Inquisitive Minds STEAM Academy
SOMERSET, NJ·Licensed Child Care CenterLicensed
Contact information
Address1489 Hamilton Street, Somerset, NJ, 08873
CountySomerset
Phone732-873-2729
Operating details
Capacity42
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 4/16/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High7
- Medium-High16
- Medium0
- Medium-Low2
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
1489 Hamilton Street, Somerset, NJ, 08873, SOMERSET, NJ 08873
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: 4/16/2026
- High6
- Medium-High4
- Medium0
- Medium-Low1
- Low0
2026
- High risk4/16/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a) — Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times during naptime. A staff walked out the classroom twice and left a child alone both times.
Ensure that children are directly supervised at all times during naptime. A staff walked out the classroom twice and left a child alone both times. 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 5/18/2026 - High risk3/11/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(b) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 1 staff.
Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for 1 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.
Corrected 4/16/2026 - Medium-High risk3/11/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(4) — Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water as required after changing a diaper.
Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water as required after changing a diaper. 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 4/16/2026 - Medium-High risk3/11/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(1) — Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required after having a diaper change.
Ensure that children wash their hands with soap and running water as required after having a diaper change. Regulation: Handwashing requirements are as follows: the center shall ensure that children three months of age and older wash their hands with soap and running water before intake of food; immediately after using the toilet or having diapers changed; immediately after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, or other body fluids or secretions; immediately after coming in contact with an animal's body secretions; and immediately after outdoor play. (2)for children under three months of age or for those children three months of age and older wherein hand washing with soap and running water may not be developmentally appropriate, the center may use an alternate means for hand washing, including but not limited to disposable baby wipes.
Corrected 4/16/2026 - Medium-High risk3/11/2026
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 4/16/2026 - High risk3/11/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 1 staff.
Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 1 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.
Corrected 4/16/2026 - Medium-High risk3/11/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) — Ensure diapering surfaces are washed and disinfected after each use.
Ensure diapering surfaces are washed and disinfected after each use. Regulation: In addition to the items specified in (a)3 above, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use: iii. Diapering surfaces;
Corrected 4/16/2026 - High risk3/11/2026
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(1) — Ensure that diapering does not take place in an area or on a surface used for food preparation or eating.
Ensure that diapering does not take place in an area or on a surface used for food preparation or eating. Regulation: diapering shall not take place in an area or on a surface used for food preparation, service, or eating;
Corrected 4/16/2026 - Medium-Low risk3/11/2026
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 4/16/2026
2024
- High risk9/25/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(a)(1) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for all staff within two weeks of hire. There are 2 new staff who need a CARI clearance.
Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for all staff within two weeks of hire. There are 2 new staff who need a CARI clearance. Regulation: The sponsor or sponsor representative, and each staff member shall complete a signed consent form provided by the Department that indicates the identifying information necessary to conduct a CARI background check, including the person’s name, address, date of birth, sex, race, and Social Security number. Pursuant to the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579), the Department shall advise each such person that the disclosure of his or her Social Security number is voluntary, and that the Social Security number will only be used for the purpose of conducting a CARI background check.
Corrected 11/18/2024 - High risk9/25/2024
N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(b)(2) — Ensure that all staff who do not have a completed CARI background check are directly supervised by another staff member. A staff who does not have a CARI clearance took 3 children to the hallway bathroom.
Ensure that all staff who do not have a completed CARI background check are directly supervised by another staff member. A staff who does not have a CARI clearance took 3 children to the hallway bathroom. Regulation: When the center applies for a new or renewal license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the sponsor or sponsor representative shall submit to the Department the completed CARI consent forms for all staff members who are or will be working at the center on a regularly scheduled basis. 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 11/13/2024
Showing the 25 most recent of 205 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: SOMERSET, Somerset County
- Capacity: 42
- Type: Licensed Child Care Center
What parents actually pay
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