Happy Face Day Care Center II
JERSEY CITY, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address379 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ, 07306
CountyHudson
Phone201-963-5202
Operating details
Capacity82
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 5/18/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High6
- Medium-High16
- 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:
379 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ, 07306, JERSEY CITY, NJ 07306
Questions to ask on a tour
Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.
- Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses
- Ask about teacher-to-child ratios and how supervision is maintained through the day
- Ask about their illness policy and which symptoms require a child to stay home
- Ask about their security measures, visitor policy, and pickup procedures
Violation summary
Last 2 years · Last inspection: 5/18/2026
- High6
- Medium-High16
- Medium2
- Medium-Low1
- Low0
2026
- Medium-High risk5/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(e) — Ensure that pacifiers are removed when children are walking in Room 1.
Ensure that pacifiers are removed when children are walking in Room 1. Regulation: The center shall ensure that pacifiers are removed when the children are crawling or walking. 6.3 (a)12. The center shall ensure that these safety and sanitation practices are followed: i. Older infants shall not carry bottles, sippy cups, or regular cups with them while crawling or walking;
Corrected 5/18/2026 - High risk5/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed.
Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed. 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 5/18/2026
2025
- Medium-High risk11/18/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the door at the back entrance/exit.
Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the door at the back entrance/exit. 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 1/7/2026 - High risk11/18/2025
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 12/3/2025 - Medium-High risk11/18/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(a)(1) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL. The children in Room 4 were missing from the checklist.
Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL. The children in Room 4 were missing from the checklist. 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 12/3/2025 - Medium-High risk11/18/2025
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 7/7/2026 - Medium-High risk11/18/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are in good repair including the panic hardware on the backdoor.
Ensure all surfaces are in good repair including the panic hardware on the backdoor. 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 12/3/2025 - High risk11/18/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a)(1) — Ensure that staff in Room 4 are aware of the number of children in their care.
Ensure that staff in Room 4 are aware of the number of children in their care. 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 12/3/2025 - Medium-High risk11/18/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a) — Obtain and maintain on file updated immunization records for three(3) named children. 1/7/26 One immunization record is outstanding.
Obtain and maintain on file updated immunization records for three(3) named children. 1/7/26 One immunization record is outstanding. 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 ex
Corrected 2/17/2026 - Medium-High risk11/18/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a) — Obtain and maintain on file updated universal health records for four(4) named children. 1/7/26 One universal health record is outstanding.
Obtain and maintain on file updated universal health records for four(4) named children. 1/7/26 One universal health record is outstanding. 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
Corrected 2/17/2026 - High risk11/18/2025
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 dated 01/18/2026.
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 dated 01/18/2026. 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 1/7/2026 - Medium-High risk11/18/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.9(a)(1) — Ensure that the return date is documented in the illness log.
Ensure that the return date is documented in the illness log. 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 12/3/2025
2024
- Medium-High risk11/15/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(ii) — Ensure that the children in Room 2 wash their hands immediately after having their diaper changed. Only water was used for handwashing.
Ensure that the children in Room 2 wash their hands immediately after having their diaper changed. Only water was used for handwashing. 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 immediately after using the toilet or having diapers changed.
Corrected 12/17/2024 - Medium-High risk11/15/2024
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 12/17/2024 - Medium-High risk11/15/2024
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 12/17/2024 - Medium-Low risk11/15/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(b) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training which may be included for six of the required annual training hours. Five (5) members of staff are missing orientation training hours.
Ensure that all staff complete orientation training which may be included for six of the required annual training hours. Five (5) members of staff are missing orientation training hours. Regulation: 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 12/17/2024 - Medium-High risk11/15/2024
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 building.
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 building. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: 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 12/17/2024 - Medium risk11/15/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) — Ensure that Room 2 washes and disinfects the tables used by the children for eating before each meal.
Ensure that Room 2 washes and disinfects the tables used by the children for eating before each meal. Regulation: The schedule for disinfecting shall be as follows: tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal.
Corrected 2/24/2025 - High risk11/15/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(q)(3)(v) — Post a diagram of all approved areas and ensure that all rooms approved for use by the children are labeled.
Post a diagram of all approved areas and ensure that all rooms approved for use by the children are labeled. Regulation: Space and room requirements are as follows: Indoor space requirements for play rooms and sleep rooms are as follows 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 1/2/2025 - Medium-High risk11/15/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) — Ensure that Room 2 washes and disinfects diapering surfaces after each use. The disinfecting step was missing.
Ensure that Room 2 washes and disinfects diapering surfaces after each use. The disinfecting step was missing. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: in addition to the items specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)3, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use, diapering surfaces.
Corrected 12/17/2024 - Medium-High risk11/15/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(i) — Ensure that the children in Room 1 wash their hands before the intake of food.
Ensure that the children in Room 1 wash their hands before the intake of food. 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.
Corrected 2/24/2025 - Medium-High risk11/15/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Repair and/or paint the wall at the back of the building where there is excessive peeling of paint.
Repair and/or paint the wall at the back of the building where there is excessive peeling of paint. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of: excessive peeling or chipped paint; or heavily soiled conditions.
Corrected 12/17/2024 - High risk11/15/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(b)(1)(i) — Ensure that all cribs are equipped with all of the required components, including a fitting sheet. Replace the sheets for two named children.
Ensure that all cribs are equipped with all of the required components, including a fitting sheet. Replace the sheets for two named children. Regulation: The center shall provide sleeping equipment 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 requirement that each crib or playpen shall be equipped with: a firm, waterproof, snugly fitting mattress; a clean, snugly fitting sheet.
Corrected 12/17/2024 - Medium-High risk11/15/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1) — Ensure that the children in Room 1 wash their hands before the intake of food.
Ensure that the children in Room 1 wash their hands before the intake of food. 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 3/6/2025 - Medium risk11/15/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) — Ensure that Room 2 washes and disinfects the tables used by the children for eating before each meal.
Ensure that Room 2 washes and disinfects the tables used by the children for eating before each meal. Regulation: Tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal.
Corrected 3/6/2025
Showing the 25 most recent of 69 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
$949/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: JERSEY CITY, Hudson County
- Capacity: 82
- Type: Licensed Child Care Center
What parents actually pay
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