The Learning Experience at Hopewell

PENNINGTON, NJLicensed Child Care CenterLicensed

1.5based on state inspection data
Capacity164
Est. price$899/mo

Contact information

Address795 Denow Road, Bldg. B, Pennington, NJ, 08534

CityPENNINGTON, NJ 08534

CountyMercer

Phone609-737-2300

Websitehttps://thelearningexperience.com/centers/hopewell/

Operating details

Capacity164

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 4/24/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High13
  • Medium-High11
  • Medium0
  • Medium-Low1
  • Low0

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Location

Using Address for Location

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

795 Denow Road, Bldg. B, Pennington, NJ, 08534, PENNINGTON, NJ 08534

Questions to ask on a tour

Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.

  1. Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses
  2. This is a large program - ask how children are grouped, how ratios are kept in each room, and how staff cover breaks
  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: 4/24/2026

  • High13
  • Medium-High11
  • Medium0
  • Medium-Low1
  • Low0

2026

  1. High risk4/24/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Provide a 2nd EpiPen and all medication listed on the allergy plan for a child in room 8.

    Provide a 2nd EpiPen and all medication listed on the allergy plan for a child in room 8. 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 5/8/2026
  2. High risk4/24/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(c) — Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. There was one staff in room 6 when two were required.

    Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. There was one staff in room 6 when two were required. Regulation: (c) The following staff/child ratios shall apply, except as specified in (d) through (f) below: Under 18 months 1:4 18 months up to 2 ½ years 1:6 2 ½ years up to 4 years 1:10 4 years 1:12 5 years and older 1:15 (d) The following staff/child ratios shall apply during rest or sleep, when the criteria listed in (d) 1, 2, and 3 below are met: Under 18 months 18 months to under 2 ½ years 2 ½ years and above 1:10 1:12 1:20 2. A sufficient number of staff members shall be in the facility and readily accessible to ensure compliance with the awake staff/child ratios specified in (c) above.

    Corrected 5/8/2026
  3. High risk4/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(d) — Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually.

    Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually. Regulation: The director, head teacher(s), group teacher(s), and program supervisor(s) shall each complete 20 hours of staff development each year. Recommended topics of training for these staff include educational and physical activity; special needs programming and program development; social-emotional and behavioral development for young children; legal issues, including ADA guidelines and leadership and advocacy.

    Corrected 5/8/2026
  4. Medium-Low risk4/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(c) — Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually.

    Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually. Regulation: The center shall ensure that all staff members who work at the center complete 12 hours of continuing staff development each year. 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 5/8/2026
  5. High risk4/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually.

    Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually. 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 5/8/2026
  6. High risk4/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for three staff. 4/24/26 Two staff. 5/8/26 One staff.

    Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for three staff. 4/24/26 Two staff. 5/8/26 One 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 5/20/2026
  7. Medium-High risk4/7/2026

    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 changing a diaper; room 3.

    Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water as required including after changing a diaper; room 3. 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 4/24/2026
  8. Medium-High risk4/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1) — Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required including after having a diaper changed; room 3.

    Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required including after having a diaper changed; room 3. 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 4/24/2026
  9. High risk4/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Provide an allergy plan for one child in room 8.

    Provide an allergy plan for one child in room 8. 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 4/24/2026
  10. High risk4/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Provide medication which is not expired for three children in room 8.

    Provide medication which is not expired for three children in room 8. 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 4/24/2026
  11. High risk4/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Provide medication which is not leaking and has an expiration date for one child in room 5.

    Provide medication which is not leaking and has an expiration date for one child in room 5. 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 5/8/2026
  12. Medium-High risk4/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Repair or remove the broken storage bin in the outdoor play area.

    Repair or remove the broken storage bin in the outdoor play area. 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 5/8/2026
  13. Medium-High risk4/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Repair or remove the toy raccoon head that is attached to the tree climber and is deteriorating in the outdoor play area.

    Repair or remove the toy raccoon head that is attached to the tree climber and is deteriorating in the outdoor play area. 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 4/24/2026
  14. Medium-High risk4/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Repair the rusted and/or sharp areas on the legs of the picnic tables in the outdoor play area.

    Repair the rusted and/or sharp areas on the legs of the picnic tables in the outdoor play area. 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 5/8/2026
  15. Medium-High risk4/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Repair/paint the chipping paint on the yellow ladders on the large climber in the outdoor play area.

    Repair/paint the chipping paint on the yellow ladders on the large climber in the outdoor play area. 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 4/24/2026
  16. Medium-High risk4/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Repair/paint chipping paint on walls in room 8.

    Repair/paint chipping paint on walls in room 8. 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
  17. Medium-High risk4/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Repair/paint rusted hardware behind toilet in room 8.

    Repair/paint rusted hardware behind toilet in room 8. 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 4/24/2026
  18. Medium-High risk4/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Replace missing ceiling tiles in bathrooms in rooms 3, 7, and 8.

    Replace missing ceiling tiles in bathrooms in rooms 3, 7, and 8. 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 4/24/2026
  19. Medium-High risk4/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Secure light cover in the general store in the make believe room.

    Secure light cover in the general store in the make believe 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 4/24/2026
  20. High risk4/7/2026

    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. A staff stated there were 15 children when there were 16 children in room 3.

    Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. A staff stated there were 15 children when there were 16 children in room 3. 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 4/24/2026
  21. High risk4/7/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for one staff.

    Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for one staff. Regulation: 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. Until the results of the CARI background check for a new staff member have been received from the Department, the center shall ensure oversight of the new staff member by another staff member, and ensure that person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children.

    Corrected 6/30/2026

2025

  1. High risk9/16/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) — Submit a CARI clearance for one staff and ensure the last name matches the CHRI.

    Submit a CARI clearance for one staff and ensure the last name matches the CHRI. Regulation: 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. Until the results of the CARI background check for a new staff member have been received from the Department, the center shall ensure oversight of the new staff member by another staff member, and ensure that person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children.

    Corrected 10/10/2025
  2. Medium-High risk9/2/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(i) — Operate within each room's capacity. There were 21 children in a room with a capacity of 20.

    Operate within each room's capacity. There were 21 children in a room with a capacity of 20. Regulation: At no time shall a center: i. Allow more children in attendance than the licensed capacity as specified on the license or the Certificate of Life/Safety Approval; ii. Allow more children in attendance than the licensed room capacity;

    Corrected 9/16/2025
  3. High risk9/2/2025

    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 in Room 7.

    Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care in Room 7. 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 9/16/2025
  4. High risk9/2/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(c) — Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times in Room 3.

    Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times in Room 3. Regulation: (c) The following staff/child ratios shall apply, except as specified in (d) through (f) below: Under 18 months 1:4 18 months up to 2 ½ years 1:6 2 ½ years up to 4 years 1:10 4 years 1:12 5 years and older 1:15 (d) The following staff/child ratios shall apply during rest or sleep, when the criteria listed in (d) 1, 2, and 3 below are met: Under 18 months 18 months to under 2 ½ years 2 ½ years and above 1:10 1:12 1:20 2. A sufficient number of staff members shall be in the facility and readily accessible to ensure compliance with the awake staff/child ratios specified in (c) above.

    Corrected 9/16/2025

Showing the 25 most recent of 148 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
21Recent 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

$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: PENNINGTON, Mercer County
  • Capacity: 164
  • Type: Licensed Child Care Center

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