Carla's Kids - Clifton NJ Regular Child Care Center

101 CENTRAL AVE 2ND FLOOR , CLIFTON NJ 07011
(973) 546-2929
11 Reviews

About the Provider

Description: Carla's Kids is a Regular Child Care Center in CLIFTON NJ, with a maximum capacity of 89 children. This child care center helps with children in the age range of 0 - 13 years. The provider also participates in a subsidized child care program.

Program and Licensing Details

  • License Number: 16CAR0001
  • Capacity: 89
  • Age Range: 0 - 13 years
  • State Rating: 1
  • Enrolled in Subsidized Child Care Program: Yes
  • District Office: New Jersey Dept of Children and Families - Office of Licensing
  • District Office Phone: 1-877-667-9845 (Note: This is not the facility phone number.)
  • Licensor: Ashlee Saro (asaro@cjfhc.org)

Location Map

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, as the provider may have already addressed some or all issues. Reports can also be verified with your local daycare licensing office.

Date Cited Date Abated Regulation Number
2022-11-14 2022-11-28 3A:52-4.3(c)
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

Violation Observed: Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the center. There were 12 children mixed ages from 4-24 months with 2 staff when 3 is required.
2022-09-27 2022-10-13 3A:52-4.11(b)(2)
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). Until the center receives the results of the CHRI background check for a new staff member from the Department of Human Services, 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.

Violation Observed: Ensure that all staff who do not have a completed CHRI background check are directly supervised by another staff member.
2022-09-27 2022-10-13 3A:52-4.3(c)
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

Violation Observed: Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the center. There were 6 children ages 7-12 months with 1 staff when 2 staff is required.
2022-08-09 2022-08-25 3A:52-4.3(c)
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

Violation Observed: Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the center. There were 16 children mixed ages from 0-5 years old with 2 staff when 3 is required.
2022-04-19 2022-05-03 3A:52-4.3(c)
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

Violation Observed: Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the center. There were 20 children mixed ages from 0-4 years old with 2 staff when 3 is required.
2022-04-19 2022-05-03 3A:52-4.10(b)(2)
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.

Violation Observed: Ensure that all therapist who do not have a completed CARI background check, CHRI background check, and orientation are directly supervised by another staff member. At the time of the inspection, a therapist was working with a child in room 3A.
2022-04-19 2022-05-03 3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(ii)
Space and room requirements are as follows: at no time shall a center allow more children in attendance than the licensed room capacity.

Violation Observed: Ensure that the center complies with the licensed capacity of the classrooms at all times throughout the center. Classroom 1 has a room capacity of 20 children and at the time of the inspection, 20 children were present until a therapy session was over and than classroom 1 had 21 children.
2022-04-19 2023-01-20 3A:52-4.11(a)(1)
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.

Violation Observed: Obtain a CHRI clearance for 1 staff.
2022-04-19 2022-04-20 3A:52-3.4(a)
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.

Violation Observed: Ensure that the center has a current comprehensive general liability insurance policy and maintains the documentation on file.
2022-04-19 2022-07-05 3A:52-5.3(i)(8)
Environmental condition precautions are as follows: at the time of the initial application, any renewal application, relocation of an existing licensed center, and, as determined by the Office of Licensing, on a case-by-case basis, the facility operator shall submit to the Office of Licensing a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the Department of Health that indicates that no further remediation is needed for the interior of the building in which the center is located.

Violation Observed: Submit a Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH.
2022-04-04 2022-05-03 3A:52-5.3(q)(2)(ii)
Space and room requirements are as follows: at no time shall a center allow more children in attendance than the licensed room capacity.

Violation Observed: Ensure that the center complies with the licensed capacity of the classrooms at all times throughout the center. Classroom 1 has a room capacity of 20 children and 21 children were present.
2021-10-22 2021-11-05 3A:52-4.3(b)
There shall be a minimum of two staff members accompanying children on any field trip, outing, or special event involving children away from the center, even when the appropriate staff/child ratios allow fewer than two staff members.

Violation Observed: Based on complaint number 19730, although 2 staff members were present during the complaint investigation, ensure that the center keeps accurate attendance records to ensure that the minimum of two staff members are present when 6 or more children are present.
2021-10-22 2021-11-15 3A:52-4.5(b)(2)(i)
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.

Violation Observed: Ensure that the center maintains daily time sheets for the director/head teacher.
2021-10-22 2021-11-15 3A:52-4.5(b)(2)(i)
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.

Violation Observed: Ensure that the center maintains daily time sheets for the director/head teacher.
2021-10-22 2021-11-05 3A:52-4.3(b)
There shall be a minimum of two staff members accompanying children on any field trip, outing, or special event involving children away from the center, even when the appropriate staff/child ratios allow fewer than two staff members.

Violation Observed: Based on complaint number 19730, although 2 staff members were present during the complaint investigation, ensure that the center keeps accurate attendance records to ensure that the minimum of two staff members are present when 6 or more children are present.

If you are a provider and you believe any information is incorrect, please contact us. We will research your concern and make corrections accordingly.

Reviews

...
Current employee Apr 03, 2018
I am an employee

These reviews are hilarious. You have no idea what goes on til you're a current employee at this childcare facility. The current reviews are made up. Some are the director's own friends. You can't go by a review til you actually visit the place or work there like I do. The childcare center can be a better place if you start off with change. You can start off from the office to the classrooms to the playground.

50 out of 97 think this review is helpful
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Hattie Cleaves Mar 13, 2018
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

I am presently a parent at this facility and if you are looking for supervision and education then this is the place. The children engage in a lot of free play but they provide lessons too. So far, I’m happy.

49 out of 89 think this review is helpful
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Hattie Cleaves Mar 12, 2018
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

I am presently a parent at this facility and if you are looking for supervision and education then this is the place. The children engage in a lot of free play but they provide lessons too. So far, I’m happy.

48 out of 86 think this review is helpful
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...
Trice Mar 11, 2018
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

I am presently a parent at this facility and if you are looking for great supervision as well as education, then this is the place to be. I heard about the program from a previous employee. Clearly, the negative reviews are from angry old employees. The director has shared that the entire staff is new and well trained because they are from other learning facilities. My friend was a employee there a few years ago who ended up leaving because of her co-workers. She tried to carry out the duties and tasks expected of her but she didn't have much help. She complained about the other workers following one main person. She met with the director and expressed her concerns. The director was very understanding. They remained on good terms and she will be running one of the programs in May. I am very happy with the staff who is present now and pleased with the director following up to make sure I am happy with the service!!

43 out of 91 think this review is helpful
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J. Woods Mar 11, 2018
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

Carla's Kids is a refreshing place to have your kids grow and be educated. The attention to to detail is impressive and its very clean. Its good to have a place where your children can grow up!

36 out of 83 think this review is helpful
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Robin Smith Mar 11, 2018
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

Carla’s Kids is the best nursery/ child care center and school in the Tri state area. She’s been in the business since she was a teen being mentored by her dad. Both Carla and her family are vested in the children with over 45 years of experience. I know this because my 18 year old daughter started her academic career at her dad’s (Carlton Thompson of Paterson Day Care 100) day care center. My daughter later attended Carla’s kids day camp as a pre-teen and teen and went on to volunteer for her as well. Carla has been a constant figure and positive role model in my daughter’s life. The kids are everything to her. THIS IS NOT JUST A BUSINESS FOR HER! She lives for the kids. This year my daughter has been accepted to countless top notch universities and I’ll be the first to say Miss. Carla and her family played a role in that. If you’re looking for a place to just drop your kids off this is not the child care center for you. Carla’s Kids is a temporary home away from home for the kids that you can feel great about surrendering your kids while you complete your daily tasks.

51 out of 93 think this review is helpful
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Nice Mar 10, 2018
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

My experience with Carla's Kids has been good.The center is always clean the staff is very attentive,all of my concerns and needs are met.Ms.Carla is very accommodating,I will refer anyone to Carla's Kids Child Care Center.

48 out of 90 think this review is helpful
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Gflores May 23, 2017
I have toured this provider's facility, but have not used its services

Horrible experience when I went to ask for information, the teachers seem very unprofessional all I could hear through out the hallways were the teachers yelling at the kids. I observed that in each room the teachers were all doing the same using flashcards and saying letters their curriculum should be different due to the different ages. Would never take my child back to that ghetto unprofessional place.

41 out of 79 think this review is helpful
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no good Jan 02, 2017

let me start off by saying this place is ridiculous the staff doesn't get appreciated,no one gets out on time,no over time pay,no holiday pay.ms Carla talks to her employees like dirt,everyone that applies and starts work doesn't last no more then three months or less.they are always short on staff not enough staff to be with the kids she wants you to do projects but with no materials..smh to that place!!!!

40 out of 81 think this review is helpful
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MARVEALE C WILLIAMS Nov 07, 2016
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

If there were a thousand stars I would select every last one.

Carla's Kidz is a childcare that I have come to love so much when dealing with finding quality care for my children. Carla and her family (employees) have become an important part of my children's' lives as well as my own. I am so happy that I ultimately chose this daycare as our primary childcare provider outside of the home. My older son has grown as a boy so much at this place with all the help and encouragement that Carla's Kidz give to ensuring the best possible development for a child at their respective age. My son is constantly being exposed with Spanish to continuous promote our ultimate goal of him growing up learning a second (or third if you count the amount of sign language he already knows).

Carla Thompson is not just a daycare provider that we trust, but a family that we can call our friends. I love the outing she takes the kids on every week to keep the kids not only entertained but educated as well. Things like going to the park or taking weekly library trips for reading time and/or arts and crafts.

I fully endorse Carla's Kidz as a healthy choice for a childcare provider as well as for your own child's development.

41 out of 81 think this review is helpful
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...
Stay away!!!! Aug 02, 2016

Where to start...let's begin with the director...you can never please this woman. You can dedicate hours on end to this center and be treated like a maid. She thinks she is smarter than everyone, yet can't hold a professional converstation especially not with her employees. She owns the daycare yet is never around. Doesn't even know all the kids in the building or the parents. She makes her administrative assistant do all her dirty work while she locks herself in her office when she is around. She loves to turn the staff against each other and play mind games because she is so paranoid she only wants her employees to answer to her and not actually like or get to know each other. The staff unfortunately plays into her games and it causes nothing but animosity in the building. These are the people and the attitudes that surround yourself children so be very careful about leaving your child in her care. She runs her daycare like a prison and children including infants have to abide by HER schedule. They have to eat, sleep, go to the bathroom during her set times. Children especially infants should be free to eat whenever hungry and sleep if tired. She is understaffed most of the time leaving teachers scrambling when kids have to use the bathroom. You can tell there is a problem when the staff is constantly changing leaving kids having to get used to new teachers at least a couple times a year. No holiday pay, no overtime pay, no raises, being threatened when you take a day off will do that to you. And these unhappy employees are the ones caring for your children. A good price isn't everything. Think very carefully before you enroll your children in this daycare.

48 out of 89 think this review is helpful
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Providers in ZIP Code 07011