Little Friends of Chatham
CHATHAM, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address322 Main Street, Chatham, NJ, 07928
CountyMorris
Phone973-701-0202
Operating details
Capacity86
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 2/6/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High9
- Medium-High10
- Medium3
- Medium-Low3
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
322 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 health or sanitation findings on its state record - ask about their current cleaning, diapering, and handwashing procedures
- 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
Violation summary
Last 2 years · Last inspection: 2/6/2026
- High9
- Medium-High10
- Medium3
- Medium-Low3
- Low0
2026
- Medium-High risk2/6/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(i) — Operate within each room's capacity. 1.) There were 10 children in Room 5 during naptime when only 5 children are permitted at any given time. 2.) There were 12 children in Room 3 during naptime when only 7 children are per
Operate within each room's capacity. 1.) There were 10 children in Room 5 during naptime when only 5 children are permitted at any given time. 2.) There were 12 children in Room 3 during naptime when only 7 children are permitted at any given time. 3/2/2026: Operate within each room's capacity. 1.) There were 9 children in Room 5 during naptime when only 5 children are permitted at any given time. 2.) There were 18 children in Room 3 during naptime when only 7 children are permitted at any given time. 3/19/2026: Operate within each room's capacity. 1.) There were 7 children in Room 5 during naptime when only 5 children are permitted at any given time. 2.) There were 16 children in Room 3 during naptime when only 7 children are permitted at any given time. Regulation: At no time shall a center: i. Allow more children in attendance than the licensed capacity as specified on the license or the Certificate of Life/Safety Approval; ii. Allow more children in attendance than the licensed room capacity;
Corrected 4/13/2026 - High risk1/6/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(a) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal.
Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff for the center's license renewal. Regulation: As a condition of securing a new or renewal license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall provide for himself or herself, and shall obtain from all staff members who are or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis, written consent for the Department to conduct a Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) background check to determine whether an incident of child abuse or neglect has been substantiated against any such person. If a staff member refused to consent to a CARI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediately terminate the staff member's employment at the center.
Corrected 5/18/2026 - High risk1/6/2026
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 4/13/2026
2025
- 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 2/6/2026 - Medium-High risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.9(a)(1) — Maintain an illness log on file at the center that includes: the child's name; symptoms of illness; actions taken by the center; and dates of exclusion and return.
Maintain an illness log on file at the center that includes: the child's name; symptoms of illness; actions taken by the center; and dates of exclusion and return. Regulation: The center shall maintain on file a log of the initial illnesses, symptoms of illness, or diseases that are exhibited by each child while in the center’s care, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1(c) and (d). This illness log shall include: the child's name; the date and time the illness, symptoms of illness or diseases were observed at the center; a description of the symptoms of illness manifested by the child; the action taken by the center to assist: the child who is demonstrating symptoms of illness; and the director in determining if exclusion of the child from the center is necessary; any significant change in the child's symptoms of illness; the date, if applicable, that: the child was removed from the center; the child returned to the center with a note from a health care provider attesting to the child's admissibility to the center and recovery from a reportable disease, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:57; the child returned to the center with a parent’s note attesting that six days have elapsed since the onset of chicken pox, or that all chicken pox sores have dried and crusted; or the child returned to the center symptom-free.
Corrected 2/6/2026 - High risk12/9/2025
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 4/13/2026 - Medium-High risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(a)(1) — Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL.
Complete and maintain on file, a current Children's Records Checklist designated by OOL. Regulation: The center shall complete and maintain on file for each enrolled child a Children’s Records Checklist, signed by the director, sponsor, or sponsor representative and designated by the Office of Licensing, indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the child's name, address, birth date, and date of enrollment; the name(s), home and work address(es), home and work telephone number(s) and signature(s) of the parent(s); the name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of any person(s) authorized by the parent(s) to visit the child at the center and/or take the child from the center, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.5(a)1; and the name, address, and telephone number of the child's health care provider; signed authorization from the parent(s) for emergency medical treatment; the parent’s signature attesting to the receipt of the Information to Parents document, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b); the parent’s signature attesting to the receipt of the Information to Parents document, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-3.6(b).; health information for each child, as follows: for early childhood programs, a record of the child’s health examination and immunizations, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a); and for school-age child care programs, a record of the parent’s statement concerning the child’s health, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(b).
Corrected 3/2/2026 - 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-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 risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(f)(2) — Remove the rust and repaint the children's bathroom stall dividers.
Remove the rust and repaint the children's bathroom stall dividers. Regulation: Toilet facility requirements are as follows: mirrors, dispensers, and other equipment shall be fastened securely.
Corrected 2/6/2026 - Medium risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(f)(2) — Sand and repaint the damaged areas of the wall in the children's bathroom.
Sand and repaint the damaged areas of the wall in the children's bathroom. Regulation: Toilet facility requirements are as follows: mirrors, dispensers, and other equipment shall be fastened securely.
Corrected 2/6/2026 - Medium risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Provide paint to exposed areas of wall throughout the center.
Provide paint to exposed areas of wall throughout the center. 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 2/6/2026 - Medium-High risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(10) — Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. Make cleaning products inaccessible to the children in Room 4.
Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. Make cleaning products inaccessible to the children in Room 4. 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 1/6/2026 - Medium-High risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair. Repair the water-damaged portion of the ceiling in Room 7.
Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair. Repair the water-damaged portion of the ceiling in Room 7. 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 2/6/2026 - Medium-High risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair. Replace the missing ceiling tile in the Infant B Room.
Ensure all surfaces are clean and in good repair. Replace the missing ceiling tile in the Infant B 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 2/6/2026 - Medium-Low risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(c)(1) — Provide documentation that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.
Provide documentation that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: or all centers, the head teacher or consulting head teacher shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the seven options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(c) for education and experience.
Corrected 3/2/2026 - 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 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 3/2/2026 - High risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(i) — Ensure surfaces are washed and disinfected after each use throughout the center by implementing the 2-Step Cleaning Method.
Ensure surfaces are washed and disinfected after each use throughout the center by implementing the 2-Step Cleaning Method. Regulation: The following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use: (1) Washcloths made of fabric, when used for cleaning children; (2) Thermometers; (3) Items used by a child who becomes ill while at the center; and (4) Sleeping mats that are not stored separately.
Corrected 2/6/2026 - Medium-High risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(i) — Develop and follow a feeding plan for each child under 18 months of age and ensure that each child under 12 months of age has a written feeding plan maintained on file.
Develop and follow a feeding plan for each child under 18 months of age and ensure that each child under 12 months of age has a written feeding plan maintained on file. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: the center shall develop mutually with each child's parent(s) and follow a feeding plan regarding the feeding schedule, specific formula, breastfeeding arrangements and accommodations, and/or expressed breast milk, nutritional needs, and introduction of new food for each child. For children less than 12 months of age, the feeding plan shall be: documented in writing; maintained on file.
Corrected 1/6/2026 - Medium-High risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a) — Obtain and maintain on file at the center the Universal Health Records, along with Immunization Records, if applicable, for all children enrolled at the center. Ensure that these records are updated annually.
Obtain and maintain on file at the center the Universal Health Records, along with Immunization Records, if applicable, for all children enrolled at the center. Ensure that these records are updated annually. Regulation: (a) For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: 1. Each child not enrolled in a public or private school shall have had a health examination performed by a health care provider within: i. Six months prior to admission, for children who are 2½ years of age or younger; or ii. One year prior to admission, for children above 2½ years of age. 2. For each child not enrolled in a public or private school, upon admission, the center shall maintain on file at the center a Universal Child Health Record (Department of Health Form CH-14) or its equivalent, updated annually, along with an immunization record , and a special care plan, if applicable. A 30-day grace period is permitted in N.J.A.C. 8:57- 4.5(e): i. For children coming from other states or countries in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.6 and 4.7; and ii. For children who are in foster care or experiencing homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11434a(2). 3. For children enrolled in a public or private school, the center shall obtain a written statement from each child's parent indicating: I. That the child is in good health and can participate in the normal activities of the program; and ii. Any conditions or specific needs that may require special accommodations. 4. If immunizations are contraindicated for medical reasons, the center may choose to admit the child, provided that the parent submits to the center a written statement from a health care provider attesting to the following: i. The reason the immunization is medically contraindicated; and ii. The specific time period that the immunization is medically contraindicated. 5. A child shall be exempted from a physical examination, immunization, or medical treatment if the parent objects thereto in a written st
Corrected 3/2/2026 - High risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(d) — Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually.
Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually. Regulation: The director, head teacher(s), group teacher(s), and program supervisor(s) shall each complete 20 hours of staff development each year. Recommended topics of training for these staff include educational and physical activity; special needs programming and program development; social-emotional and behavioral development for young children; legal issues, including ADA guidelines and leadership and advocacy.
Corrected 3/2/2026 - Medium-Low risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(c) — Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually.
Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually. Regulation: The center shall ensure that all staff members who work at the center complete 12 hours of continuing staff development each year. 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 3/2/2026 - High risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually.
Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually. 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 3/2/2026 - High risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(c) — Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times, specifically, in Rooms 1, 3, and 5.
Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times, specifically, in Rooms 1, 3, and 5. Regulation: (c) The following staff/child ratios shall apply, except as specified in (d) through (f) below: Under 18 months 1:4 18 months up to 2 ½ years 1:6 2 ½ years up to 4 years 1:10 4 years 1:12 5 years and older 1:15 (d) The following staff/child ratios shall apply during rest or sleep, when the criteria listed in (d) 1, 2, and 3 below are met: Under 18 months 18 months to under 2 ½ years 2 ½ years and above 1:10 1:12 1:20 2. A sufficient number of staff members shall be in the facility and readily accessible to ensure compliance with the awake staff/child ratios specified in (c) above.
Corrected 1/6/2026 - High risk12/9/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a) — Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times, specifically, in Room 5. There were 6 children, ages 18 months-2.5 years, alone and unsupervised in the classroom.
Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times, specifically, in Room 5. There were 6 children, ages 18 months-2.5 years, alone and unsupervised in the classroom. Regulation: The children shall be supervised directly by a staff member at all times, including during outdoor activities, rest and sleep, and walking through hallways. Toileting procedures shall be supervised by a staff member as appropriate for the ages and developmental needs of the children. 1. At least one staff member shall be physically present in the room or area in which children are napping and shall be able to summon other staff members without leaving the room or area. 3. Naptime preparations shall have been completed and all children 18 months or above are resting or sleeping, while all children under 18 months of age are sleeping.
Corrected 1/6/2026
Showing the 25 most recent of 121 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
$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: CHATHAM, Morris County
- Capacity: 86
- Type: Licensed Child Care Center
What parents actually pay
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