The Goddard School
MATAWAN, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address300 Belchase Drive, Matawan, NJ, 07747
CountyMiddlesex
Phone732-441-3500
Operating details
Capacity114
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 3/27/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High7
- Medium-High15
- Medium2
- Medium-Low1
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
300 Belchase Drive, Matawan, NJ, 07747, MATAWAN, NJ 07747
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
- This is a large program - ask how children are grouped, how ratios are kept in each room, and how staff cover breaks
- Ask about teacher-to-child ratios and how supervision is maintained through the day
Violation summary
Last 2 years · Last inspection: 3/27/2026
- High7
- Medium-High15
- Medium2
- Medium-Low1
- Low0
2026
- Medium-High risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Repair/replace wooden doll cradle in disrepair in room 10.
Repair/replace wooden doll cradle in disrepair in room 10. 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 4/30/2026 - Medium-High risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3) — Ensure that the diaper pads in room 3/4 and room 6 are replaced.
Ensure that the diaper pads in room 3/4 and room 6 are replaced. Regulation: the diapering surface shall be flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent, and in good repair.
Corrected 4/30/2026 - High risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Ensure that a minimum of two staff members, present at all times, are trained on administering special health care procedures for one child in room 1. Maintain on file record of the training.
Ensure that a minimum of two staff members, present at all times, are trained on administering special health care procedures for one child in room 1. Maintain on file record of the training. 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 4/30/2026 - Medium-High risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Ensure that the playground funnel ball metal pole has protective padding from the ground up to at least 48 inches.
Ensure that the playground funnel ball metal pole has protective padding from the ground up to at least 48 inches. 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 4/30/2026 - Medium-High risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(n)(4) — Ensure that one fire extinguisher in room 13 is serviced.
Ensure that one fire extinguisher in room 13 is serviced. Regulation: Fire prevention requirements are as follows: all fire extinguishers shall be visually inspected once a month, and serviced and tagged at least once a year and recharged, if necessary, as specified in the NJUFC.
Corrected 4/30/2026 - High risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — Ensure that the path exiting from room 3/4 remains clear and unobstructed at all times. Staff moved items when asked to.
Ensure that the path exiting from room 3/4 remains clear and unobstructed at all times. Staff moved items when asked to. 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 3/27/2026 - Medium-High risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) — Ensure that the vent/grate on the side of the building in the playground is free of rust.
Ensure that the vent/grate on the side of the building in the playground is free of rust. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: The building, land, walkways, and outdoor play area shall be free from hazards to the health, safety or well-being of the children.
Corrected 4/30/2026 - Medium-High risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Ensure that the bathroom vent in room 5 is clean and free of dust.
Ensure that the bathroom vent in room 5 is clean and free of dust. 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 4/30/2026 - Medium risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(13) — Ensure that the smart board cord is secured in room 13.
Ensure that the smart board cord is secured in room 13. Regulation: the center shall ensure that window blind cords and other cords and ropes that present risk of harm are inaccessible to children.
Corrected 4/30/2026 - Medium-High risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(10) — Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. At the time of inspection an open Red Bull container was observed within the reach of children in room 10, and acrylic sealer was observed within the reach of c
Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. At the time of inspection an open Red Bull container was observed within the reach of children in room 10, and acrylic sealer was observed within the reach of children in room 13. Staff moved the items when asked to. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all corrosive agents, insecticides, bleaches, detergents, polishes, any products under pressure in an aerosol spray can, and any toxic substance shall be stored in a locked cabinet or in an enclosure located in an area not accessible to the children.
Corrected 3/27/2026 - Medium-High risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure that the sink drain in room 12 is free of rust.
Ensure that the sink drain in room 12 is free of rust. 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 4/30/2026 - Medium-High risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure that toilet bases in rooms 5 and 10 are cleaned and caulked.
Ensure that toilet bases in rooms 5 and 10 are cleaned and caulked. 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 4/30/2026 - Medium-High risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Secure hanging smoke alarm in room 10.
Secure hanging smoke alarm in room 10. 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 4/30/2026 - Medium-High risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Secure loose outlet box in room 6.
Secure loose outlet box in room 6. 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 4/30/2026 - High risk3/27/2026
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 4/30/2026 - Medium risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.4(a)(2) — Ensure that the primary caregiver list is updated to reflect which staff members are assigned to each group of four infants or six toddlers.
Ensure that the primary caregiver list is updated to reflect which staff members are assigned to each group of four infants or six toddlers. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply for infants (under 18 months of age) and toddlers (18 months to 2½ years of age):a group shall consist of four infants or six toddlers to whom a primary caregiver has been assigned.
Corrected 4/30/2026 - Medium-Low risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.4(a) — Provide documentation that the center has current comprehensive general liability insurance coverage.
Provide documentation that the center has current comprehensive general liability insurance coverage. 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 4/30/2026 - Medium-High risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.2(d) — Provide a current fire certificate.
Provide a current fire certificate. 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 4/30/2026 - Medium-High risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Repair/replace soft blocks in disrepair in room 6.
Repair/replace soft blocks in disrepair in room 6. 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 4/30/2026 - Medium-High risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Repair/replace soft play mats in disrepair in room 1.
Repair/replace soft play mats in disrepair in room 1. 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 4/30/2026 - Medium-High risk3/27/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure that the sink in room 13 is caulked.
Ensure that the sink in room 13 is caulked. 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 4/30/2026
2025
- High risk1/27/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 3 staff.
Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 3 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 3/3/2025 - High risk1/27/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a)(11) — Based on information, retrain all staff on the center's policies and procedures for incidents, including notifying center administration in accordance with center policy.
Based on information, retrain all staff on the center's policies and procedures for incidents, including notifying center administration in accordance with center policy. Regulation: Topics of orientation training shall include recognizing and responding to injuries and emergencies, including the prevention of and response to emergencies due to food-related allergies and other allergic reactions.
Corrected 1/27/2025 - High risk1/27/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a)(3) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and 1 staff member.
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and 1 staff member. 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 - High risk1/27/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(a)(2) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed for the license renewal as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and 3 staff.
Ensure that CARI background checks are completed for the license renewal as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and 3 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 conset to a CARI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediation terminate the staff member's employment at the center.
Corrected 2/24/2025
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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: MATAWAN, Middlesex County
- Capacity: 114
- Type: Licensed Child Care Center
What parents actually pay
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