Learning Ladder Nursery & Preschool

MANAHAWKIN, NJLicensed Child Care CenterLicensed

1.4based on state inspection data
Capacity53
Est. price$949/mo

Contact information

Address333 Haywood Road, Manahawkin, NJ, 08050

CityMANAHAWKIN, NJ 08050

CountyOcean

Phone516-582-7313

Operating details

Capacity53

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 7/13/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High7
  • Medium-High13
  • Medium4
  • Medium-Low1
  • Low0

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Location

Using Address for Location

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

333 Haywood Road, 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.

  1. Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses
  2. Ask about teacher-to-child ratios and how supervision is maintained through the day
  3. Ask about their illness policy and which symptoms require a child to stay home
  4. Ask about their security measures, visitor policy, and pickup procedures

Violation summary

Last 2 years · Last inspection: 7/13/2026

  • High7
  • Medium-High13
  • Medium4
  • Medium-Low1
  • Low0

2026

  1. Medium-High risk7/13/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(6) — Maintain the playground fence to prevent accidental access to outdoor hazards.

    Maintain the playground fence to prevent accidental access to outdoor hazards. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: centers that provide outdoor space shall maintain all fencing in proper condition.

    Not corrected
  2. Medium-High risk7/13/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) — Ensure the rusty chairs are removed from the outdoor play area.

    Ensure the rusty chairs are removed from the outdoor play area. Regulation: Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: 1. The building, land, walkways, and outdoor play area shall be free from hazards to the health, safety or well-being of the children. 2. The outdoor play area shall be graded or provided with drains to dispose of surface water.

    Not corrected
  3. Medium-High risk7/13/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition.

    Maintain all mechanical ventilation 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.

    Not corrected
  4. Medium-High risk7/13/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure all sinks are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

    Ensure all sinks are maintained in a clean and 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.

    Not corrected
  5. Medium-High risk7/13/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — Ensure broken floor tiles are replaces throughout the center.

    Ensure broken floor tiles are replaces 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.

    Not corrected
  6. High risk7/13/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a) — Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times including when answering the main door. A staff member left 3 children in room 3 unattended to answer the front door,

    Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times including when answering the main door. A staff member left 3 children in room 3 unattended to answer the front door, 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.

    Not corrected
  7. Medium-High risk7/13/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Ensure that all outdoor equipment is free of standing water.

    Ensure that all outdoor equipment is free of standing water. Regulation: Play equipment, materials, and furniture for indoor and outdoor use shall be of sturdy and safe construction, non-toxic, free of hazards, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The center may not use play equipment intended for outdoor use indoors.

    Not corrected
  8. Medium-High risk7/13/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(p) — Repair and/or remove all broken and/or rusted toys from the outdoor play area.

    Repair and/or remove all broken and/or rusted toys from the outdoor play area. Regulation: Play equipment, materials, and furniture for indoor and outdoor use shall be of sturdy and safe construction, non-toxic, free of hazards, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The center may not use play equipment intended for outdoor use indoors.

    Not corrected
  9. Medium-High risk7/13/2026

    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.

    Not corrected
  10. Medium risk7/13/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(b)(7)(i) — Cease the use of television, computers, and other video equipment for children under the age of two.

    Cease the use of television, computers, and other video equipment for children under the age of two. Regulation: i. Centers shall prohibit the use of television, computers, and other video equipment for children under the age of two.

    Not corrected
  11. Medium-Low risk7/13/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.8(d) — Based on a complaint, ensure that the center gets individual written permission slips, for each child for each proposed field trip, outing or special event. Center management allowed children to leave the licensed space, to use a r

    Based on a complaint, ensure that the center gets individual written permission slips, for each child for each proposed field trip, outing or special event. Center management allowed children to leave the licensed space, to use a rented bounce house/water slide without documented approval from the parents. Regulation: Staff member(s) shall inform the parent(s) of enrolled children in advance of any field trip(s), outing(s), or special event(s) involving the transportation of children away from the center. The center shall provide each parent with the name and telephone number of any bus company providing service. Before taking a child on such a field trip, outing, or special event, the center shall secure individual written consent slips signed by a parent for his or her child(ren) for each proposed field trip, outing or special event.

    Not corrected
  12. High risk2/2/2026

    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. The emergency exit pathway from rooms 3 and 4 were covered with snow and ice. Per the inspector's request, the chil

    Ensure that all exits and egress areas are unobstructed and that the emergency exit doors are easily operable. The emergency exit pathway from rooms 3 and 4 were covered with snow and ice. Per the inspector's request, the children were moved to rooms ,in the school, which had cleared exits. 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 2/2/2026
  13. High risk2/2/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a) — Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times. A child in classroom 2 walked out of the room, unsupervised, and was brought back into the room by the director.

    Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times. A child in classroom 2 walked out of the room, unsupervised, and was brought back into the room by the director. 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 2/20/2026

2025

  1. High risk12/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iii) — Ensure surfaces are washed and disinfected weekly including all cribs.

    Ensure surfaces are washed and disinfected weekly including all cribs. Regulation: The following items shall be washed and disinfected at least weekly: (1) Cribs, cots, mats, playpens, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment; and (2) Sheets, blankets or other coverings.

    Corrected 12/29/2025
  2. High risk12/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(b)(1) — Ensure that approved sleeping equipment is provided for each child as required. At the time of the inspection, a child was asleep in a car seat and should have been transferred to a crib.

    Ensure that approved sleeping equipment is provided for each child as required. At the time of the inspection, a child was asleep in a car seat and should have been transferred to a crib. Regulation: 1. For children 12 months of age and younger, the center shall provide for each child a crib, that complies with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) Federal Safety Standards for Full-Size and Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs; 16 CFR 1219 and 1220, which is incorporated herein by reference, and can be obtained through the CPSC's website at View official inspection document Education-Centers/cribs , playpen, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment that meets the following requirements: i. Each cot used for children between 13 and 18 months of age shall not exceed 14 inches above the floor level. iii. Each mat used for rest and sleep shall be: (1) Placed on a surface that is warm, dry, clean and draft-free; (2) Water-repellent; (3) At least one inch thick; and (4) Stored so that there is no contact with the sleeping surface of another mat, or disinfected after each use, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-

    Corrected 12/29/2025
  3. Medium risk12/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(a)(2) — Cease the use of blankets for children under 12 months of age.

    Cease the use of blankets for children under 12 months of age. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the center shall ensure that blankets or pillows do not cover the child's face.

    Corrected 12/29/2025
  4. High risk12/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a) — Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times by staff who have a cleared CARI, a cleared CHRI and have completed orientation training as required. At the time of the inspection, a therapist was alone with a child witho

    Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times by staff who have a cleared CARI, a cleared CHRI and have completed orientation training as required. At the time of the inspection, a therapist was alone with a child without the proper credentials. 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 2/2/2026
  5. Medium-High risk12/8/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(4) — Ensure that staff wash their hands at a sink not used for food prep.

    Ensure that staff wash their hands at a sink not used for food prep. Regulation: Handwashing requirements are as follows: staff members shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately before preparing or serving food; after toileting; after assisting a child in toileting; after caring for a child who appears to be sick; after coming in contact with an animal's body secretions; and after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, or other body fluids or secretions. 7.8(d)3- Staff members hands are washed after changing each diaper.

    Corrected 4/30/2026
  6. Medium-High risk11/7/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(r) — Based on information, provide a Corrective Action Plan to DCF as required.

    Based on information, provide a Corrective Action Plan to DCF as required. 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 11/7/2025
  7. Medium-High risk11/7/2025

    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 2/2/2026
  8. Medium risk11/7/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(i) — Cease the use of pacifier straps or other types of attachment devices.

    Cease the use of pacifier straps or other types of attachment devices. Regulation: Children shall not use pacifiers with straps or other types of attachment devices.

    Corrected 12/29/2025
  9. Medium-High risk11/7/2025

    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 2/2/2026
  10. Medium risk11/7/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(f)(2) — Replace broken toilet seat in room 2.

    Replace broken toilet seat in room 2. Regulation: Toilet facility requirements are as follows: mirrors, dispensers, and other equipment shall be fastened securely.

    Corrected 4/30/2026
  11. Medium-High risk11/7/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(e) — Ensure that pacifiers, bottles, or sippy cups are removed when children are crawling or walking.

    Ensure that pacifiers, bottles, or sippy cups are removed when children are crawling or walking. Regulation: The center shall ensure that pacifiers are removed when the children are crawling or walking. 6.3 (a)12. The center shall ensure that these safety and sanitation practices are followed: i. Older infants shall not carry bottles, sippy cups, or regular cups with them while crawling or walking;

    Corrected 12/29/2025
  12. High risk11/7/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Based on information, retrain all staff on 1. Maintaining adequate staff/child ratios and 2. Signing in and out of the center as required

    Based on information, retrain all staff on 1. Maintaining adequate staff/child ratios and 2. Signing in and out of the center as required 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 2/20/2026

Showing the 25 most recent of 171 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
11Recent 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

$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: MANAHAWKIN, Ocean County
  • Capacity: 53
  • Type: Licensed Child Care Center

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