Happy Days South Preschool
MANAHAWKIN, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address1445 Forecastle Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ, 08050
CountyOcean
Phone609-597-8222
Operating details
Capacity39
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 5/7/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High5
- Medium-High13
- Medium6
- Medium-Low1
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
1445 Forecastle Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ, 08050, MANAHAWKIN, NJ 08050
Questions to ask on a tour
Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.
- 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
- Ask about their security measures, visitor policy, and pickup procedures
Violation summary
Last 2 years · Last inspection: 5/7/2026
- High5
- Medium-High13
- Medium4
- Medium-Low1
- Low0
2026
- Medium-High risk5/7/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.2(b) — Ensure that the emergency lights in rooms 2 and the hallways are operable at all times.
Ensure that the emergency lights in rooms 2 and the hallways are operable 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 6/15/2026 - High risk5/7/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)(2) — Complete and maintain daily time sheets with arrival and departure times for children and staff.
Complete and maintain daily time sheets with arrival and departure times for children and 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 6/15/2026 - High risk5/7/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(i) — Complete and submit a DCF Drinking Water Testing Checklist and Statement of Assurance.
Complete and submit a DCF Drinking Water Testing Checklist and Statement of Assurance. 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 6/15/2026 - High risk5/7/2026
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 6/15/2026 - Medium-Low risk5/7/2026
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 6/15/2026 - Medium-High risk5/7/2026
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 6/15/2026 - Medium risk5/7/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.4(a)(4) — Ensure that hot tap water does not exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ensure that hot tap water does not exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, a supply of hot tap water not exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit and cold running water shall be provided.
Corrected 6/15/2026 - Medium-High risk5/7/2026
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 6/15/2026 - Medium-High risk5/7/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(6) — Provide and maintain the wooden fence in the outdoor play area and ensure it is free of chipping paint.
Provide and maintain the wooden fence in the outdoor play area and ensure it is free of chipping paint. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: centers that provide outdoor space shall maintain all fencing in proper condition.
Corrected 6/15/2026 - Medium risk5/7/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Repair and/or paint surfaces including the handrail leading to the second floor.
Repair and/or paint surfaces including the handrail leading to the second floor. 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 6/15/2026 - Medium risk5/7/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Repair and/or paint surfaces including the purple wall and white chair rail in room 1.
Repair and/or paint surfaces including the purple wall and white chair rail in room 1. 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 6/15/2026 - Medium risk5/7/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(13) — Ensure that all electrical cords are inaccessible to the children.
Ensure that all electrical cords are inaccessible to the children. Regulation: the center shall ensure that window blind cords and other cords and ropes that present risk of harm are inaccessible to children.
Corrected 6/15/2026 - Medium-High risk5/7/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure the area rug in room 1 is maintained in a sanitary condition.
Ensure the area rug in room 1 is maintained in a sanitary condition. 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 6/15/2026 - Medium-High risk5/7/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure the broken toilet paper holder in room 2 (bathroom) is removed.
Ensure the broken toilet paper holder in room 2 (bathroom) is removed. 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 6/15/2026 - Medium-High risk5/7/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure the loose knob on the cabinet in the bathroom in room 2 is secured.
Ensure the loose knob on the cabinet in the bathroom in room 2 is secured. 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 6/15/2026 - Medium-High risk5/7/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Remove cobwebs from the areas around the emergency lights throughout the center/
Remove cobwebs from the areas around the emergency lights throughout the center/ 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 6/15/2026 - Medium-High risk5/7/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Repair the hole in the wall in room 1 (bathroom).
Repair the hole in the wall in room 1 (bathroom). 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 6/15/2026 - High risk5/7/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-2.1(b) — Complete and submit a DCF Renewal Attestation for the center's license renewal.
Complete and submit a DCF Renewal Attestation for the center's license renewal. Regulation: A person applying for an initial license or renewal license to operate a center or relocation of a center shall submit a completed application to the Office of Licensing at least 45 days prior to the anticipated opening of the center or to the expiration of its existing regular license.
Corrected 6/15/2026 - Medium-High risk5/7/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.3(a) — Ensure health records are maintained on file and updated annually, as required.
Ensure health records are maintained on file and updated annually, as required. 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 statement submitted to the center, signed by the parent, explaining how the examination, immunization, or medical treatment conflic
Corrected 6/15/2026 - Medium-High risk5/7/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Maintain the mechanical ventilation, in the bathroom in room 2, in a clean and operating condition.
Maintain the mechanical ventilation, in the bathroom in room 2, in a clean and operating condition. 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 6/15/2026
2025
- Medium-High risk10/27/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Replace stained ceiling tiles in Room 1.
Replace stained ceiling tiles in Room 1. 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 12/1/2025 - High risk10/27/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l) — Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes all required components.
Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes all required components. Regulation: (l) Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: 1. The center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating: i. The location of the first aid kit and any additional first aid supplies; ii. The name, address and telephone number of the physician retained by the center or of the health facility to be used in emergencies; iii. An alternate indoor location that operates during the same operating hours as the center. The center shall: (1) Select an alternate indoor location within safe walking distance; or (2) Develop a written procedure for obtaining emergency transportation to the alternate location; iv. The hospital or clinic to which injured or ill children will be taken; v. The telephone numbers for obtaining police, fire, ambulance and poison control services, including the National Poison Emergency Hotline at (800) 222-1222; vi. The location of written authorization from parent(s) for emergency medical care for each child; vii. A diagram showing how the center is to be evacuated in case of emergency from each classroom and the outdoor play area; viii. The location of fire alarms and fire extinguishers; and ix. Procedures for ensuring children’s safety and communicating with parents in the event of evacuation, lockdown, natural or civil disaster, and other emergencies. The procedures shall indicate: (1) The plan for informing parents of their children’s whereabouts; and (2) The local law enforcement agency or emergency management office that has been notified of the center’s identifying information, as specified in (l)3 below. 2. The emergency procedures shall be readily accessible in a designated location within the center. 3. The center shall ensure that the appropriate local law enforcement agency or emergency management office is notified of: i. The center’s name and location; ii. The number, ages, and special needs of children e
Corrected 12/1/2025 - Medium-High risk10/27/2025
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.
Corrected 12/1/2025
Showing the 25 most recent of 57 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
$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: MANAHAWKIN, Ocean County
- Capacity: 39
- Type: Licensed Child Care Center
What parents actually pay
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Parent Reviews
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