The Garden Childcare Center
CLIFTON, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address560 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, NJ, 07011
CountyPassaic
Phone973-246-5335
Operating details
Capacity20
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 2/6/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High10
- Medium-High7
- Medium5
- Medium-Low3
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
560 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, NJ, 07011, CLIFTON, NJ 07011
Questions to ask on a tour
Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.
- 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
- 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
Violation summary
Last 2 years · Last inspection: 2/6/2026
- High10
- Medium-High7
- Medium5
- Medium-Low3
- Low0
2026
- Medium-High risk2/6/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.2(d) — Provide a current fire certificate as required.
Provide a current fire certificate as required. Regulation: An applicant seeking the renewal of a license or of a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval to continue operating a center shall obtain and maintain on file a fire safety inspection certificate for the building based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months. If the center prepares meals, the applicant seeking renewal shall obtain and maintain on file a satisfactory Sanitary Inspection Certificate, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:24, indicating that the kitchen is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the State Sanitary Code, based on a sanitary inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months.
Corrected 3/11/2026 - High risk2/6/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — Arrange cribs, cots, and sleeping equipment to provide access to an unobstructed 3-foot wide aisle that leads to an exit. Staff took immediate action to move sleeping equipment from egress.
Arrange cribs, cots, and sleeping equipment to provide access to an unobstructed 3-foot wide aisle that leads to an exit. Staff took immediate action to move sleeping equipment from egress. Regulation: Supplemental evacuation requirements are as follows: cribs, beds, playpens, and cots used for rest or sleep shall be arranged so as to provide access to a three-foot-wide aisle that leads to an unobstructed exit.
Corrected 2/6/2026 - Medium risk2/6/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(a)(2) — Ensure that blankets or pillows do not cover children's faces
Ensure that blankets or pillows do not cover children's faces Regulation: For early childhood programs, the center shall ensure that blankets or pillows do not cover the child's face.
Corrected 3/11/2026 - High risk2/6/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(b)(1) — Ensure each mat used for rest and sleep is placed on a surface that is warm, dry and draft free. Center took immediate action to place mats under the sleeping mats.
Ensure each mat used for rest and sleep is placed on a surface that is warm, dry and draft free. Center took immediate action to place mats under the sleeping mats. Regulation: 1. For children 12 months of age and younger, the center shall provide for each child a crib, that complies with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) Federal Safety Standards for Full-Size and Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs; 16 CFR 1219 and 1220, which is incorporated herein by reference, and can be obtained through the CPSC's website at View official inspection document Education-Centers/cribs , playpen, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment that meets the following requirements: i. Each cot used for children between 13 and 18 months of age shall not exceed 14 inches above the floor level. iii. Each mat used for rest and sleep shall be: (1) Placed on a surface that is warm, dry, clean and draft-free; (2) Water-repellent; (3) At least one inch thick; and (4) Stored so that there is no contact with the sleeping surface of another mat, or disinfected after each use, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-
Corrected 2/6/2026 - Medium-Low risk2/6/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Update and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.
Update 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 4/14/2026 - High risk2/6/2026
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 3/11/2026 - Medium-High risk2/6/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Secure carpet/play mat throughout the center.
Secure carpet/play mat throughout the center. 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 3/11/2026 - Medium-High risk2/6/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Secure all the ceiling tiles throughout the center.
Secure all the ceiling tiles throughout the center. 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 3/11/2026 - High risk2/6/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that 1 named staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually.
Ensure that 1 named 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 3/11/2026
2025
- Medium risk1/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(g)(3) — Ensure that classrooms that care for children over 18 months of age provide at least five different activity areas and that each area contains at least five different types of supplies and equipment.
Ensure that classrooms that care for children over 18 months of age provide at least five different activity areas and that each area contains at least five different types of supplies and equipment. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: centers serving children 18 months of age and older shall provide at least five types of children's daily activities including, but not limited to, language; science and mathematics; manipulative; large muscle; building; art; music; drama; or other comparable activities; and at least five types of supplies and equipment for each daily activity chosen by the center.
Corrected 2/24/2025 - Medium-High risk1/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) — Ensure that the center washes and disinfects diapering surfaces after each use.
Ensure that the center washes and disinfects diapering surfaces after each use. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: in addition to the items specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)3, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use, diapering surfaces.
Corrected 2/24/2025 - Medium-High risk1/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3) — Ensure that diapering surfaces are flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent and in good repair.
Ensure that diapering surfaces are flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent and in good repair. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: diapering requirements for centers serving children who are not toilet trained are as follows, diapering area and surface requirements are as follows, the diapering surface shall be flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent, and in good repair.
Corrected 2/24/2025 - Medium-High risk1/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(5) — Ensure that outdoor garbage receptacles are: made of durable, leak-proof and nonabsorbent materials; covered securely; and maintained in a sanitary manner.
Ensure that outdoor garbage receptacles are: made of durable, leak-proof and nonabsorbent materials; covered securely; and maintained in a sanitary manner. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: garbage receptacles shall be: made of durable, leak-proof and nonabsorbent materials; covered in a secure manner and located in an outdoor area; and maintained in a sanitary manner.
Corrected 2/24/2025 - High risk1/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a)(3) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the one named regularly scheduled staff.
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the one named 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 2/24/2025 - Medium-Low risk1/29/2025
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 2/24/2025 - Medium risk1/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(e)(7)(i) — Ensure that the consulting head teacher makes at least two on-site visits to the center per month to observe the center's program and provide staff development as required.
Ensure that the consulting head teacher makes at least two on-site visits to the center per month to observe the center's program and provide staff development as required. Regulation: For early childhood programs for centers using a consulting head teacher, the consulting head teacher shall make at least two on-site visits to the center per month, for a sufficient length of time to conduct staff development, observe the center's program, and ensure that the provisions specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(e)1 are met.
Corrected 2/24/2025 - High risk1/29/2025
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 - Medium-High risk1/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(6) — Maintain in good condition a fence for the outdoor play area.
Maintain in good condition a fence for the outdoor play area. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: centers that provide outdoor space shall maintain all fencing in proper condition.
Corrected 2/24/2025 - High risk1/29/2025
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 2/24/2025 - Medium risk1/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(g)(2) — Ensure that classrooms that care for children under 18 months of age provide at least four different activity areas and that each area contains at least four types of supplies and equipment.
Ensure that classrooms that care for children under 18 months of age provide at least four different activity areas and that each area contains at least four types of supplies and equipment. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: centers serving children less than 18 months of age shall provide at least four types of children's daily activities including, but not limited to, sensory; language and dramatic play; manipulative; building; large muscle; music; or other comparable activities; and at least four types of supplies and equipment for each activity area chosen by the center.
Corrected 2/24/2025 - High risk1/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(a)(2) — Ensure that parents are notified immediately when a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head.
Ensure that parents are notified immediately when a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head. Regulation: The center shall take immediate necessary action to protect the child from further harm and shall immediately notify the child's parent(s) when a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head.
Corrected 2/24/2025 - Medium risk1/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(g)(2) — Ensure that classrooms that care for children under 18 months of age provide at least four different activity areas and that each area contains at least four types of supplies and equipment.
Ensure that classrooms that care for children under 18 months of age provide at least four different activity areas and that each area contains at least four types of supplies and equipment. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply:centers serving children less than 18 months of age shall provide at least four types of children's daily activities including, but not limited to, sensory; language and dramatic play; manipulative; building; large muscle; music; or other comparable activities; and at least four types of supplies and equipment for each activity area chosen by the center.
Corrected 3/3/2025 - High risk1/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the one named regularly scheduled staff.
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the one named 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 3/3/2025 - High risk1/29/2025
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.
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: 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 5/8/2025 - Medium-Low risk1/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — 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 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 5/8/2025
Showing the 25 most recent of 71 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
$1,059/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: CLIFTON, Passaic County
- Capacity: 20
- 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.
Parent Reviews
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