The Learning Experience

HACKETTSTOWN, NJLicensed Child Care CenterLicensed

5.0based on state inspection data
Capacity173
Est. price$899/mo

Contact information

Address1885 Route 57, Hackettstown, NJ, 07840

CityHACKETTSTOWN, NJ 07840

CountyWarren

Phone908-850-1222

Websitehttps://www.TheLearningExperience.com

Operating details

Capacity173

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 6/26/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High11
  • Medium-High9
  • 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:

1885 Route 57, Hackettstown, NJ, 07840, HACKETTSTOWN, NJ 07840

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: 6/26/2026

  • High11
  • Medium-High9
  • Medium4
  • Medium-Low1
  • Low0

2026

  1. Medium-High risk6/26/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) — Based on complaint, maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition. Classroom 130 had inadequate ventilation, however the center remediated prior to investigation.

    Based on complaint, maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition. Classroom 130 had inadequate ventilation, however the center remediated prior to investigation. 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 6/26/2026
  2. High risk6/16/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(a)(4) — Ensure staff without a cleared CARI are not left alone to supervise children at any time. There was a child left alone with a therapist.

    Ensure staff without a cleared CARI are not left alone to supervise children at any time. There was a child left alone with a therapist. Regulation: When a person who is not required to complete a CARI background check is working with children at the center, the center shall ensure oversight of that person by another staff member and ensure that person is not left alone to supervise a child or group of children.

    Corrected 6/26/2026
  3. High risk5/28/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a)(1) — Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. The staff stated their were 12 children, and 11 were present in 2 classrooms.

    Ensure that children are adequately tracked at all times and staff are aware of the number of children in their care. The staff stated their were 12 children, and 11 were present in 2 classrooms. Regulation: The center shall develop and implement an Office of Licensing-approved method to keep track of the location and ensure the safety of all children at all times when under the center’s supervision, including the transfer of supervision from and to parents during arrival and departure and the utilization of off-site locations, including playgrounds and field trips.

    Corrected 6/16/2026
  4. Medium risk4/22/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(b)(7) — Based on complaint, ensure that the use of television, computers, and other video equipment is for educational and instructional use, is age and developmentally appropriate, is not used as a substitute for planned activities, an

    Based on complaint, ensure that the use of television, computers, and other video equipment is for educational and instructional use, is age and developmentally appropriate, is not used as a substitute for planned activities, and is not used for passive viewing. Regulation: The use of a television, computers, and other video equipment shall be limited to educational and instructional use, shall be age and developmentally appropriate, and shall not be used as a substitute for planned activities or for passive viewing.

    Corrected 5/11/2026
  5. High risk4/22/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) — Based on complaint, retrain all staff on the television policy.

    Based on complaint, retrain all staff on the television policy. 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 5/28/2026
  6. High risk4/22/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(c) — Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. In classroom 124, there were 12 children aged 3-4 with 1 staff, a second was needed. 5/11/2026- There were 14 infants with 3 staff, a 4th staff is needed.

    Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. In classroom 124, there were 12 children aged 3-4 with 1 staff, a second was needed. 5/11/2026- There were 14 infants with 3 staff, a 4th staff is needed. 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.

    Corrected 5/28/2026
  7. High risk2/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(d) — Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually. 3/20/2026- There is 1 staff missing.

    Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually. 3/20/2026- There is 1 staff missing. 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 3/30/2026
  8. Medium-Low risk2/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(d) — Update a current Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL.

    Update 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 3/30/2026
  9. Medium-High risk2/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.8(a)(4) — Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water as required including after changing gloves from diapering children.

    Ensure that staff wash their hands with soap and running water as required including after changing gloves from diapering children. 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 3/30/2026
  10. High risk2/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(10) — Ensure that there are at least 2 staff present at all times that are trained to assist children with special care plans.

    Ensure that there are at least 2 staff present at all times that are trained to assist children with special care plans. 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 3/30/2026
  11. High risk2/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.11(a) — Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. There is 3 staff missing CHRIs. There is 1 CHRI for a new staff member due by 3/13/2026. 3/30/2

    Ensure that CHRI background checks are completed as required for the sponsor/sponsor representative and all regularly scheduled staff. There is 3 staff missing CHRIs. There is 1 CHRI for a new staff member due by 3/13/2026. 3/30/2026- There are 2 staff missing CHRI. 5/11/2026- There is 1 CHRI missing. 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 5/28/2026
  12. Medium risk2/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(b)(7) — Ensure that the use of television, computers, and other video equipment is for educational and instructional use, is age and developmentally appropriate, is not used as a substitute for planned activities, and is not used for pa

    Ensure that the use of television, computers, and other video equipment is for educational and instructional use, is age and developmentally appropriate, is not used as a substitute for planned activities, and is not used for passive viewing. Regulation: The use of a television, computers, and other video equipment shall be limited to educational and instructional use, shall be age and developmentally appropriate, and shall not be used as a substitute for planned activities or for passive viewing.

    Corrected 3/30/2026
  13. Medium-High risk2/27/2026

    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 3/30/2026
  14. Medium-High risk2/27/2026

    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 3/30/2026
  15. Medium risk2/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.1(g)(3) — In classroom 128, provide at least five different activity areas with at least five different types of supplies and equipment for children over 18 months of age.

    In classroom 128, provide at least five different activity areas with at least five different types of supplies and equipment for children over 18 months of age. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: centers serving children 18 months of age and older shall provide at least five types of children's daily activities including, but not limited to, language; science and mathematics; manipulative; large muscle; building; art; music; drama; or other comparable activities; and at least five types of supplies and equipment for each daily activity chosen by the center.

    Corrected 6/16/2026
  16. High risk2/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-6.4(f) — Ensure that each child's bedding and sleeping equipment are stored separately so that bedding is not touching other children's bedding.

    Ensure that each child's bedding and sleeping equipment are stored separately so that bedding is not touching other children's bedding. Regulation: When cribs, playpens, cots, mats or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment are stored with sheets, blankets, or other coverings as single units, at least one item of each unit shall be labeled with child-identifying information. (g) When sheets, blankets and other coverings are not stored with sleeping equipment, each of these items shall be: 1. Labeled for each child; and 2. Stored separately for each child.

    Corrected 3/30/2026
  17. Medium-High risk2/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.2(c) — Provide a current health certificate as required.

    Provide a current health certificate as required. Regulation: If the center prepares meals, the center shall obtain 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. The center shall maintain on file the Sanitary Inspection Certificate. 6.3(a)2 If the center chooses to provide food, the center shall ensure that all food served to children is prepared by either: i. The center on-site or off-site; or ii. A caterer who is licensed, registered, certified, or otherwise approved, as appropriate, by the local or county health department or State Department of Health, as applicable.

    Corrected 3/30/2026
  18. Medium risk2/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.4(a)(2) — Ensure that a primary caregiver is assigned to each group of four infants or six toddlers.

    Ensure that a primary caregiver is assigned to each group of four infants or six toddlers. Regulation: For early childhood programs, the following shall apply for infants (under 18 months of age) and toddlers (18 months to 2½ years of age):a group shall consist of four infants or six toddlers to whom a primary caregiver has been assigned.

    Corrected 3/30/2026
  19. Medium-High risk2/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — In classroom 114, replace the broken toilet seat.

    In classroom 114, replace the broken toilet seat. 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 4/26/2026
  20. Medium-High risk2/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — In classroom 130, repair or replace the microwave.

    In classroom 130, repair or replace the microwave. 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 3/30/2026
  21. Medium-High risk2/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) — In Make believe boulevard, repair the hole in the wall in the purple house.

    In Make believe boulevard, repair the hole in the wall in the purple house. 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 3/30/2026
  22. Medium-High risk2/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(a)(10) — In classroom 123, remove the expired mediation.

    In classroom 123, remove the expired mediation. Regulation: Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all corrosive agents, insecticides, bleaches, detergents, polishes, any products under pressure in an aerosol spray can, and any toxic substance shall be stored in a locked cabinet or in an enclosure located in an area not accessible to the children.

    Corrected 3/30/2026
  23. High risk2/27/2026

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) — Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 1 new staff due by 3/13/2026.

    Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 1 new staff due by 3/13/2026. 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 3/30/2026

2025

  1. High risk10/17/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.9(a) — Based on information, ensure that adequate procedures for incidents are adhered to at all times, including recognizing and reporting possible incidents of child abuse and neglect.

    Based on information, ensure that adequate procedures for incidents are adhered to at all times, including recognizing and reporting possible incidents of child abuse and neglect. Regulation: The sponsor, sponsor representative, director, or any staff member shall verbally notify the State Central Registry Hotline (1-877 NJ ABUSE/1-877-652-2873) immediately whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect by a staff member, or any other adult, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.9, 8.10, 8.13 and 8.14. (b) In addition to the reporting requirements specified in (a) above, the sponsor, sponsor representative, director, or any staff member shall advise the parent(s) of the occurrence of any unusual incident(s) that occurred at the center and that might indicate possible abuse or neglect involving the child. Such notification shall be made on the same day on which the incident occurred. Such incidents may include, but are not limited to, unusual sexual activity; violent or destructive behavior; withdrawal or passivity; or significant change(s) in the child's personality, behavior or habits. The center shall maintain on file a record of such incidents and documentation that parents have been informed of them.

    Corrected 10/17/2025
  2. High risk10/3/2025

    N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.5(b)(7) — Ensure medication records are completed as required including special care plans and parental permissions for a child in twaddlers classroom.

    Ensure medication records are completed as required including special care plans and parental permissions for a child in twaddlers classroom. Regulation: 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: the center shall maintain on file a record of the following: the child's name and parental authorization for the center to administer medication or health care procedures; the name of the medication or health care procedure; the condition for which the medication or health care procedure is being used; the instructions for administration, including the dosage and frequency; the date and time medication or a health care procedure was administered to a child and the name or initials of the staff member who administered it; and any adverse effect the medication can have or has had on the child.

    Corrected 10/17/2025

Showing the 25 most recent of 135 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
6Recent 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: HACKETTSTOWN, Warren County
  • Capacity: 173
  • Type: Licensed Child Care Center

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