Child Care Center
✓ Licensed
First Friends, Inc.
Matawan, NJ
· Monmouth County
269 Route 34,
Matawan, NJ 07747
Quick Facts
Capacity
210 children
Age Range
0 - 13 years
Subsidized Program
Participates
State Rating
2
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Contact Information
📞 (732) 696-8533
Licensed Child Care Center
Active License
License Number
13FIR0004
License Issued
Nov 26, 2025
Active Through
Nov 26, 2028
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
First Friends, Inc. is a Child Care Center in Matawan NJ, with a maximum capacity of 210 children. This child care center helps with children in the age range of 0 - 13 years. It is open Monday - Friday, 06:30 AM - 06:30 PM. The provider also participates in a subsidized child care program.
Hours of Operation
- Monday06:30 AM - 06:30 PM
- Tuesday06:30 AM - 06:30 PM
- Wednesday06:30 AM - 06:30 PM
- Thursday06:30 AM - 06:30 PM
- Friday06:30 AM - 06:30 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-25 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2026-08-14 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2026-05-18 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2026-04-14 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2026-03-04 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2026-01-22 | Monitoring,Other | No | Center Inspection |
| 2025-11-25 | Complaint | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-10-21 | Re-Inspection,Other | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-09-17 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-08-04 | Renewal | No | Center Inspection |
| 2025-02-10 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2024-12-18 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2024-11-13 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2024-04-05 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2024-02-21 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2024-01-02 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-11-17 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2023-07-11 | No Selection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-07-11 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-06-09 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-06-09 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-05-24 | Complaint | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-05-24 | Complaint | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-05-24 | Violation | 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(vi) | Based on complaint # 22128, ensure that age and developmentally appropriate seating is provided for all children who no longer need to be held for feeding. - For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: a child who, because of age or developmental readiness, no longer needs to be held for feeding shall be provided with an infant seat, high chair with safety strap, or other age-appropriate seating apparatus, which meets the standards of a recognized safety organization (such as the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, the American Society for Testing and Materials, or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission). |
| 2023-05-24 | Violation | 3A:52-7.8(a)(4)(vi) | Ensure that staff wash their hands after coming into contact with nasal excretions or other bodily fluids. - Handwashing requirements are as follows: staff members shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately after coming into contact with blood, fecal matter, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, or other body fluids or secretions. |
| 2023-05-24 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(p) | Ensure that all indoor and outdoor equipment is sturdy, safe, free of hazards and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure infant feeding bucket seats have safety straps. - 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. |
| 2023-05-24 | Violation | 3A:52-4.3(a) | Ensure that adequate supervision is maintained at all times throughout the center. - 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. |
| 2023-05-24 | Violation | 3A:52-6.1(b)(2) | Ensure that materials are accessible to the children at all times, except during lunch and nap time. - 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 children have opportunities to choose materials freely and materials are accessible at all times except during lunch and nap time. |
| 2023-05-24 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(r) | Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the children served. Discontinue using stroller in parking lot for walks. - 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. |
| 2023-05-24 | Violation | 3A:52-6.4(b)(1)(ii) | Ensure that sleeping equipment is used according to manufacturer's instructions. A crib mattress was not used appropriately for one child. - The center shall provide sleeping equipment 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 https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety- Education-Centers/cribs , playpen, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment that meets the following requirement that sleeping equipment shall be free of pillows and soft bedding, including, but not limited to bumper pads, when occupied by a sleeping child. |
| 2023-05-24 | Violation | 3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(i) | Ensure that children wash their hands immediately before the intake of food. - 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. |
| 2023-05-24 | Violation | 3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3) | Ensure that diapering surfaces are non-absorbent. - 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 surface shall be flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent, and in good repair. |
| 2023-05-24 | Violation | 3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) | Ensure that the center washes and disinfects the tables used by the children for eating before each meal. - The schedule for disinfecting shall be as follows: tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal. |
| 2023-05-24 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(1) | Eliminate moisture resulting from leaks or seepage. Repair leak in gym bathroom. - Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall be free of moisture resulting from water leaks or seepage. |
| 2023-04-21 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-03-13 | Complaint | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-03-01 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-01-10 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-12-09 | New Sponsor | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-11-03 | Violation | 3A:52-6.4(b)(2)(ii) | Ensure that each cot or mat used for rest and sleep is covered with a sheet, blanket or other covering. Ensure that an additional covering is provided for use as a covering for each child. - The center shall provide sleeping equipment for children over the age of 12 months and under the age of five years, 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 CRF 1219 and 1220, which is incorporated herein by reference, and can be obtained through the CPSC's website at http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/frnotices/fr11/cribfinal.pdf, playpen, cot, mat, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment that meets the following requirements: each cot or mat used for rest and sleep shall be covered with a sheet, blanket or other covering. An additional covering shall be provided for use as a covering for each child. |
| 2022-11-02 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-11-02 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-09-30 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-09-30 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-08-29 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-07-26 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-06-20 | Renewal | No | Center Inspection |
| 2022-06-20 | Renewal | No | Center Inspection |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-5.2(d) | Provide a current fire certificate as required. - 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. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-5.2(a)(8) | Provide a current life/hazard use registration certificate applicable to the center's licensed capacity and ages served. - The center shall obtain a Life Hazard Use Registration certificate applicable to the center’s licensed capacity and ages served pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq. The center shall post this document in a prominent location within the center. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(n)(1) | Ensure that the center conducts fire drills at least once per month during each session provided at the center, including one fire drill annually that is conducted during nap time. - 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. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(l)(4) | Ensure that the center conducts at least two lockdown drills per year during each session provided at the center and maintains records of the drills on file. - 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. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(10) | Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. Remove disinfectant from lower cabinet in lunch room. - 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. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-4.5(e)(8) | Ensure that all staff working with children under 18 months of age have training specific to this age group initiated within 90 days of hire and completed within one year. - For early childhood programs all staff that work with children under 2 1/2 years of age shall have training specific to this age group, which may include, but is not limited to, the New Jersey Infant/Toddler Credential administered through Professional Impact NJ, the Infant-Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, or other trainings specifically related to the care of infants and toddlers. Each employee shall initiate this training within 90 days and complete it within one year. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) | Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition. Sweep and maintain dust from ceiling vents in tumbler, Bearly toddler, Piglet's Playhouse, and throughout center. - Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ventilation outlets shall be clean and free from obstructions, and filters shall be replaced when saturated. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-4.6(c)(3)(i) | Hire or designate 2 group teachers, based on capacity. Hire 1 additional Head Teacher based on licensed capacity. - For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the group teacher shall meet the requirements for experience and education one year of teaching experience in a group program for children under six years of age, which may include supervised practice teaching and/or student teaching. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(9) | Ensure that toilets, wash basins, kitchen sinks and other plumbing are maintained in operating and sanitary condition. Clean mold around sink in Piglets Playhouse classroom bath.. - 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. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) | Remove debris and overgrown vegetation from the outdoor play area, or provide an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) that the playground in the back of the center is not being used. - Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the building, land, walkways, and outdoor play area shall be free from hazards to the health, safety or well-being of the children. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(i) | Complete and submit a DCF Drinking Water Testing Checklist and Statement of Assurance and a copy of the center's water testing completed by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protection. - Environmental condition precautions are as follows: at the time of the initial application, any renewal application, relocation of an existing licensed center and, in the discretion of the Office of Licensing, any other time, the applicant or facility operator shall certify in writing that the center provides a potable water supply provided by a public community water system. If the facility is supplied by a public community water system, the applicant or facility operator shall provide documentation of water testing conducted by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protection for water testing for lead and copper from all faucets and other sources used for drinking water or food preparation and at least 50 percent of all indoor water faucets utilized by the center. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(19) | Complete radon testing in every room on the lowest floor used by children and post the results in a prominent location. - Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall test for the presence of radon gas in each classroom on the lowest floor level used by children at least once every five years and shall post the test results in a prominent location in all buildings at the center, as specified in N.J.S.A. 30:5B-5.2. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(16)(i) | Repair and/or paint the walls and other surfaces as required. Pooh Corner - chipped yellow paintTumbler - Chipped paint near door of bathroomBearly toddler - chipped paintCrib crowd - chipped paint on baby cribs - Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of excessive peeling or chipped paint. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-2.1(b) | Complete and submit a DCF Renewal Attestation and all required documents. - A person applying for an initial license or renewal license to operate a center or relocation of a center shall submit a completed application to the Office of Licensing at least 45 days prior to the anticipated opening of the center or to the expiration of its existing regular license. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-6.2(a)(1) | Ensure that the center has an adequate supply of materials to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program. (Kindergarten room) - The center shall provide a supply of age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program equipment including play equipment, child-size furniture and supplies that are sufficient to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program. |
| 2022-06-20 | 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. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-6.4(b)(1) | Repair and/or replace sleeping equipment that is in disrepair. Repair all cribs with chipped paint in infant room. - The center shall provide sleeping equipment 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 https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety- Education-Centers/cribs , playpen, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment that meets the following requirement that |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-7.7(a)(3)(iv) | Ensure that the center washes and disinfects the tables used by the children for eating before each meal. - The schedule for disinfecting shall be as follows: tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-4.5(c)(1) | Ensure that the director is at the center at least 50% of the center's daily operating hours. - The director shall be scheduled to work at the center at least 50 percent of the center’s daily operating hours. |
| 2022-06-20 | 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. |
| 2022-06-20 | 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. |
| 2022-06-20 | 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.Ensure that all staff, the sponsor and/or the sponsor representative complete a CHRI background check as required for the center's license renewal. - 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. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-4.8(g)(3) | Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually and that the completion of the training is documented on the Staff Records Checklist. - The center shall maintain on file documentation of the date, time, topic, presenter, and attendance for all staff development and orientation completed by center staff members. The center shall record each staff member’s completion of staff development and orientation on the Staff Records Checklist, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.1(b). |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-4.8(c) | Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually. - The center shall ensure that all staff members who work at the center complete 12 hours of continuing staff development each year. |
| 2022-06-20 | Violation | 3A:52-4.8(d)(1) | Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually. - In lieu of the child care staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(b), 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. |
| 2022-06-20 | 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. |
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