First Steps Early Learning Center
MIDDLETOWN, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address1672 Highway 35, Middletown, NJ, 07748
CountyMonmouth
Phone732-706-1567
Operating details
Capacity46
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 5/14/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High12
- Medium-High7
- Medium2
- Medium-Low4
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
1672 Highway 35, Middletown, NJ, 07748, MIDDLETOWN, NJ 07748
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: 5/14/2026
- High12
- Medium-High7
- Medium2
- Medium-Low4
- Low0
2026
- Medium-High risk5/14/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) — Replenish resilient surfacing as required in all play equipment use zones in accordance with ASTM F1292.
Replenish resilient surfacing as required in all play equipment use zones in accordance with ASTM F1292. 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.
Not corrected - Medium-High risk5/14/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(6) — Secure all fencing around the outdoor play area.
Secure all fencing around 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.
Not corrected - Medium risk5/14/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(i) — Cease the use of pacifier straps in the infant room. Staff removed strap once discussed.
Cease the use of pacifier straps in the infant room. Staff removed strap once discussed. Regulation: Children shall not use pacifiers with straps or other types of attachment devices.
Not corrected - High risk5/14/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(i) — Ensure that bibs are removed from infants sleeping in cribs in the infant room. Staff removed bib once discussed.
Ensure that bibs are removed from infants sleeping in cribs in the infant room. Staff removed bib once discussed. Regulation: Children shall not use pacifiers with straps or other types of attachment devices.
Not corrected - Medium-High risk2/17/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(n)(1) — Ensure fire drills are conducted at the center at least once per month, one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time, and all children are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill. Maintain
Ensure fire drills are conducted at the center at least once per month, one fire drill per year is conducted during nap time, and all children are evacuated from the building within three minutes during each fire drill. Maintain on file record of the drills. 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 3/23/2026 - High risk2/17/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Ensure that Benadryl is not expired and that it is accompanied by a completed special care plan that is signed/stamped by the child's physician for one child in room 3.
Ensure that Benadryl is not expired and that it is accompanied by a completed special care plan that is signed/stamped by the child's physician for one child in room 3. 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 3/23/2026 - Medium-High risk2/17/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure that ceiling vents are clean and free of dust in the infant room.
Ensure that ceiling vents are clean and free of dust in the infant room. 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 3/23/2026 - Medium-High risk2/17/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure that the television in room 3 is secured or removed from on top of the cubbies.
Ensure that the television in room 3 is secured or removed from on top of the cubbies. 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 3/23/2026 - Medium-High risk2/17/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure that the water stained ceiling tiles are replaced near the rear exit door in the hallway and in room 2.
Ensure that the water stained ceiling tiles are replaced near the rear exit door in the hallway and 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 3/23/2026 - High risk2/17/2026
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 3/23/2026 - High risk2/17/2026
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 3/23/2026 - Medium-Low risk2/17/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.
Complete 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 3/23/2026 - Medium-High risk2/17/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(4) — Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water in between each diaper change in room 2 even when wearing gloves.
Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water in between each diaper change in room 2 even when wearing gloves. 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 3/23/2026 - High risk2/17/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1) — Ensure that children and staff wash their hands in a sink that is not used for food preparation. At the time of inspection, children's dishes and bibs were observed to be in the handwashing sink in the infant room.
Ensure that children and staff wash their hands in a sink that is not used for food preparation. At the time of inspection, children's dishes and bibs were observed to be in the handwashing sink in the infant room. 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 3/23/2026 - High risk2/17/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Ensure epi pens are not expired for one child in room 4.
Ensure epi pens are not expired for one child in room 4. 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 5/14/2026 - Medium-Low risk2/17/2026
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 3/23/2026 - High risk2/17/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(f) — Ensure that each child's crib is labeled with the child's name in the infant room.
Ensure that each child's crib is labeled with the child's name in the infant room. Regulation: When cribs, playpens, cots, mats or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment are stored with sheets, blankets, or other coverings as single units, at least one item of each unit shall be labeled with child-identifying information. (g) When sheets, blankets and other coverings are not stored with sleeping equipment, each of these items shall be: 1. Labeled for each child; and 2. Stored separately for each child.
Corrected 3/23/2026 - High risk2/17/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually and maintain on file record of the trainings.
Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually and maintain on file record of the trainings. 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 3/23/2026 - Medium-Low risk2/17/2026
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 5/14/2026 - High risk2/17/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for all regularly scheduled staff. Three CHRI clearances are needed.
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for all regularly scheduled staff. Three CHRI clearances are needed. 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 3/23/2026
2025
- High risk7/16/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for two staff.
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for two 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 10/6/2025 - Medium risk7/16/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(q)(1) — Make unapproved space inaccessible to children. Cease the use of unapproved playground space.
Make unapproved space inaccessible to children. Cease the use of unapproved playground space. Regulation: Space and room requirements are as follows: all space and rooms within the center to be used by children shall be inspected and approved by the Office of Licensing prior to their use. In making its determination, the Office of Licensing shall consider whether the space is too far removed, remote, or isolated from other areas of the center to be used by children. Rooms or areas of the center that are not Office of Licensing-approved for use by children shall be made inaccessible to children.
Corrected 8/26/2025 - High risk7/16/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(k)(5) — Cease the use of wading pools.
Cease the use of wading pools. Regulation: Swimming pool requirements are as follows: wading pools that are 24 inches or less, are filled as needed, are portable, and do not have a filtration system are prohibited.
Corrected 8/26/2025 - High risk6/2/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Ensure Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan that includes procedures for contacting parents and emergency medical services, and both epi-pens are
Ensure Epi-pens are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription, accompanied by a special care plan that includes procedures for contacting parents and emergency medical services, and both epi-pens are present when two are required. 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 7/16/2025 - Medium-Low risk6/2/2025
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 8/26/2025
Showing the 25 most recent of 106 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
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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
$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: MIDDLETOWN, Monmouth County
- Capacity: 46
- Type: Licensed Child Care Center
What parents actually pay
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Parent Reviews
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