Friends West State Child Development Center
TRENTON, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address1201 W State Street, Trenton, NJ, 08618
CountyMercer
Phone609-656-5220
Operating details
Capacity131
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 5/1/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High7
- Medium-High12
- Medium1
- Medium-Low5
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
1201 W State Street, Trenton, NJ, 08618, TRENTON, NJ 08618
Questions to ask on a tour
Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.
- This facility has health or sanitation findings on its state record - ask about their current cleaning, diapering, and handwashing procedures
- This facility has staffing or training findings on its state record - ask about background checks, required training completion, and staff turnover
- Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses
- This is a large program - ask how children are grouped, how ratios are kept in each room, and how staff cover breaks
Violation summary
Last 2 years · Last inspection: 5/1/2026
- High4
- Medium-High12
- Medium1
- Medium-Low4
- Low0
2026
- High risk5/1/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(a) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor representative for the center's license renewal.
Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor representative for the center's license renewal. 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 6/30/2026
2025
- High risk12/19/2025
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 for 10 staff. 2/13/26: Missing for 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 for 10 staff. 2/13/26: Missing for 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 3/12/2026 - Medium risk12/19/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Repair and/or paint surfaces including the ceiling and the wall at the bottom of the exit stairwell that leads to the front of the school.
Repair and/or paint surfaces including the ceiling and the wall at the bottom of the exit stairwell that leads to the front of the school. Regulation: Walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of: i. Excessive peeling or chipped paint; or ii. Heavily soiled conditions.
Corrected 2/13/2026 - Medium-High risk12/19/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the sinks in the bathrooms on the 2nd floor.
Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the sinks in the bathrooms on the 2nd floor. 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 2/13/2026 - Medium-High risk12/19/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the wall near the sink on the 1st floor next to the health room.
Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the wall near the sink on the 1st floor next to the health room. 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 2/13/2026 - Medium-High risk12/19/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the walls in the 2nd floor bathrooms.
Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including the walls in the 2nd floor bathrooms. 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 2/13/2026 - Medium-High risk12/19/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Provide a covering for the metal protrusion in the boys bathroom on the 2nd floor next to the urinals.
Provide a covering for the metal protrusion in the boys bathroom on the 2nd floor next to the urinals. 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 2/13/2026 - Medium-High risk12/19/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Remove the debris from the exit from the kitchen on the 1st floor.
Remove the debris from the exit from the kitchen on the 1st floor. 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 5/8/2026 - High risk12/19/2025
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 2/24/2026 - Medium-Low risk12/19/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Ensure a criminal disclosure is completed by all staff.
Ensure a criminal disclosure is completed by all 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 2/13/2026 - Medium-Low risk12/19/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — The center shall maintain a copy of each parents signature on the medical release for transportation authorization..
The center shall maintain a copy of each parents signature on the medical release for transportation authorization.. 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 3/12/2026 - Medium-High risk12/19/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(4) — Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water as required including after wiping secretions from a child's nose.
Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water as required including after wiping secretions from a child's nose. 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 2/13/2026 - Medium-Low risk12/19/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(j)(1) — Ensure the center's expulsion policy includes : circumstances; methods to notify parents; sufficient time limits; and reasons for immediate expulsion, and obtain a record of each parents signature attesting to receipt of the pol
Ensure the center's expulsion policy includes : circumstances; methods to notify parents; sufficient time limits; and reasons for immediate expulsion, and obtain a record of each parents signature attesting to receipt of the policy. Regulation: The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the expulsion of children from enrollment at the center. The expulsion policy shall include: the circumstances under which a child may be expelled; the method that the center will use to notify parents of concerns that could lead to expulsion, such as written notification or a parent conference; sufficient time limits before expulsion to enable parents to make alternative child care arrangements or to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child to remain at the center, except as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(j)1iv; and circumstances that may warrant immediate expulsion of a child from the center, such as potentially dangerous behavior by a child or parent.(2) The center shall not expel a child based solely on the child’s parent making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a center’s alleged violations of the licensing rules or questioning a center directly regarding policies and procedures.
Corrected 2/13/2026 - Medium-High risk12/19/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a) — Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including the Universal Health Records for all children enrolled.
Ensure health records are maintained on file as required including the Universal Health Records for all children enrolled. 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,
Corrected 3/12/2026 - High risk12/19/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for 1 staff.
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for 1 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 2/13/2026 - Medium-High risk7/25/2025
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 9/15/2025 - Medium-High risk7/25/2025
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 9/15/2025
2024
- Medium-High risk12/11/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(2) — Ensure that all surfaces including flooring are kept clean and in good repair. (Classroom 1)
Ensure that all surfaces including flooring are kept clean and in good repair. (Classroom 1) Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair.
Corrected 1/14/2025 - Medium-Low risk12/11/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(a) — Complete and maintain on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.
Complete and maintain on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. Regulation: The center shall maintain on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by the Office of Licensing, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(b), indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the applicable staff education and experience, as specified in 3A:52-4.6(b) through (d).
Corrected 2/19/2025 - Medium-High risk12/11/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition. (Room 6)
Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition. (Room 6) 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 2/19/2025 - Medium-High risk12/11/2024
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 and are present at the center at all times.
Ensure that at least two staff members who have current pediatric first aid and CPR certifications and are present at the center at all times. 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.
Corrected 2/19/2025
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Safety & Compliance Analysis
This daycare has multiple recorded violations. Review the details to make an informed decision.
(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: TRENTON, Mercer County
- Capacity: 131
- Type: Licensed Child Care Center
What parents actually pay
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