The Montessori Children's Academy - (Chatham)
CHATHAM, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address286 Main Street, Chatham, NJ, 07928
CountyMorris
Phone973-665-0071
Operating details
Capacity149
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 12/9/2025 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High11
- Medium-High7
- Medium2
- Medium-Low5
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
286 Main Street, Chatham, NJ, 07928, CHATHAM, NJ 07928
Questions to ask on a tour
Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.
- This facility has safety-related findings on its state record - ask how the cited hazards were corrected and when emergency drills were last run
- 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
Violation summary
Last 2 years · Last inspection: 12/9/2025
- High2
- Medium-High4
- Medium1
- Medium-Low2
- Low0
2025
- Medium-High risk12/9/2025
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 1/15/2026 - Medium-High risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.2(b) — Ensure that all illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting are operable at all times throughout the center. Repair or replace the inoperable emergency light in Room 101/102.
Ensure that all illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting are operable at all times throughout the center. Repair or replace the inoperable emergency light in Room 101/102. 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 3/19/2026 - High risk12/9/2025
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 establishes a staff substitute system.
Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility, and job descriptions. Ensure that the center establishes a staff substitute system. 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 3/20/2026 - High risk12/9/2025
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 3/19/2026 - Medium risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(d)(2) — Provide and maintain suitable protective devices for radiators, steam and hot water pipes. Repair or replace the broken radiator cover in the Gym.
Provide and maintain suitable protective devices for radiators, steam and hot water pipes. Repair or replace the broken radiator cover in the Gym. Regulation: steam and hot water pipes and radiators shall be protected by screens, guards, insulation, or any other suitable, non-combustible protective device.
Corrected 1/15/2026 - Medium-High risk12/9/2025
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 3/19/2026 - Medium-High risk12/9/2025
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 3/19/2026 - Medium-Low risk12/9/2025
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 3/20/2026 - Medium-Low risk12/9/2025
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 3/19/2026
Showing the 25 most recent of 44 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: CHATHAM, Morris County
- Capacity: 149
- 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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