Smart Start Academy-CKJ Group, LLC
HOBOKEN, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address552 9th Street, Hoboken, NJ, 07030
CountyHudson
Phone201-424-5729
Operating details
Capacity73
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 6/16/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High8
- Medium-High10
- Medium2
- Medium-Low5
- 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:
552 9th Street, Hoboken, NJ, 07030, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030
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: 6/16/2026
- High6
- Medium-High9
- Medium2
- Medium-Low4
- Low0
2026
- High risk6/16/2026
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 6/16/2026 - Medium-Low risk6/16/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(c)(3) — Provide documentation that the group teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.
Provide documentation that the group teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the group teacher shall meet the requirements for experience and education
Corrected 6/18/2026 - Medium-Low risk6/16/2026
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 6/16/2026 - Medium-Low risk6/16/2026
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 6/16/2026
2025
- Medium-High risk12/5/2025
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. 12.5.2025-There was no documentation of the November fire drill logged. 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 1/9/2026 - Medium-High risk12/5/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.2(a)(1) — Ensure that the center has an adequate supply of materials to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program and ensure all materials used by the children are age-appropriate, non-toxic, and safe for use by childr
Ensure that the center has an adequate supply of materials to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program and ensure all materials used by the children are age-appropriate, non-toxic, and safe for use by children. Remove or replace center materials with missing parts in Room 3. 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 1/9/2026 - Medium risk12/5/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) — Ensure tables are washed and disinfected before each meal in Room 3.
Ensure tables are washed and disinfected before each meal in Room 3. Regulation: Tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal.
Corrected 1/9/2026 - Medium-High risk12/5/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3) — Replace the torn diaper changing pad in Room 1.
Replace the torn diaper changing pad in Room 1. Regulation: the diapering surface shall be flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent, and in good repair.
Corrected 1/9/2026 - Medium-High risk12/5/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iv) — Ensure mouthed toys are washed and sanitized before being given to another child in Room 3.
Ensure mouthed toys are washed and sanitized before being given to another child in Room 3. 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 1/9/2026 - High risk9/22/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a)(1) — Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. In Room 4, staff reported 8 children present, whereas, there were 6 children present at the time of inspection
Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. In Room 4, staff reported 8 children present, whereas, there were 6 children present at the time of inspection. Regulation: The center shall develop and implement an Office of Licensing-approved method to keep track of the location and ensure the safety of all children at all times when under the center’s supervision, including the transfer of supervision from and to parents during arrival and departure and the utilization of off-site locations, including playgrounds and field trips.
Corrected 10/9/2025 - High risk8/27/2025
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 was physically aggressive in her interactions with a named child.
Based on information, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline. A named staff was physically aggressive in her interactions with a named child. 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 8/27/2025 - High risk8/27/2025
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 9/8/2025 - Medium-High risk7/28/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3) — Repair or replace the diaper changing pad in the hallway children's bathroom.
Repair or replace the diaper changing pad in the hallway children's bathroom. Regulation: the diapering surface shall be flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent, and in good repair.
Corrected 8/4/2025 - High risk7/28/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iii) — Ensure crib sheets are washed and disinfected weekly in Room 2.
Ensure crib sheets are washed and disinfected weekly in Room 2. Regulation: The following items shall be washed and disinfected at least weekly: (1) Cribs, cots, mats, playpens, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment; and (2) Sheets, blankets or other coverings.
Corrected 8/4/2025 - Medium-High risk7/28/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) — Ensure diapering pad in children's hallway bathroom is washed and disinfected after each use.
Ensure diapering pad in children's hallway bathroom is washed and disinfected after each use. 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 8/4/2025 - Medium-High risk7/28/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition in Room 2.
Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition in Room 2. 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 8/4/2025 - Medium-High risk7/28/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition in Room 1.
Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition in Room 1. 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 8/4/2025 - Medium risk7/28/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-133 — Remove excess storage from exit door in Room 3.
Remove excess storage from exit door in Room 3. Regulation: Remove excess storage and/or combustibles from the furnace room.
Corrected 7/28/2025 - Medium-Low risk7/28/2025
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 8/4/2025 - High risk7/28/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Ensure Benadryl is onsite for named child with allergy action plan.
Ensure Benadryl is onsite for named child with allergy action plan. 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 8/4/2025 - Medium-High risk7/28/2025
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 8/4/2025
Showing the 25 most recent of 49 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
$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: HOBOKEN, Hudson County
- Capacity: 73
- 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 HOBOKEN, NJ
- The Hoboken Children's Academy II, inc. · 4.5★
- Kaplan Cooperative Pre-School · 4.5★
- Kidz City · 4.5★
- Hoboken Montessori School · 4.4★
- Mile Square Early Learning Center · 4.4★
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County-Hoboken · 4.4★
- Bright Beginnings Early Learning Center · 4.3★ · no violations on record
- Hoboken Little School · 4.3★ · no violations on record