A Step Ahead Preschool, Inc.
MARLBORO, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address156 Route 79, Marlboro, NJ, 07746
CountyMonmouth
Phone732-946-3441
Operating details
Capacity39
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 9/29/2025 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High6
- Medium-High15
- Medium1
- Medium-Low3
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
156 Route 79, Marlboro, NJ, 07746, MARLBORO, NJ 07746
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
- 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: 9/29/2025
- High6
- Medium-High13
- Medium1
- Medium-Low2
- Low0
2025
- Medium-High risk9/29/2025
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 12/4/2025 - Medium-Low risk9/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(g) — Maintain documentation related to staff development on file at the center.
Maintain documentation related to staff development on file at the center. Regulation: The center shall maintain on file documentation of the date, time, topic, presenter, and attendance for all staff development and orientation completed by center staff members. For staff development provided by the center, the center shall maintain on file documentation or a copy of all staff development materials used.
Corrected 11/12/2025 - Medium-High risk9/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a) — Provide a current Universal Health Record form for 6 named children. 11/12/2025: 4 received, 2 outstanding.
Provide a current Universal Health Record form for 6 named children. 11/12/2025: 4 received, 2 outstanding. 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 12/11/2025 - Medium-High risk9/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Replace the stained ceiling tiles by the vents in rooms 1 and 2.
Replace the stained ceiling tiles by the vents in rooms 1 and 2. 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 11/12/2025 - Medium-High risk9/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) — Replenish the mulch on the outdoor play area to cover the exposed landscaping mesh.
Replenish the mulch on the outdoor play area to cover the exposed landscaping mesh. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall comply with the Playground Safety Subcode of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23-11.
Corrected 11/12/2025 - Medium-High risk9/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) — Repair per the manufacture specifications or remove the broken climbing structure on the outdoor play area.
Repair per the manufacture specifications or remove the broken climbing structure on the outdoor play area. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall comply with the Playground Safety Subcode of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23-11.
Corrected 11/12/2025 - Medium-High risk9/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Remove the non-compliant seesaw from the outdoor play area.
Remove the non-compliant seesaw from 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 11/12/2025 - Medium-High risk9/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Remove the exposed areas of rust on the swings on the outdoor play area.
Remove the exposed areas of rust on the swings on 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 11/12/2025 - Medium-High risk9/29/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Remove the exposed areas of rust on the large climbing structure on the outdoor play area.
Remove the exposed areas of rust on the large climbing structure on 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 11/12/2025 - Medium-Low risk8/5/2025
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 9/3/2025 - Medium-High risk5/19/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.2(b) — Ensure the center's fire protective systems are operative at all times.
Ensure the center's fire protective systems are operative at all times. Regulation: An applicant seeking a license or a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval to operate a center shall comply with all applicable provisions of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:70 and hereinafter referred to as the NJUFC. The center shall obtain the building's fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, reflecting the center's compliance with all applicable provisions of the NJUFC. The center shall maintain on file the building's fire safety inspection certificate.
Corrected 6/24/2025 - Medium risk5/19/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(g)(3) — Provide at least five different activity areas with at least five different types of supplies and equipment available and accessible.
Provide at least five different activity areas with at least five different types of supplies and equipment available and accessible. 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 7/29/2025 - High risk5/19/2025
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 7/29/2025 - High risk5/19/2025
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 8/5/2025 - Medium-High risk5/19/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) — Ensure that playground surfacing meets required depth in fall zones.
Ensure that playground surfacing meets required depth in fall zones. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall comply with the Playground Safety Subcode of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23-11.
Corrected 6/24/2025 - High risk5/19/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(ii) — Comply with the requirements of the manual if the center's water testing results reveal elevated levels of lead or copper.
Comply with the requirements of the manual if the center's water testing results reveal elevated levels of lead or copper. Regulation: If the results reveal elevated levels of lead or copper as defined by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, which pose risk of harm to children, the center shall: immediately discontinue use of all drinking water sources in the building; provide bottled water for drinking; provide bottled water for food preparation with approval from the local health official; and notify parents of the children in attendance at the center.
Corrected 7/16/2025 - High risk5/19/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)(2) — Complete and maintain daily time sheets with arrival and departure times for staff.
Complete and maintain daily time sheets with arrival and departure times for staff. Regulation: The director shall have the authority and responsibility for the implementation of policies and procedures for the day-to-day operation of the center, including maintenance of staff attendance records indicating daily hours worked and maintenance of children's daily attendance records, including the daily time of arrival and departure.
Corrected 6/24/2025
2024
- High risk12/12/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(g)(1) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, and that documentation is maintained on file at the center and includes the name of the person or organization that provided the training
Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, and that documentation is maintained on file at the center and includes the name of the person or organization that provided the training. Provide documentation of supervision and tracking training. Regulation: The center shall maintain on file documentation of the date, time, topic, presenter, and attendance for all staff development and orientation completed by center staff members. For staff development provided by the center, the center shall maintain on file documentation or a copy of all staff development materials used.
Corrected 2/5/2025 - Medium-High risk12/12/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Repair and/or paint the chipped yellow paint on blackboard border in yellow room. Touch up white chipped paint on shelves and cabinets throughout the center. Clean and maintain or paint white shelving throughout the center.
Repair and/or paint the chipped yellow paint on blackboard border in yellow room. Touch up white chipped paint on shelves and cabinets throughout the center. Clean and maintain or paint white shelving throughout the center. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of: excessive peeling or chipped paint; or heavily soiled conditions.
Corrected 2/5/2025 - High risk12/12/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Provide medication for 2 children as required on special care plan. Provide special care plan for 1 child.
Provide medication for 2 children as required on special care plan. Provide special care plan for 1 child. 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: 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 2/5/2025 - Medium-High risk12/12/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(2) — Repair stained ceiling tile in the yellow room.
Repair stained ceiling tile in the yellow room. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair.
Corrected 2/5/2025 - Medium-High risk12/12/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.3(a)(12)(ii) — Ensure that each child's sippy cup is labeled with the child's name.
Ensure that each child's sippy cup is labeled with the child's name. Regulation: All centers shall comply with the following requirements, the center shall ensure that these safety and sanitation practices are followed: sippy cups shall be labeled with the child’s name.
Corrected 2/5/2025
Showing the 25 most recent of 40 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
$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: MARLBORO, Monmouth County
- Capacity: 39
- 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.
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