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Child Care Center ✓ Licensed

Learning Ladder Nursery and Preschool

Toms River, NJ · Ocean County
2 Vans Way, Toms River, NJ 08755
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Quick Facts

Capacity
70 children
Age Range
0 - 13 years
Subsidized Program
Participates
State Rating
1

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Contact Information

📞 (732) 608-0118
2 Vans Way
Toms River, NJ 08755
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✓ Licensed Child Care Center
Active License
License Number
141100167
License Issued
Jun 20, 2024
Active Through
Jun 20, 2027
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

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Learning Ladder Nursery and Preschool is a Child Care Center in Toms River NJ, with a maximum capacity of 70 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.

Hours of Operation

  • Days of Operation Monday–Friday

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
2026-04-30 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2026-03-25 Monitoring No Center Inspection
2025-11-03 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2025-09-24 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2025-08-15 Complaint,Complaint Yes Center Inspection
2025-07-23 Monitoring No Center Inspection
2025-06-04 Complaint No Center Inspection
2024-06-12 Email Yes Center Inspection
2024-06-11 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2024-05-01 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2024-03-12 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2024-01-31 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2024-01-05 Renewal Yes Center Inspection
2023-12-18 Email Yes Center Inspection
2023-10-27 No Selection Yes Center Inspection
2023-10-12 Email Yes Center Inspection
2023-10-05 Email Yes Center Inspection
2023-09-25 Email Yes Center Inspection
2023-09-15 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2023-08-31 Email Yes Center Inspection
2023-07-25 Complaint Yes Center Inspection
2023-07-25 Complaint Yes Center Inspection
2023-07-25 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2023-07-25 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2023-07-25 Violation 3A:52-4.11(b)(2) Ensure that all staff who do not have a completed CHRI background check are directly supervised by another staff member. - 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.
2023-07-25 Violation 3A:52-4.10(a)(1) Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for all staff within two weeks of hire.Provide 5 outstanding CARI clearances. - 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.
2023-07-25 Violation 3A:52-4.11(a)(1) Ensure that all new staff complete a CHRI background check as required.Provide 5 outstanding CHRI clearances. - 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.
2023-07-25 Violation 3A:52-4.6(b)(1) Hire a new director and ensure that the director meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. - The director shall meet the following qualification requirements for early childhood programs licensed to serve more than 30 children, the director shall meet the qualification requirements as specified in N.J.A.C 3A:52-4.6(b) for education and experience.
2023-07-25 Violation 3A:52-4.6(c)(1) Ensure that the head teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. - For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: for all centers, the head teacher or consulting head teacher shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the seven options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(c) for education and experience.
2023-07-25 Violation 3A:52-4.8(a)(2) Based on complaint #22314, retrain all staff on understanding center policies and procedures on serving a lunch to the children as required. - Topics of orientation training shall include understanding center operations, policies and procedures, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)3.
2023-06-23 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2023-06-23 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2023-06-23 Violation 3A:52-5.3(r) Based on information, provide a Corrective Action Plan to DCF as required. - 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.
2023-06-23 Violation 3A:52-6.6(a)(1) Based on information, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline. A named child was kicking and hitting a named staff and the named staff grasped the named child by the arms to stop him and proceeded to push the named child with enough force that he fell to the ground. The same named staff picked up a 2nd named child off of her cot and brusquely put her back down on the cot. - The methods of guidance and discipline used shall: be positive.
2023-06-23 Violation 3A:52-4.8(a)(2) Based on information, retrain all staff from an outside source on 1. Positive guidance and discipline and 2. Recognizing and reporting possible incidents of child abuse and neglect. - Topics of orientation training shall include understanding center operations, policies and procedures, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.5(b)3.
2023-06-13 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2023-06-13 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2023-06-13 Violation 3A:52-6.4(b)(1)(i)(2) Ensure that all cribs have a snugly fitting sheet in Room 5. - 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 each crib or playpen shall be equipped with a clean, snugly fitting sheet.
2023-06-13 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 in Room 5.Label sinks as "food preparation" and "hand washing" only. - 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.
2023-06-13 Violation 3A:52-5.3(b)(6) Ensure that the fence surrounding the outdoor play area is maintained in good condition. - Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: centers that provide outdoor space shall maintain all fencing in proper condition.
2023-06-13 Violation 3A:52-6.1(g)(2)(iv) Ensure that the use of infant equipment, including swings, exersaucers and bouncers, is limited to 30 minutes at a times in Room 5. - For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: centers serving children less than 18 months of age shall provide at least four types of children's daily activities including, but not limited to, sensory; language and dramatic play; manipulative; building; large muscle; music; or other comparable activities; and at least four types of supplies and equipment for each activity area chosen by the center. The use of infant equipment including swings, exersaucers, and bouncers shall be limited to periods of 30 minutes at a time.
2023-06-13 Violation 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date in Room 5. - 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.
2023-05-10 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2023-03-22 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2023-03-22 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2023-03-16 Email Yes Center Inspection
2023-03-07 Monitoring No Center Inspection
2023-03-07 Monitoring No Center Inspection
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-5.3(a)(9) Ensure that toilets, wash basins, kitchen sinks and other plumbing are maintained in operating and sanitary condition. Repair the broken sink handle in the pre k room. - 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.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-7.8(d)(1)(ii)(3) Ensure that diapering surfaces are flat, smooth, clean, dry, non-absorbent and in good repair. Replace torn changing pads. - 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.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-5.3(a)(5)(iii) Ensure that garbage receptacles are maintained as required, including being emptied as needed. - Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: garbage receptacles shall be emptied to the outdoor garbage receptacle when filled.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-4.3(a) Ensure that adequate supervision is maintained at all times throughout the center. Ensure all children can be observed during nap time. - 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.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-4.7(a)(1) Ensure that all staff who have not completed the required orientation training are directly supervised by another staff member. - The center shall meet the following requirements for orientation training: the center shall ensure that all newly-hired staff receive orientation training within two weeks of hire and that no individual is left alone to supervise a child or group of children until orientation training is completed.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-2.2(e) Post the center's license in a prominent location. - The license shall be posted in a prominent location within the center and in each building associated with the center.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-6.3(a)(12)(v) Ensure that unused food is labeled and stored appropriately and discarded by the end of the day if not consumed. - All centers shall comply with the following requirements, the center shall ensure that these safety and sanitation practices are followed: unused portions of food shall be labeled with the child's name, date, and type of food. The food shall be stored in the refrigerator, returned to the parent, or discarded with the parent's consent. All unused food shall be discarded if not consumed by the end of the day.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-6.3(a)(12)(ii) Ensure that each child's sippy cup is labeled with the child's name. - All centers shall comply with the following requirements, the center shall ensure that these safety and sanitation practices are followed: sippy cups shall be labeled with the child’s name.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-6.4(b)(1) Repair and/or replace sleeping equipment that is in disrepair. - 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
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-7.7(a)(1)(i) Ensure that the center uses a two step cleaning and disinfecting process on all required surfaces. The cleaning products should be soap and water followed by a bleach and water solution or a disinfectant used in accordance with the manufacturers directions. - Disinfectants shall be used as follows: the center shall disinfect those items specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)3 with a solution that shall be a commercially prepared disinfectant that indicates it kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This solution shall be used in accordance with label instructions.
2023-03-07 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.
2023-03-07 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).
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-4.10(a)(1) Ensure that CARI background check is completed for sponsor representative. - 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.
2023-03-07 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.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-4.1(d)(1) Ensure that the information on the Staff Records Checklist is current and that it is maintained on file at the center, including the staff's CARI and CHRI background checks. - The staff records specified in 3A:52-4.1(a) through (c) shall be maintained on file as follows: 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.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-4.8(a)(1) Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, including training on all required subjects. - Topics of orientation training shall include supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a).
2023-03-07 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.
2023-03-07 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.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-4.5(c)(2)(ii) Ensure that the director designee completes the Understanding Licensing training provided by OOL. - 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 complete staff development in understanding licensing rules as provided by the Office.
2023-03-07 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.
2023-03-07 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.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-5.3(l)(1)(i) Ensure that staff are aware of the location of the first aid kit and any additional first aid supplies. - Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating the location of the first aid kit and any additional first aid supplies.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-5.3(a)(7) Ensure that the center is free of infestations, specifically fruit flies and maintain documentation on file. - Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall be free of rodent or insect infestation and shall take immediate action to remove any infestation that may occur. The center shall maintain on file a record documenting the use of extermination services.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-5.2(a)(5) Provide a current fire certificate as required. - The center shall be permitted to obtain a valid fire safety inspection certificate issued by the municipality in which it is located, based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months, and submit a copy of the certificate to the Office of Licensing in lieu of a CO or CCO, if the center serves only children 2 ½ years of age or older and is located in a public school building that is used as a public school.
2023-03-07 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.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-5.3(a)(6) Ensure that all food waste receptacles are lined, covered and maintained in a sanitary condition. - Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: food waste receptacles shall be lined and maintained in clean and sanitary condition.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-5.3(c)(1) Ensure that all fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs have protective coverings. - Lighting requirements are as follows: all fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs shall have protective covers or shields.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-5.4(a)(1) Ensure that all electrical outlets accessible to the children have protective coverings. - For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, all electrical outlets that are accessible to the children shall have protective covers.
2023-03-07 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.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-5.3(a)(17) Ensure that water cooler is secured to a stable surface. - Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: all televisions and computers shall be secured on a stable surface and shelving shall be secured and not be overloaded.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-5.3(q)(3)(v) Label all rooms approved by the OOL for the children's use. - Space and room requirements are as follows: Indoor space requirements for play rooms and sleep rooms are as follows the center shall identify all rooms of the center that have been approved by the Office of Licensing. This identification shall consist of numbers, letters, names or any other means of identification and shall be located either inside or directly outside each room.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-4.6(c)(3) Ensure that the group teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Provide documentation of education and experience. - For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the group teacher shall meet the requirements for experience and education
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-4.6(d)(1) Ensure that the program supervisor meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Provide documentation of education and experience. - For school-age child care programs the program supervisor shall meet the qualification requirements specified in one of the applicable options set forth in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6(d) for education, training, and experience, based on the center's licensed capacity.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-5.4(a)(5)(ii) Ensure that the sink in the toddler room hallway is accessible and not blocked by equipment. - For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, toilet and sink facility requirements are as follows: at least one toilet facility and sink shall be located on each floor level used by children in centers that began operating after March 21, 2005.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-5.3(b)(6) Ensure that the fence surrounding the outdoor play area is maintained in good condition. - Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: centers that provide outdoor space shall maintain all fencing in proper condition.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-5.3(p) Repair and/or remove all broken and/or rusted toys from the outdoor play area. Remove all broken equipment and wood boards. - 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.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) Provide Memorandum of Understanding that the preschool playground area will not be used until cleared of hazards. - 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.
2023-03-07 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.
2023-03-07 Violation 3A:52-5.3(a)(2) Ensure that all surfaces are kept clean and in good repair. Remove the pink chair from the toddler room. - 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.
2022-05-19 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2022-03-31 Phone Call Yes Center Inspection
2022-02-25 Phone Call Yes Center Inspection
2022-01-04 Phone Call Yes Center Inspection
2021-10-29 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2021-09-15 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2021-07-28 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2021-06-16 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2021-05-03 Renewal No Center Inspection
2020-09-03 Email Yes Center Inspection
2020-08-14 Re-Inspection Yes Center Inspection
2020-05-04 Email Yes Center Inspection
2020-03-31 Email Yes Center Inspection

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