of age shall not exceed 14 inches above the floor level. iii. Each mat used for rest and sleep shall be: (1) Placed on a surface that is warm, dry, clean and draft-free; (2) Water-repellent; (3) At least one inch thick; and (4) Stored so that there is no contact with the sleeping surface of another mat, or disinfected after each use, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-

    Corrected 2/19/2026
  14. Medium risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(q)(3) — Ensure that all rooms approved for use by children are labeled with the correct room numbers.

    Ensure that all rooms approved for use by children are labeled with the correct room numbers. Regulation: The center shall identify all rooms of the center that have been approved by the Office of Licensing. This identification shall consist of numbers, letters, names or any other means of identification and shall be located either inside or directly outside each room.

    Corrected 2/19/2026
  15. Medium-High risk12/12/2025

    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.

    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. 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 2/19/2026
  16. High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — Ensure that the exit door in room 218 is not blocked with tables and chairs.

    Ensure that the exit door in room 218 is not blocked with tables and chairs. Regulation: Supplemental evacuation requirements are as follows: cribs, beds, playpens, and cots used for rest or sleep shall be arranged so as to provide access to a three-foot-wide aisle that leads to an unobstructed exit.

    Corrected 1/12/2026
  17. High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — Ensure the large hole near the bottom of the exit stairs, coming out of room 218, is filled in.

    Ensure the large hole near the bottom of the exit stairs, coming out of room 218, is filled in. Regulation: Supplemental evacuation requirements are as follows: cribs, beds, playpens, and cots used for rest or sleep shall be arranged so as to provide access to a three-foot-wide aisle that leads to an unobstructed exit.

    Corrected 2/19/2026
  18. Medium-High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Secure the ceiling vent in the bathroom between rooms 125 and 127.

    Secure the ceiling vent in the bathroom between rooms 125 and 127. 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 2/19/2026
  19. Medium-High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure chairs are not stacked high in piles next to where children are playing in room 119. Ensure strollers are not stacked high up on top of toy kitchens in room 217.

    Ensure chairs are not stacked high in piles next to where children are playing in room 119. Ensure strollers are not stacked high up on top of toy kitchens in room 217. 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 1/12/2026
  20. Medium-High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure floors are cleaned before infants are placed down to play in room 121.

    Ensure floors are cleaned before infants are placed down to play in room 121. 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 1/12/2026
  21. Medium-High risk12/12/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure that pack n plays are not stored in the bathroom in room 119.

    Ensure that pack n plays are not stored in the bathroom in room 119. 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 2/19/2026

Showing the 25 most recent of 184 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
2Recent 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: LAKEWOOD, Ocean County
  • Capacity: 180
  • Type: Licensed Child Care Center

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