Stepping Stones Child Development Centers III

HILLSIDE, NJLicensed Child Care CenterLicensed

3.7based on state inspection data
Capacity100
Est. price$899/mo

Contact information

Address1261 Liberty Avenue, Hillside, NJ, 07205

CityHILLSIDE, NJ 07205

CountyUnion

Phone973-375-5437

Operating details

Capacity100

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 1/9/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High10
  • Medium-High9
  • Medium1
  • Medium-Low5
  • Low0

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Location

Using Address for Location

Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:

1261 Liberty Avenue, Hillside, NJ, 07205, HILLSIDE, NJ 07205

Questions to ask on a tour

Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.

  1. This facility has staffing or training findings on its state record - ask about background checks, required training completion, and staff turnover
  2. Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses
  3. This is a large program - ask how children are grouped, how ratios are kept in each room, and how staff cover breaks
  4. Ask about teacher-to-child ratios and how supervision is maintained through the day

Violation summary

Last 2 years · Last inspection: 1/9/2026

  • High9
  • Medium-High5
  • Medium1
  • Medium-Low5
  • Low0

2026

  1. High risk1/9/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a) — Based on complaint, ensure that children are directly supervised at all times including in the bathrooms.

    Based on complaint, ensure that children are directly supervised at all times including in the bathrooms. 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 1/9/2026

2025

  1. High risk9/26/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Ensure that all staff members complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually.

    Ensure that all staff members 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 1/15/2026
  2. Medium risk9/26/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-2.2(e) — Post the center's license in a prominent location in each building.

    Post the center's license in a prominent location in each building. Regulation: The license shall be posted in a prominent location within the center and in each building associated with the center.

    Corrected 1/12/2026
  3. Medium-Low risk9/26/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(e) — Ensure that the center director completes the OOL's Understanding Licensing training within 90 days of hire.

    Ensure that the center director completes the OOL's Understanding Licensing training within 90 days of hire. Regulation: Directors shall complete staff development in understanding licensing regulations as provided by the Office of Licensing within 90 days of hire. Such staff development may be included in the required 20 hours of staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(d).

    Corrected 1/12/2026
  4. Medium-Low risk9/26/2025

    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 1/12/2026
  5. High risk9/26/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l) — Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes all required components, including an alternate indoor location in the event of an evacuation.

    Maintain a written emergency plan in a readily accessible location that includes all required components, including an alternate indoor location in the event of an evacuation. 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 na

    Corrected 1/15/2026
  6. High risk9/26/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(d) — Ensure that all credentialed staff members complete 20 hours of staff development annually.

    Ensure that all credentialed staff members 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 1/15/2026
  7. High risk9/26/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(d) — Provide documentation that the program supervisor meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual.

    Provide documentation that the program supervisor meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Regulation: For school-age child care programs the program supervisor shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the applicable options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(d) for education, training, and experience, based on the center's licensed capacity.

    Corrected 1/12/2026
  8. High risk9/26/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 2 staff members.

    Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 2 staff members. 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 11/18/2025
  9. Medium-Low risk9/26/2025

    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 1/15/2026
  10. High risk9/26/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Ensure asthma inhalers are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription and accompanied by an asthma treatment plan signed by the health care provider and a parent.

    Ensure asthma inhalers are stored in their original boxes with the child's name and prescription and accompanied by an asthma treatment plan signed by the health care provider and a parent. 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 11/18/2025
  11. Medium-Low risk9/26/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.6(e)(3) — Post the center's discipline policy.

    Post the center's discipline policy. Regulation: The center shall maintain on file a written policy on the disciplining of children by staff members. The policy shall: 3. Be posted in a prominent location within the center.

    Corrected 1/15/2026
  12. Medium-High risk9/26/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(o)(1) — Ensure that at least two staff members who have current pediatric first aid and CPR certifications are present at the center at all times and that the training includes a hands-on component in addition to any online training.

    Ensure that at least two staff members who have current pediatric first aid and CPR certifications are present at the center at all times and that the training includes a hands-on component in addition to any online training. Regulation: First aid requirements are as follows: at least two staff members who have current certified basic knowledge of first aid principles and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as defined by a recognized health organization (such as the American Red Cross), shall be in the center at all times when enrolled children are present. The first aid and CPR training shall include a hands-on training component in addition to any online training coursework.

    Corrected 1/15/2026
  13. Medium-High risk9/26/2025

    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 1/15/2026
  14. Medium-High risk9/26/2025

    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 1/15/2026
  15. Medium-High risk9/26/2025

    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 1/15/2026
  16. Medium-Low risk9/26/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(c)(2) — Ensure that the director designee completes the OOL's Understanding Licensing training.

    Ensure that the director designee completes the OOL's Understanding Licensing training. Regulation: The director or his or her designee(s) shall be on the premises at all times when the center is operating and the designee: shall not have full-time classroom responsibilities during the times when the director is not present at the center and shall complete staff development in understanding licensing rules as provided by the Office of Licensing.

    Corrected 1/12/2026
  17. High risk9/26/2025

    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 1/12/2026
  18. High risk9/26/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 2 staff members

    Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 2 staff members 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 11/18/2025
  19. Medium-High risk9/26/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(l)(1)(vii) — Post a diagram which shows how the center is to be evacuated during emergencies from each classroom and the outdoor play area.

    Post a diagram which shows how the center is to be evacuated during emergencies from each classroom and the outdoor play area. Regulation: Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating a diagram showing how the center is to be evacuated in case of emergency from each classroom and the outdoor play area.

    Corrected 1/12/2026

Showing the 25 most recent of 61 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.

25Total Violations
0Recent Violations
(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: HILLSIDE, Union County
  • Capacity: 100
  • Type: Licensed Child Care Center

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