First Friends, Inc.
MATAWAN, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address269 Highway #34, Matawan, NJ, 07747
CountyMonmouth
Phone732-583-0003
Websitehttps://www.aradaycare.org/
Operating details
Capacity210
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 1/22/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High7
- Medium-High11
- Medium6
- Medium-Low1
- 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:
269 Highway #34, 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: 1/22/2026
- High7
- Medium-High11
- Medium6
- Medium-Low1
- Low0
2026
- High risk1/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6(a) — Based on information, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline. A named staff had physical contact with a named child's neck.
Based on information, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline. A named staff had physical contact with a named child's neck. Regulation: (a) The methods of guidance and discipline used shall: 1. Be positive; 2. Be consistent with the age and developmental needs of the children; and 3. Lead to the child's ability to develop and maintain self-control. (b) Staff members shall not discipline children for failing to eat or sleep or for soiling themselves. (c) Staff shall not withhold active play time as a means of discipline unless the child's actions or behavior present a danger to themselves or others. (d) Children may be removed from a group activity to another area, provided that the child so removed is either under the supervision of another staff member or continuously visible to a staff member.
Corrected 1/22/2026 - High risk1/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Based on information, retrain all staff on the center's discipline policy.
Based on information, retrain all staff on the center's discipline policy. 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 5/18/2026 - High risk1/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for all staff. One CHRI clearance is needed. 5-18-2026: Staff member is no longer working at the center. Violation is no longer applicable.
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for all staff. One CHRI clearance is needed. 5-18-2026: Staff member is no longer working at the center. Violation is no longer applicable. 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 5/18/2026 - Medium-High risk1/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Replace water stained ceiling tiles in room 7, the hallway between room 7 and 8, in room 2, and the bathroom located in room 2.
Replace water stained ceiling tiles in room 7, the hallway between room 7 and 8, in room 2, and the bathroom located in room 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 3/4/2026 - Medium risk1/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(i) — Cease the use of pacifier straps or other types of attachment devices in room 4. At the time of inspection, a child was observed using a pacifier with an attachment device. Staff removed the attachment device when asked to.
Cease the use of pacifier straps or other types of attachment devices in room 4. At the time of inspection, a child was observed using a pacifier with an attachment device. Staff removed the attachment device when asked to. Regulation: Children shall not use pacifiers with straps or other types of attachment devices.
Corrected 1/22/2026 - Medium-High risk1/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3) — Repair/replace diaper pads in disrepair in room 3.
Repair/replace diaper pads in disrepair in room 3. Regulation: the diapering surface shall be flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent, and in good repair.
Corrected 4/14/2026 - Medium risk1/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.2(a)(1) — Ensure that the blue couch in disrepair in room 5 is removed or replaced.
Ensure that the blue couch in disrepair in room 5 is removed or replaced. 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 5/18/2026 - Medium-High risk1/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(n)(1) — Ensure fire drills are conducted at least once per month and that one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time.
Ensure fire drills are conducted at least once per month and that one fire drill per year 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. The center shall ensure that all children present are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill.
Corrected 3/4/2026
2025
- High risk11/25/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6(a) — Based on complaint: Ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline. A staff member scratched the neck of a child while playing rough.
Based on complaint: Ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline. A staff member scratched the neck of a child while playing rough. Regulation: (a) The methods of guidance and discipline used shall: 1. Be positive; 2. Be consistent with the age and developmental needs of the children; and 3. Lead to the child's ability to develop and maintain self-control. (b) Staff members shall not discipline children for failing to eat or sleep or for soiling themselves. (c) Staff shall not withhold active play time as a means of discipline unless the child's actions or behavior present a danger to themselves or others. (d) Children may be removed from a group activity to another area, provided that the child so removed is either under the supervision of another staff member or continuously visible to a staff member.
Corrected 11/25/2025 - High risk8/4/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(a) — 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: (a) The center shall take immediate necessary action to protect the child from further harm and shall immediately notify the child's parent(s) when one of the following occurs while the child is in the center’s care: 1. A child is bitten and the skin is broken; 2. A child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head; 3. A child falls from a height greater than the height of the child; or 4. An injury requiring professional medical care occurs.
Corrected 9/17/2025 - Medium-High risk8/4/2025
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 9/17/2025 - Medium-High risk8/4/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l)(4) — Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually.
Conduct and document at least two lockdown drills annually. Regulation: Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall conduct two lockdown drills per year and maintain on file a record of each lockdown drill. The center shall ensure that lockdown drills are conducted during each session provided at the center.
Corrected 10/21/2025 - Medium risk8/4/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(19) — Test for the presence of radon gas as required.
Test for the presence of radon gas as required. 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 9/17/2025 - Medium risk8/4/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Repair and/or paint surfaces in rooms 5, the hallway, 7 & 10.
Repair and/or paint surfaces in rooms 5, the hallway, 7 & 10. Regulation: Walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of: i. Excessive peeling or chipped paint; or ii. Heavily soiled conditions.
Corrected 11/25/2025 - Medium-High risk8/4/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(10) — Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children.
Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. 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 8/4/2025 - Medium-High risk8/4/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including lifting and soiled grout around sinks in children's bathroom between classrooms.
Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair including lifting and soiled grout around sinks in children's bathroom between classrooms. 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 11/25/2025 - Medium-High risk8/4/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean including rocking chair cushion in bathroom.
Ensure all surfaces are clean including rocking chair cushion in 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 9/17/2025 - Medium-High risk8/4/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all walls are kept in good repair including wall in front of office, & corners of walls in the hallway.
Ensure all walls are kept in good repair including wall in front of office, & corners of walls in the hallway. 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 11/25/2025 - High risk8/4/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for one staff member.
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for one 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 9/17/2025 - Medium-High risk8/4/2025
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: center shall ensure that these safety and sanitation practices are followed: sippy cups shall be labeled with the child’s name.
Corrected 9/17/2025 - High risk8/4/2025
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 10/21/2025
2024
- Medium-High risk11/13/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Repair and/or paint the areas with chipped paint in rooms 3 - blue paint at baseboard, 8 - blue and orange near cots and under window, 4 - near baseboard.
Repair and/or paint the areas with chipped paint in rooms 3 - blue paint at baseboard, 8 - blue and orange near cots and under window, 4 - near baseboard. 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 2/10/2025 - Medium-Low risk11/13/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(b) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training which may be included for six of the required annual training hours.
Ensure that all staff complete orientation training which may be included for six of the required annual training hours. Regulation: Orientation training as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) may be included for six of the required hours of staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(c) and (d).
Corrected 12/18/2024 - Medium risk11/13/2024
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 12/18/2024 - Medium risk11/13/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) — Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date.
Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, 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 12/18/2024
Showing the 25 most recent of 133 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
$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, Monmouth County
- Capacity: 210
- 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
More daycares in MATAWAN, NJ
- Lloyd Road Y-Kids · 4.3★ · no violations on record
- Old Bridge Before & After School Program-Cheesequake School · 4.3★ · no violations on record
- Ravine Drive Y-Kids · 4.3★ · no violations on record
- YMCA Children's Learning Center · 4.3★ · no violations on record
- Presbyterian Nursery School · 2.3★
- The Goddard School · 2.1★
- Shreeji Day Care Corp dba The Learning Experience · 1.0★
- Matawan Kids Academy LLC DBA Lightbridge Academy-Matawan · 1.0★