Gold Star Kids Academy
FREEHOLD, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address18 And 42 Thoreau Drive, Freehold, NJ, 07728
CountyMonmouth
Phone732-303-8585
Operating details
Capacity60
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 2/18/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High7
- Medium-High10
- Medium7
- Medium-Low1
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
18 And 42 Thoreau Drive, Freehold, NJ, 07728, FREEHOLD, NJ 07728
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
- Ask about teacher-to-child ratios and how supervision is maintained through the day
Violation summary
Last 2 years · Last inspection: 2/18/2026
- High7
- Medium-High10
- Medium7
- Medium-Low1
- Low0
2026
- High risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Provide the Epi-pen special care plans for 2 named children.
Provide the Epi-pen special care plans for 2 named children. 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 4/6/2026 - Medium-High risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(4) — Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water prior to preparing and serving food.
Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water prior to preparing and serving food. 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 3/10/2026 - Medium-High risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1) — Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water prior to meals.
Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water prior to meals. 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 3/10/2026 - Medium risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(19) — Test for the presence of radon gas in Unit 42.
Test for the presence of radon gas in Unit 42. Regulation: the center shall test for the presence of radon gas in each classroom on the lowest floor level used by children at least once every five years and shall post the test results in a prominent location in all buildings at the center, as specified in N.J.S.A. 30:5B-5.2.
Corrected 4/6/2026 - Medium risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.4(a)(4) — Ensure that sinks have a supply of warm water not exceeding 110 degrees in the Unit 18 children's bathroom.
Ensure that sinks have a supply of warm water not exceeding 110 degrees in the Unit 18 children's bathroom. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, a supply of hot tap water not exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit and cold running water shall be provided.
Corrected 3/10/2026 - High risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(b)(1) — Ensure that the cribs are used to the manufactures specifications. In Unit 18 room 1, a crib contains excess storage materials.
Ensure that the cribs are used to the manufactures specifications. In Unit 18 room 1, a crib contains excess storage materials. 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 3/10/2026 - Medium risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.2(a)(1) — Ensure that in Unit 18 room 1, there are an adequate supply of materials to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program.
Ensure that in Unit 18 room 1, there are an adequate supply of materials to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program. Regulation: The center shall provide a supply of age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program equipment including play equipment, child-size furniture and supplies that are sufficient to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program.
Corrected 3/10/2026 - Medium-Low risk2/18/2026
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 3/10/2026 - Medium-High risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a) — Ensure that the Universal Child Health Records are maintained on file for all children throughout the center.
Ensure that the Universal Child Health Records are maintained on file for all children throughout the center. 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, immunization
Corrected 4/6/2026 - Medium-High risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.2(c) — Provide a current health certificate for the facility providing daily lunch.
Provide a current health certificate for the facility providing daily lunch. Regulation: If the center prepares meals, the center shall obtain 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. The center shall maintain on file the Sanitary Inspection Certificate. 6.3(a)2 If the center chooses to provide food, the center shall ensure that all food served to children is prepared by either: i. The center on-site or off-site; or ii. A caterer who is licensed, registered, certified, or otherwise approved, as appropriate, by the local or county health department or State Department of Health, as applicable.
Corrected 3/10/2026 - Medium-High risk2/18/2026
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 6/4/2026 - Medium risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) — Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the date in Unit 18 room 1.
Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the date in Unit 18 room 1. Regulation: Feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: for bottles, each child's bottle(s) shall be labeled with the child's name and dated.
Corrected 3/10/2026 - High risk2/18/2026
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 4/6/2026 - Medium risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(c)(2) — Ensure that the director and director designee complete the Understanding Licensing Regulation course as required.
Ensure that the director and director designee complete the Understanding Licensing Regulation course as required. 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 4/6/2026 - High risk2/18/2026
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 3/10/2026 - High risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) — Complete the CARI background check for 1 named staff.
Complete the CARI background check for 1 named 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 3/10/2026 - Medium-High risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iv) — Ensure mouthed toys are washed and sanitized before being given to another child.
Ensure mouthed toys are washed and sanitized before being given to another child. Regulation: In addition to the items specified in (a)3 above, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use: i. Toilet training chairs and potty seats that have first been emptied into a toilet; ii Sinks and faucets used for rinsing a toilet training chair; iv. Toys mouthed by infants and toddlers before being given to another child; and
Corrected 3/10/2026 - Medium-High risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) — Ensure the surface underneath the diaper pad is maintained in a clean manner throughout Unit 18.
Ensure the surface underneath the diaper pad is maintained in a clean manner throughout Unit 18. Regulation: In addition to the items specified in (a)3 above, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use: iii. Diapering surfaces;
Corrected 3/10/2026 - Medium risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) — Ensure tables are washed and disinfected before each meal in Unit 18 room 2.
Ensure tables are washed and disinfected before each meal in Unit 18 room 2. Regulation: Tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal.
Corrected 3/10/2026 - Medium risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(g)(2)(iv) — Ensure that the use of infant equipment, including swings, exersaucers and bouncers, is limited to 30 minutes at a time.
Ensure that the use of infant equipment, including swings, exersaucers and bouncers, is limited to 30 minutes at a time. Regulation: iv. The use of infant equipment including swings, exersaucers, and bouncers shall be limited to periods of 30 minutes at a time.
Corrected 3/10/2026 - Medium-High risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Ensure that the chairs in Unit 18 room 1 are not stacked higher than the height of the children.
Ensure that the chairs in Unit 18 room 1 are not stacked higher than the height of the children. 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 3/10/2026 - Medium-High risk2/18/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(r) — Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the children served. In Unit 42 room 2, children were placed in the bucket seat table without being properly secured by the safety straps.
Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the children served. In Unit 42 room 2, children were placed in the bucket seat table without being properly secured by the safety straps. Regulation: The center shall take any steps required by the Office of Licensing to correct conditions in the building or center that may endanger the health, safety, and well-being of the children served.
Corrected 3/10/2026
2025
- High risk8/28/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Ensure medication required by the special care plan is present for 1 child.
Ensure medication required by the special care plan is present for 1 child. 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 9/19/2025 - Medium-High risk8/13/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(10) — Ensure cleaning products are inaccessible to children in Building 1 Room 1. Staff moved the cleaning products upon inspector request.
Ensure cleaning products are inaccessible to children in Building 1 Room 1. Staff moved the cleaning products upon inspector request. 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 8/11/2025 - High risk8/13/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(k) — Ensure there are a minimum of 2 staff when 6 or more children are present. At the time of the inspection there was 1 staff with 13 children in Building 1.
Ensure there are a minimum of 2 staff when 6 or more children are present. At the time of the inspection there was 1 staff with 13 children in Building 1. Regulation: (k) For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: 1. A minimum of two staff members, one of whom shall be at least 18 years of age, shall be present and involved in the care of children when: i. At least six children are present, who are below six years of age; or ii. Fewer than six children are present but applicable staff/child ratios, governing children below 18 months of age or children with special needs, require two staff members. (l) For school-age child care programs, the following shall apply: 1. A minimum of two staff members, one of whom shall be at least 18 years of age, shall be at the center and involved in the care of children when six or more children are present, except as specified in (l)2 and 3 below.
Corrected 8/28/2025
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Safety & Compliance Analysis
This daycare has multiple recorded violations. Review the details to make an informed decision.
(Past 6 Months)
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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
$949/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: FREEHOLD, Monmouth County
- Capacity: 60
- Type: Licensed Child Care Center
What parents actually pay
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Parent Reviews
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