Child Care Center
✓ Licensed
Gold Star Kids Academy
Freehold, NJ
· Monmouth County
18 And 42 Thoreau Drive,
Freehold, NJ 07728
Quick Facts
Capacity
62 children
Age Range
0 - 13 years
Type of Care
After School, Before School, Before and After School, Daytime, Drop-in Care, Emergency Care, Full-Time, Part-Time
Subsidized Program
Participates
State Rating
1
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Contact Information
📞 (732) 577-8485
Licensed Child Care Center
Active License
License Number
13APE0002
License Issued
Feb 6, 2026
Active Through
Feb 6, 2029
Issued By
New Jersey Department of Children & Families
District Office
New Jersey Dept of Children and Families - Office of Licensing
Reviews
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About the Provider
Gold Star Kids Academy LLC is privately owned and operated child care facility dedicated to providing a high quality full-time program for children between the ages of six weeks and Pre-Kindergarten age; we also provide a before and after care program for children up to the age of 13.
Additional Information:
We meet and exceed any and all standards set by the NJ State Office of Licensing. Our goal is to provide care that parents can trust in an age appropriate and supportive environment. Our programs and curriculum are designed to meet the developmental level of each child, encouraging individuality and promoting self-confidence.
Hours of Operation
- Monday07:00 AM - 06:00 PM
- Tuesday07:00 AM - 06:00 PM
- Wednesday07:00 AM - 06:00 PM
- Thursday07:00 AM - 06:00 PM
- Friday07:00 AM - 06:00 PM
- Saturday Closed
- Sunday Closed
Inspection/Report History
Where possible, ChildcareCenter provides inspection reports as a service to families. This information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. We encourage families to contact the daycare provider directly with any questions or concerns. Reports can also be verified with your local daycare licensing office.
| Inspection Date | Type | Reinspection / Rule | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-13 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2026-08-05 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2026-07-06 | Phone Call | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2026-06-04 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2026-05-21 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2026-04-06 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2026-03-10 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2026-02-18 | New Sponsor | No | Center Inspection |
| 2025-11-20 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2025-10-23 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2025-09-23 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2025-09-19 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-09-05 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2025-08-28 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-08-11 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-07-07 | Renewal | No | Center Inspection |
| 2024-03-19 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2024-02-15 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2024-01-18 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2023-01-12 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2022-12-16 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-12-02 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2022-12-02 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2022-12-02 | Violation | 3A:52-6.6(a)(1) | Based on information, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline at all times throughout the center. A named staff aggressively threw a named child 3-4 feet into the air at least 20 times and the named staff appeared to put her mouth on the named child's chin. - The methods of guidance and discipline used shall: be positive. |
| 2022-12-02 | Violation | 3A:52-4.6(a) | Ensure that the center completes and maintains on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. - The center shall maintain on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by the Office of Licensing, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(b), indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the applicable staff education and experience, as specified in 3A:52-4.6(b) through (d). |
| 2022-12-02 | Violation | 3A:52-4.8(a)(1) | Based on information, retrain all staff on 1. The center's supervision policy and 2. The center's discipline policy. - Topics of orientation training shall include supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a). |
| 2022-12-02 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(r) | Ensure life sustaining medication, required by a doctor, is present at the center. - 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. |
| 2022-12-02 | Violation | 3A:52-4.3(c) | Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the center. In room 1 in the infant building, there were 5 children (3 under 18 mos. and 2 over 18 mos) with 1 staff member, wherein 2 staff members were needed to maintain ratio. - The following staff/child ratios shall apply, except as specified in 3A:52-4.3(d) through (f):Age Staff/Child RatioUnder 18 months - 1:418 months up to 2 ½ years - 1:62 ½ years up to 4 years - 1:104 years - 1:125 years and older - 1:15 |
| 2022-12-02 | Violation | 3A:52-4.10(a)(1) | Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for all staff within two weeks of hire. - 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. |
| 2022-12-02 | Violation | 3A:52-4.11(a)(1) | Ensure that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required. - 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). The sponsor or sponsor representative and each staff member shall complete the electronic fingerprinting process through the vendor authorized by the State to conduct CHRI background checks through the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. |
| 2022-09-13 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-08-25 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-08-25 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-08-25 | Violation | 3A:52-4.3(a)(2) | Ensure that all staff have completed training pertaining to the center's policies and procedures for tracking children and are aware of the number of children in their care at all times. In room 2 of building 1, when asked how many children were present, one staff member stated 13 and the other stated 15. At the time 18 children were present in room 2. - The center shall ensure that all staff members are trained in the method of keeping track of children and know how many children are in their care at all times. |
| 2022-08-25 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(ii) | Ensure that the center complies with the licensed capacity of the classrooms at all times throughout the center. IN building 1, room 2 there were 18 children present, wherein the rooms licensed capacity is 17. - Space and room requirements are as follows: at no time shall a center allow more children in attendance than the licensed room capacity. |
| 2022-07-29 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-07-29 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-07-05 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-07-05 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-06-13 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-06-13 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-06-13 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(r) | Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the children served. Ensure special care plans, with all required life sustaining medication, are current and at the center while the children who require them are present. - 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. |
| 2022-06-13 | Violation | 3A:52-6.1(b)(7) | Ensure television viewing is not done while children are eating lunch or snack. - The staff member(s) specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5 who are responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of the center's daily activities shall ensure that 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. |
| 2022-05-13 | Renewal | No | Center Inspection |
| 2022-05-13 | Renewal | No | Center Inspection |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-4.3(a)(2) | Ensure that all staff have completed training pertaining to the center's policies and procedures for tracking children and are aware of the number of children in their care at all times. Staff in room 1 of the infant building stated she had 7 children in her care, when only 6 children were present. - The center shall ensure that all staff members are trained in the method of keeping track of children and know how many children are in their care at all times. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-4.3(c) | Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the center. In room 2 of the infant building, there were 5 children with 1 staff member, wherein 2 staff members were needed to maintain ratio. - The following staff/child ratios shall apply, except as specified in 3A:52-4.3(d) through (f):Age Staff/Child RatioUnder 18 months - 1:418 months up to 2 ½ years - 1:62 ½ years up to 4 years - 1:104 years - 1:125 years and older - 1:15 |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) | Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date. - For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: for bottles, each child's bottle(s) shall be labeled with the child's name and dated. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-6.4(i) | Cease the use of pacifier straps or other types of attachment devices. - Children shall not use pacifiers with straps or other types of attachment devices. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(2) | Ensure that the diapering area is within 15 feet of a sink that is not used for food preparation. Pacifiers and sippy cups were in the handwashing sink in room 2 in the Infant room. - For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: diapering requirements for centers serving children who are not toilet trained are as follows, diapering area and surface requirements are as follows, the diapering area shall be within 15 feet of a sink that is not used for food preparation. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-4.5(a)(3)(i)(1) | Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility and communication. - 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. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-4.5(c)(2)(i) | Designate a director designee for whenever the director is not present at the center and ensure that the director designee does not have full-time classroom responsibilities during the times the director is not at the center. - 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. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-4.5(e)(4)(i) | Ensure that the group teacher is present at the center for at least 75% of the center's daily operating hours or at least six hours a day, whichever is less. - For early childhood programs the group teacher(s) shall be scheduled and have the authority and responsibility to work at the center for at least 75 percent of the center's daily operating hour or at least six hours a day, whichever is less. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-4.5(e)(2)(i) | Ensure that the head teacher is present at the center for at least 75% of the center's daily operating hours or at least six hours a day, whichever is less. - For early childhood programs the head teacher shall be scheduled to work at the center for at least 75 percent of the center's daily operating hours or at least six hours a day, whichever is less. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-4.6(a) | Ensure that the center completes and maintains on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by OOL. - The center shall maintain on file a Staff Records Checklist designated by the Office of Licensing, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(b), indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the applicable staff education and experience, as specified in 3A:52-4.6(b) through (d). |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) | Ensure that all staff submit a CARI background check upon renewal. - 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. 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. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-4.11(a)(1) | Ensure that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required for the center's license renewal. Center needs to provide clearances for 3 staff members. - 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). The sponsor or sponsor representative and each staff member shall complete the electronic fingerprinting process through the vendor authorized by the State to conduct CHRI background checks through the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(o)(1) | Ensure that at least two staff have current first aid and CPR certifications and are present at all times at the center. - 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. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-4.5(b)(2)(i) | Ensure that the center maintains daily time sheets for staff that indicate the hours the staff worked at the center. - The director shall have the authority and responsibility for the implementation of policies and procedures for the day-to-day operation of the center, including maintenance of staff attendance records indicating daily hours worked. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-4.5(b)(2)(ii) | Ensure that the center maintains daily time sheets for the children that indicate the children's arrival and departure times. - The director shall have the authority and responsibility for the implementation of policies and procedures for the day-to-day operation of the center, including maintenance of children's daily attendance records, including the daily time of arrival and departure. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-3.4(a) | Ensure that the center has a current comprehensive general liability insurance policy and maintains the documentation on file. - 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. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(l)(1)(vii) | Upload a current floor plan for the center. - 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. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(n)(4) | Ensure that all fire extinguishers are serviced and tagged annually and recharged as needed. - Fire prevention requirements are as follows: all fire extinguishers shall be visually inspected once a month, and serviced and tagged at least once a year and recharged, if necessary, as specified in the NJUFC. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(9) | Ensure bathrooms are cleared of storage or remove from license. - Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: toilets, wash basins, kitchen sinks, and other plumbing shall be maintained in good operating and sanitary condition. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(2) | Ensure that all refirgerators are kept clean and in sanitary condition. - Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) | Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition. - Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ventilation outlets shall be clean and free from obstructions, and filters shall be replaced when saturated. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(16) | Repair and/or paint the walls and other surfaces as required throughout the center. - Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(c)(1) | Ensure that all fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs have protective coverings in room 1 of the infant building. - Lighting requirements are as follows: all fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs shall have protective covers or shields. |
| 2022-05-13 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) | Ensure that all playground equipment meets public playground design standards (ASTM F-1487). Remove the stand alone slides on the small playground. - Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall comply with the Playground Safety Subcode of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23-11. |
| 2021-07-30 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2021-07-21 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2021-07-12 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2020-09-30 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2020-07-30 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2020-06-01 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2020-05-01 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2020-03-24 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2020-02-20 | Fax | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2020-02-13 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2019-11-06 | Monitoring | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2019-09-18 | Renewal | No | Center Inspection |
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