Smart Start Academy
JERSEY CITY, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address462 Central Ave., Jersey City, NJ, 07307
CountyHudson
Phone201-232-1115
Operating details
Capacity45
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 6/24/2025 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High8
- Medium-High9
- Medium6
- Medium-Low2
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
462 Central Ave., Jersey City, NJ, 07307, JERSEY CITY, NJ 07307
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: 6/24/2025
- High0
- Medium-High5
- Medium1
- Medium-Low0
- Low0
2025
- Medium-High risk6/24/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(h)(7) — Submit a lead paint risk assessment for the center's license renewal.
Submit a lead paint risk assessment for the center's license renewal. Regulation: Lead paint precautions are as follows: if a previous lead paint inspection indicates the presence of lead, or a lead paint risk management plan is in progress at the center, the center shall: ensure that a lead paint risk assessment is conducted by a Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor who is certified and employed as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(h)3, upon renewal of the center’s license; and submit the results of the risk assessment to the Office of Licensing and the local department of health.
Corrected 7/25/2025
2024
- Medium-High risk12/4/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(10) — Ensure that all toxic cleaning substances are inaccessible to the children in Room 4/5.
Ensure that all toxic cleaning substances are inaccessible to the children in Room 4/5. 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 12/4/2024 - Medium-High risk12/4/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) — Provide and maintain use zone under climber with a slide as required. The center took an immediate action and moved the caterpillar tunnel that was adjacent to the climber with a slide.
Provide and maintain use zone under climber with a slide as required. The center took an immediate action and moved the caterpillar tunnel that was adjacent to the climber with a slide. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall comply with the Playground Safety Subcode of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23-11.
Corrected 12/4/2024 - Medium-High risk12/4/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) — Ensure all resilient surfacing tiles are secured in place and do not pose a tripping hazard in the outdoor play area.
Ensure all resilient surfacing tiles are secured in place and do not pose a tripping hazard in the outdoor play area. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the building, land, walkways, and outdoor play area shall be free from hazards to the health, safety or well-being of the children.
Corrected 1/22/2025 - Medium-High risk12/4/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(iii) — Comply with the written conditions of the center's license including age restrictions for specific classrooms. At the time of the inspection, there were 2 children under the age of 2 1/2 years present in the Room 4/5.
Comply with the written conditions of the center's license including age restrictions for specific classrooms. At the time of the inspection, there were 2 children under the age of 2 1/2 years present in the Room 4/5. Regulation: Space and room requirements are as follows: at no time shall a center operate in violation of the written conditions on its license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval including, but not limited to, capacity or age restrictions for specific classrooms.
Corrected 1/22/2025 - Medium risk12/4/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) — Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date in Room 1.
Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date in Room 1. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: for bottles, each child's bottle(s) shall be labeled with the child's name and dated.
Corrected 1/22/2025
Showing the 25 most recent of 48 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
$999/month
This is a modeled estimate — based on location, ages served, and program data — not the provider's actual tuition. Real prices vary by age group and services. Contact the daycare for current rates, fees, and availability.
Typical prices in New Jersey run about $1,247/month for infant care at a center (federal median) — see daycare costs in New Jersey by age group.
About this daycare
- Location: JERSEY CITY, Hudson County
- Capacity: 45
- 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.
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