Tiniest Footprints Early Learning & Childcare Center
CLIFTON, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address649 Lexington Avenue, Clifton, NJ, 07011
CountyPassaic
Phone973-546-8000
Operating details
Capacity90
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 6/22/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High14
- Medium-High5
- Medium2
- Medium-Low4
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
649 Lexington Avenue, Clifton, NJ, 07011, CLIFTON, NJ 07011
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: 6/22/2026
- High14
- Medium-High5
- Medium2
- Medium-Low4
- Low0
2026
- High risk6/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that 1 named staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually.
Ensure that 1 named 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.
Not corrected - High risk6/22/2026
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.
Not corrected - High risk6/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) — Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable in room 5. On the day of the inspection the center took immediate action to remove the wooden writing board from the e
Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable in room 5. On the day of the inspection the center took immediate action to remove the wooden writing board from the egress area. Regulation: Supplemental evacuation requirements are as follows: cribs, beds, playpens, and cots used for rest or sleep shall be arranged so as to provide access to a three-foot-wide aisle that leads to an unobstructed exit.
Corrected 6/22/2026 - High risk6/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 4 named staff.
Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 4 named staff. 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.
Not corrected - High risk6/22/2026
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.
Not corrected - Medium-High risk6/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(5) — Ensure garbage receptacles are durable, leak-proof, non-absorbent, maintained in a sanitary manner, emptied when filled, and lined with a leak-proof lining and securely covered if used for diapers or food in room 2.
Ensure garbage receptacles are durable, leak-proof, non-absorbent, maintained in a sanitary manner, emptied when filled, and lined with a leak-proof lining and securely covered if used for diapers or food in room 2. 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.
Not corrected - Medium risk6/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(16) — Repair and/or paint surfaces including the walls throughout the center.
Repair and/or paint surfaces including the walls 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.
Not corrected - Medium-High risk6/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Replace the stain ceiling tiles
Replace the stain ceiling tiles 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.
Not corrected - Medium-High risk6/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Replace windows as necessary on the front of the building.
Replace windows as necessary on the front of the building. 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.
Not corrected - Medium-Low risk6/22/2026
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.
Not corrected - High risk6/22/2026
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.
Not corrected - High risk6/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(c) — Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times in room 2. On the day of the inspection there were 12 children 5 of them ages 2.5-3 years old and 7 of them age 4 years old with one staff present, an additional s
Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times in room 2. On the day of the inspection there were 12 children 5 of them ages 2.5-3 years old and 7 of them age 4 years old with one staff present, an additional staff was required to maintain ratio. 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.
Not corrected - High risk6/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(b) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 3 named staff.
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 3 named staff. Regulation: When the center applies for a new license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that each staff member at least 18 years of age who is or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis completes the CHRI fingerprinting process specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a). Within two weeks after a new staff member begins working at the center, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that the new staff member completes the CHRI fingerprinting process specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a). Until the center receives the results of the CHRI background check for a new staff member, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that the person is not alone to supervise a child or group of children.
Not corrected - Medium-High risk6/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(r) — Provide documentation, written letter, from the architect, ensuring that the building is structurally sound. Verbal confirmation was received.
Provide documentation, written letter, from the architect, ensuring that the building is structurally sound. Verbal confirmation was received. Regulation: The center shall take any steps required by the Office of Licensing to correct conditions in the building or center that may endanger the health, safety, and well-being of the children served.
Corrected 6/22/2026 - High risk6/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.6(a) — Ensure that parents are notified immediately when: a child is bitten and the skin is broken; a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head; a child falls from a height greater than the heigh
Ensure that parents are notified immediately when: a child is bitten and the skin is broken; a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head; a child falls from a height greater than the height of the child; or an injury requiring professional medical care occurs. Regulation: (a) The center shall take immediate necessary action to protect the child from further harm and shall immediately notify the child's parent(s) when one of the following occurs while the child is in the center’s care: 1. A child is bitten and the skin is broken; 2. A child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head; 3. A child falls from a height greater than the height of the child; or 4. An injury requiring professional medical care occurs.
Not corrected - High risk6/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.10(b) — Ensure management follows the reporting requirements regarding contacting the OOL as necessary as the center was damage when a car ran into the building overnight and the center failed to provide this information to the office of
Ensure management follows the reporting requirements regarding contacting the OOL as necessary as the center was damage when a car ran into the building overnight and the center failed to provide this information to the office of Licensing. Regulation: The director, sponsor, or sponsor representative shall report the following occurrences to the Office of Licensing by the next working day after the center learns of the occurrence and shall submit documentation to the Office of Licensing within one week of the occurrence of the incident: 1. The occurrence of an injury or illness while under the center’s supervision that results in a child visiting the emergency room; 2. The occurrence of an injury or illness while under the center’s supervision that results in a child’s admittance to the hospital; 3. The death of a child while under the center’s supervision; or 4. The occurrence of an injury or illness that results in a call to 911, on-site medical or transported emergency care, or urgent care.
Not corrected - High risk6/22/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l) — Ensure that the alternate indoor location operates during the same operating hours as the center.
Ensure that the alternate indoor location operates during the same operating hours as the center. 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 enrolled;
Not corrected
2025
- High risk4/2/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(a) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and 7 named regularly scheduled staff. 7/25/25:Pertains to 3 named staff. 10-29-25: There are 1 CARI's needed.
Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and 7 named regularly scheduled staff. 7/25/25:Pertains to 3 named staff. 10-29-25: There are 1 CARI's needed. 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 2/18/2026 - Medium-Low risk4/2/2025
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 7/25/2025 - High risk4/2/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually. 10-29-25: There are 4 orientation trainings needed.
Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually. 10-29-25: There are 4 orientation trainings needed. 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 10/29/2025 - High risk4/2/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and 4 named regularly scheduled staff. 7/25/25: Pertains to 3 named staff.
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and 4 named regularly scheduled staff. 7/25/25: Pertains to 3 named staff. Regulation: As a condition of securing a license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall ensure that a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) fingerprint background check is completed for himself or herself, and for all staff members at least 18 years of age who are or will be working at the center on a regularly- scheduled basis, to determine whether any such person has been convicted of a crime, as specified in P.L. 2000, c. 77 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-6.10 to 6.17). If a staff member refuses to consent to a CHRI background check, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall immediately terminate the staff member’s employment at the center.
Corrected 10/29/2025 - Medium-Low risk4/2/2025
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 10/31/2025 - Medium-Low risk4/2/2025
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 10/31/2025 - Medium-High risk4/2/2025
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 2/18/2026 - Medium risk4/2/2025
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(c)(1) — Ensure that the director is at the center at least 50% of the center's daily operating hours.
Ensure that the director is at the center at least 50% of the center's daily operating hours. Regulation: The director shall be scheduled to work at the center at least 50 percent of the center’s daily operating hours.
Corrected 10/31/2025
Showing the 25 most recent of 98 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: CLIFTON, Passaic County
- Capacity: 90
- Type: Licensed Child Care Center
What parents actually pay
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