Better Beginnings Child Development Center

HIGHTSTOWN, NJLicensed Child Care CenterLicensed

4.3based on state inspection data
Capacity99
Est. price$949/mo

Contact information

Address318 N Main Street, Hightstown, NJ, 08520-0187

CityHIGHTSTOWN, NJ 08520-0187

CountyMercer

Phone609-448-6226

Websitehttps://www.betterbeginningsnj.org

Operating details

Capacity99

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 11/7/2025 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High9
  • Medium-High6
  • Medium1
  • Medium-Low9
  • Low0

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Location

Using Address for Location

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

318 N Main Street, Hightstown, NJ, 08520-0187, HIGHTSTOWN, NJ 08520-0187

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. Ask about teacher-to-child ratios and how supervision is maintained through the day
  4. Ask about their illness policy and which symptoms require a child to stay home

Violation summary

Last 2 years · Last inspection: 11/7/2025

  • High9
  • Medium-High6
  • Medium1
  • Medium-Low9
  • Low0

2025

  1. High risk11/7/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.2(a)(8) — Provide a current life/hazard use registration certificate applicable to the center's licensed capacity and ages served.

    Provide a current life/hazard use registration certificate applicable to the center's licensed capacity and ages served. Regulation: The center shall obtain a Life Hazard Use Registration certificate applicable to the center’s licensed capacity and ages served pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq. The center shall post this document in a prominent location within the center.

    Corrected 11/13/2025
  2. Medium-High risk11/7/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(i)(8) — Submit a current Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH.

    Submit a current 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 5/14/2026
  3. Medium-High risk11/7/2025

    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 11/25/2025
  4. High risk11/7/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(d) — Provide documentation that the program supervisor meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

    Provide documentation that the program supervisor meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Regulation: For school-age child care programs the program supervisor shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the applicable options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(d) for education, training, and experience, based on the center's licensed capacity.

    Corrected 12/15/2025

2024

  1. Medium-Low risk10/4/2024

    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 9/18/2025
  2. Medium risk10/4/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(19) — Test for the presence of radon gas as required.

    Test for the presence of radon gas as required. Regulation: 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 9/18/2025
  3. High risk10/4/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(b) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 7 regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal. 10/22/25 7 staff. 11/7/2025 1 staff.

    Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 7 regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal. 10/22/25 7 staff. 11/7/2025 1 staff. Regulation: When the center applies for a new license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that each staff member at least 18 years of age who is or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis completes the CHRI fingerprinting process specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a). Within two weeks after a new staff member begins working at the center, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that the new staff member completes the CHRI fingerprinting process specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a). Until the center receives the results of the CHRI background check for a new staff member, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that the person is not alone to supervise a child or group of children.

    Corrected 11/17/2025
  4. High risk10/4/2024

    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. 10/22/25 11 staff. 11/7/2025 4 staff. 11/17/2025 1 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. 10/22/25 11 staff. 11/7/2025 4 staff. 11/17/2025 1 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 1/12/2026
  5. Medium-Low risk10/4/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Ensure that Physicals and Mantoux are completed for staff. 10/22/25 10 staff. 11/7/2025 3 staff. 11/13/2025 2 staff.

    Ensure that Physicals and Mantoux are completed for staff. 10/22/25 10 staff. 11/7/2025 3 staff. 11/13/2025 2 staff. 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 12/15/2025
  6. Medium-High risk10/4/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(a)(1) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL.

    Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL. 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 9/18/2025
  7. Medium-Low risk10/4/2024

    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 11/7/2025
  8. Medium-Low risk10/4/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(g) — Maintain documentation related to staff development on file at the center.

    Maintain documentation related to staff development on file at the center. Regulation: The center shall maintain on file documentation of the date, time, topic, presenter, and attendance for all staff development and orientation completed by center staff members. For staff development provided by the center, the center shall maintain on file documentation or a copy of all staff development materials used.

    Corrected 12/15/2025
  9. High risk10/4/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(a)(3) — Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility, and job descriptions.

    Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility, and job descriptions. Regulation: The sponsor or sponsor representative shall designate individuals with the authority and responsibility to develop and implement written policies and procedures for the operation of the center, including a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility and communication; and job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff.

    Corrected 10/22/2025
  10. Medium-Low risk10/3/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d)(1) — Ensure that Physicals and Mantoux are completed for staff.

    Ensure that Physicals and Mantoux are completed for staff. Regulation: The staff records specified in 3A:52-4.1(a) through (c) shall be maintained on file as follows: 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 2/24/2025
  11. High risk10/3/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Ensure that updated Benadryl is provided for 4 children.

    Ensure that updated Benadryl is provided for 4 children. Regulation: 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: 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 11/19/2024
  12. High risk10/3/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(a)(3)(i)(1) — Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility, and job descriptions.

    Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility, and job descriptions. Regulation: The sponsor or sponsor representative shall designate individuals with the authority and responsibility to develop and implement written policies and procedures for the operation of the center, including a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility and communication; and job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff.

    Corrected 2/24/2025
  13. Medium-High risk10/3/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(a)(1) — Complete and maintain on file a Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL.

    Complete and maintain on file a Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL. 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 2/24/2025
  14. Medium-Low risk10/3/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.4(a) — Ensure that the center has a current comprehensive general liability insurance policy and maintains the documentation on file.

    Ensure that the center has a current comprehensive general liability insurance policy and maintains the documentation on file. 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 1/27/2025
  15. High risk10/3/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a)(3) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 7 regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal.

    Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 7 regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal. 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 2/24/2025
  16. High risk10/3/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) — 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.

    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. Regulation: When the center applies for a new or renewal license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall submit to the Department the completed CARI consent forms for all staff members who are or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis. 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.

    Corrected 2/24/2025
  17. Medium-Low risk10/3/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d)(1) — Ensure that the information on the Staff Records Checklist is current and that it is maintained on file at the center.

    Ensure that the information on the Staff Records Checklist is current and that it is maintained on file at the center. Regulation: The staff records specified in 3A:52-4.1(a) through (c) shall be maintained on file as follows: 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 2/24/2025
  18. Medium-High risk10/3/2024

    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 2/24/2025
  19. Medium-Low risk10/3/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(g)(1) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, and that documentation is maintained on file at the center and includes the name of the person or organization that provided the training

    Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, and that documentation is maintained on file at the center and includes the name of the person or organization that provided the training. Regulation: The center shall maintain on file documentation of the date, time, topic, presenter, and attendance for all staff development and orientation completed by center staff members. For staff development provided by the center, the center shall maintain on file documentation or a copy of all staff development materials used.

    Corrected 2/24/2025
  20. Medium-High risk10/3/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(c)(1) — Ensure emergency light in hallway is operable.

    Ensure emergency light in hallway is operable. Regulation: Lighting requirements are as follows: all fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs shall have protective covers or shields.

    Corrected 11/19/2024
  21. Medium-Low risk10/3/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(k)(5) — Ensure that the center's social media policy includes guidelines for appropriate conduct by staff, including but not limited to, prohibiting the posting of photographs or videos of children on their personal social media.

    Ensure that the center's social media policy includes guidelines for appropriate conduct by staff, including but not limited to, prohibiting the posting of photographs or videos of children on their personal social media. Regulation: The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the use of social media including, but not limited to the guidelines for appropriate conduct by staff members.

    Corrected 2/24/2025

Showing the 25 most recent of 41 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

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: HIGHTSTOWN, Mercer County
  • Capacity: 99
  • Type: Licensed Child Care Center

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