HeadStart Community Program of Morris County, Inc.
DOVER, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address18 Thompson Ave, Dover, NJ, 07801
CityDOVER, NJ 07801
CountyMorris
Phone973-989-1430
Websitehttps://www.headstartmc.org
Operating details
Capacity192
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 1/20/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High6
- Medium-High12
- Medium5
- Medium-Low2
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
18 Thompson Ave, Dover, NJ, 07801, DOVER, NJ 07801
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: 1/20/2026
- High3
- Medium-High4
- Medium1
- Medium-Low1
- Low0
2026
- Medium risk1/20/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(a)(2) — Ensure that blankets do not cover children's faces in rooms 2 & 3. Staff took immediate action and removed the blankets from the children's faces.
Ensure that blankets do not cover children's faces in rooms 2 & 3. Staff took immediate action and removed the blankets from the children's faces. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the center shall ensure that blankets or pillows do not cover the child's face.
Corrected 1/20/2026
2025
- Medium-High risk12/18/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Repair the stained ceiling and wall in the bathroom in room 8.
Repair the stained ceiling and wall in the bathroom in room 8. 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 1/20/2026 - Medium-High risk12/18/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Secure the vent to the ceiling tile in bathroom in room 8.
Secure the vent to the ceiling tile in bathroom in room 8. 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 1/20/2026 - Medium-High risk12/18/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Clean the bathroom vents in rooms 1,13, and 14.
Clean the bathroom vents in rooms 1,13, and 14. 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 1/20/2026 - Medium-High risk12/18/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(5) — Clean the classroom garbage cans throughout the center.
Clean the classroom garbage cans throughout the center. Regulation: garbage receptacles shall be: made of durable, leak-proof and nonabsorbent materials; covered in a secure manner; emptied to the outdoor garbage receptacle when filled; maintained in a sanitary manner.
Corrected 1/20/2026 - High risk12/18/2025
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.
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. 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 3/10/2026 - High risk12/17/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for renewal.
Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for renewal. 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 - High risk12/17/2025
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. 3 children are missing their 2nd epi-pen prescribed by their physician. 2 children are missing their special care plan from their health care provider. 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 3/10/2026 - Medium-Low risk12/17/2025
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 3/10/2026
Showing the 25 most recent of 58 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: DOVER, Morris County
- Capacity: 192
- 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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