Stepping Stones Learning Institute

TRENTON, NJLicensed Child Care CenterLicensed

4.3based on state inspection data
Capacity30
Est. price$999/mo

Contact information

Address118 1/2 Swan Street, Trenton, NJ, 08611

CityTRENTON, NJ 08611

CountyMercer

Phone609-396-3045

Operating details

Capacity30

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 9/8/2025 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High12
  • Medium-High6
  • Medium4
  • Medium-Low3
  • Low0

Join the waitlist

Not ready to tour? Get on the waitlist and we'll notify the center you're interested.

Location

Using Address for Location

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

118 1/2 Swan Street, Trenton, NJ, 08611, TRENTON, NJ 08611

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: 9/8/2025

  • High10
  • Medium-High6
  • Medium4
  • Medium-Low3
  • Low0

2025

  1. High risk9/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(c) — Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times in Room 1. Observed one staff in the office, leaving one staff alone with 12 children (ages 3-4 years old).

    Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times in Room 1. Observed one staff in the office, leaving one staff alone with 12 children (ages 3-4 years old). 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 9/29/2025
  2. Medium-High risk5/5/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Ensure portable sink is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

    Ensure portable sink is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 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 9/8/2025
  3. Medium-High risk4/8/2025

    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 are present at the center at all times and that the training includes a hands-on component in addition to any online training.

    Ensure that at least two staff members who have current pediatric first aid and CPR certifications are present at the center at all times and that the training includes a hands-on component in addition to any online training. 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. The first aid and CPR training shall include a hands-on training component in addition to any online training coursework.

    Corrected 5/5/2025
  4. Medium-Low risk4/8/2025

    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 5/5/2025
  5. Medium risk4/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(c)(1) — Ensure all fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs have protective covers or shields.

    Ensure all fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs have protective covers or shields. Regulation: Lighting requirements are as follows: all fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs shall have protective covers or shields. During program activities, at least 20 foot-candles of natural or artificial light shall be provided in all rooms used by the children. This illumination shall be measured three feet above the floor at the farthest point from the light source. Parking areas, pedestrian walkways, or other exterior portions of the premises subject to use by center occupants at night shall be illuminated to provide safe entrance to and egress from the center.

    Corrected 9/8/2025
  6. Medium-High risk4/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(5) — Ensure garbage receptacles are covered with a lid when used for discarding food.

    Ensure garbage receptacles are covered with a lid when used for discarding food. Regulation: garbage receptacles shall be: made of durable, leak-proof and nonabsorbent materials; covered in a secure manner; emptied to the outdoor garbage receptacle when filled; maintained in a sanitary manner.

    Corrected 5/5/2025
  7. Medium-High risk4/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Repair or replace ripped blue chair in Room 1.

    Repair or replace ripped blue chair in Room 1. 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 9/8/2025
  8. Medium-High risk4/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Replace stained ceiling tile in boy's bathroom.

    Replace stained ceiling tile in boy's bathroom. 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 9/8/2025
  9. Medium risk4/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(c)(2) — Ensure that the director designee completes understanding licensing as provided by the Office of Licensing.

    Ensure that the director designee completes understanding licensing as provided by the Office of Licensing. Regulation: The director or his or her designee(s) shall be on the premises at all times when the center is operating and the designee: shall not have full-time classroom responsibilities during the times when the director is not present at the center and shall complete staff development in understanding licensing rules as provided by the Office of Licensing.

    Corrected 9/29/2025
  10. High risk4/8/2025

    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 10/30/2025
  11. Medium risk4/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(1)(ii) — Ensure a self-made solution of bleach and water is made daily and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

    Ensure a self-made solution of bleach and water is made daily and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Regulation: Disinfectants shall be used as follows: the center shall disinfect those items specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)3 with a solution that shall be a self-made solution consisting of one-quarter cup of household bleach to each gallon of water (one tablespoon per quart), which shall be prepared daily and placed in a labeled, sealed container.

    Corrected 5/5/2025
  12. High risk4/8/2025

    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. Submit a copy o

    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. Submit a copy of the public school's drinking water test results. 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 9/8/2025
  13. Medium-Low risk4/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b) — Maintain at the center and distribute to all staff, a copy of the Information to Parents document designated by the OOL; maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the policy.

    Maintain at the center and distribute to all staff, a copy of the Information to Parents document designated by the OOL; maintain on file a record of staff receipt of the policy. Regulation: The center shall distribute a copy of the Information to Parents document to each child’s parent(s) upon enrollment and to every person upon becoming a staff member and secure and maintain on file a record of each parent’s and staff member’s signature attesting to receipt of the document.

    Corrected 6/10/2025
  14. Medium risk4/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-133 — Remove excess storage from the furnace room.

    Remove excess storage from the furnace room. Regulation: Remove excess storage and/or combustibles from the furnace room.

    Corrected 4/8/2025
  15. High risk4/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b) — Develop and follow a policy for the administration of medication at the center.

    Develop and follow a policy for the administration of medication at the center. 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: Administration and control of prescription and non-prescription medicines and health care procedures (a) The center shall inform each child’s parent upon enrollment of its policy on administering medication and health care procedures to children, including the provisions specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b) to (d). The policy shall indicate: 1. Whether the center will administer non-prescription medication or a non-prescribed health care procedure to a child; 2. Whether the center will administer prescription medication or a prescribed health care procedure to a child with a short-term illness; and 3. That the center will provide reasonable accommodations for the administration of medication or health care procedures to a child with special needs, if failure to administer the medication or health care procedure would jeopardize the health of the child or prevent the child from attending the center. 1. Medication and health care procedures shall be administered only after receipt of written approval from the child's parent(s). 2. The center shall: i. Designate those staff members who are trained as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a)8 and authorized to administer medication or health care procedures to, or to supervise self-administration of medication or health care procedures by, those children whose parents authorize it; and ii. Ensure that each staff member designated to administer medication and health care procedures is informed of each child's medication and health care needs. 3. All medication and health care equipment shall be kept either in a locked cabinet or in an area that is inaccessible to the children. i. All medication shall be kept in its original container. ii. Medication shall be refrigerated if

    Corrected 9/8/2025
  16. High risk4/8/2025

    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 9/29/2025
  17. High risk4/8/2025

    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 9/29/2025
  18. Medium-Low risk4/8/2025

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

    Provide documentation that the director meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Regulation: The director shall meet the following qualification requirements for early childhood programs licensed to serve more than 30 children, the director shall meet the qualification requirements as specified in N.J.A.C 3A:52-4.6(b) for education and experience.

    Corrected 9/29/2025
  19. High risk4/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(c) — Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times in Room 1. Observed one staff alone with 15 children (ages 3-5 years old).

    Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times in Room 1. Observed one staff alone with 15 children (ages 3-5 years old). 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 5/5/2025
  20. High risk4/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(a) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative for the center's license renewal.

    Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/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 9/8/2025
  21. High risk4/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(a) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for all regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal.

    Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for all regularly scheduled staff 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 9/8/2025
  22. High risk4/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for all regularly scheduled staff.

    Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for all regularly scheduled 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 9/8/2025

2024

  1. Medium-High risk11/26/2024

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(n)(1) — Conduct and document fire drills at least once per month during each session provided at the center, including one fire drill annually that is conducted during nap time.

    Conduct and document fire drills at least once per month during each session provided at the center, including one fire drill annually that is conducted during nap time. 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.

    Corrected 2/21/2025

Showing the 25 most recent of 37 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

$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: TRENTON, Mercer County
  • Capacity: 30
  • 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.

Add what you pay

Anonymous. One report per family. It helps other parents budget honestly.

Parent Reviews

More daycares in TRENTON, NJ