Child Care Center
✓ Licensed
Peppermint Tree Child Care at Raritan
Edison, NJ
· Middlesex County
165 FIELDCREST AVE,
Edison, NJ 08837
Quick Facts
Capacity
120 children
Age Range
0 - 13 years
Type of Care
Before and After School, Full-Time, Kindergarten, Part-Time
Transportation
Field Trips
Subsidized Program
Participates
State Rating
2
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Contact Information
📞 (732) 225-7400
Licensed Child Care Center
Active License
License Number
12PEP0002
License Issued
Mar 30, 2026
Active Through
Mar 30, 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
Helping Hands was established in 1979 as a pre-school/child care center. Since, it has grown into a family of schools known as Helping Hands/Peppermint Tree Schools with Traditional and Montessori Programs.
It is our mission to foster a good self image and prepare your child to face life with confidence. Our warm, loving, learning environment enhances and develops children's minds where freedom of choice and independence are encouraged. Helping Hands & Peppermint Tree Schools provide an environment that promotes a positive growing experience. All the classrooms are equipped with furniture and materials designed for each specific age group. This provides the child with the ability to move freely and independently with little assistance from the adult This freedom of making choices allows the child to think and act independently and to complete each task successfully.
It is our mission to foster a good self image and prepare your child to face life with confidence. Our warm, loving, learning environment enhances and develops children's minds where freedom of choice and independence are encouraged. Helping Hands & Peppermint Tree Schools provide an environment that promotes a positive growing experience. All the classrooms are equipped with furniture and materials designed for each specific age group. This provides the child with the ability to move freely and independently with little assistance from the adult This freedom of making choices allows the child to think and act independently and to complete each task successfully.
Hours of Operation
- Monday6:30am-6:30pm
- Tuesday6:30am-6:30pm
- Wednesday6:30am-6:30pm
- Thursday6:30am-6:30pm
- Friday6:30am-6:30pm
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-24 | Re-Inspection,Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2026-02-03 | Re-Inspection,TA Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-12-23 | Life Safety Modification,Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-11-12 | Email,Email | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-11-07 | Re-Inspection,Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-10-21 | Renewal,Technical Assistance Inspection | No | Center Inspection |
| 2025-08-21 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2025-08-06 | Other,Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-07-01 | Other | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-03-31 | Other,Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-02-24 | Other | No | Center Inspection |
| 2025-02-04 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2024-11-04 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2023-11-14 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-09-29 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-06-12 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-06-12 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-06-12 | Violation | 3A:52-7.7(b)(2) | Ensure that all sand used in the outdoor play areas is maintained in a sanitary manner. - Centers that maintain outside sandboxes or play areas containing sand shall ensure that the sand is maintained in a safe and sanitary manner. |
| 2023-06-12 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) | Ensure that all playground equipment meets public playground design standards (ASTM F-1487). - 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. |
| 2023-04-10 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-02-10 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-12-14 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-10-17 | Renewal | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-10-17 | Renewal | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-10-17 | Violation | 3A:52-6.1(b)(1) | Ensure that time frames for each activity are both age and developmentally appropriate for the children served. Children in the toddler classroom were sitting for a long period of time while waiting their turn to do an art project. - 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 time frames for each activity are geared to the age and developmental level of each child served and are flexible enough to accommodate spontaneous occurrences or children's suggestions and inquiries. |
| 2022-10-17 | Violation | 3A:52-6.1(g)(2) | Ensure that classrooms that care for children under 18 months of age provide at least four different activity areas and that each area contains at least four types of supplies and equipment. - 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. |
| 2022-10-17 | 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. |
| 2022-10-17 | Violation | 3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) | Ensure that the center washes and disinfects diapering surfaces after each use. - For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: in addition to the items specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.7(a)3, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use, diapering surfaces. |
| 2022-10-17 | Violation | 3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(i) | Ensure that children wash their hands 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. |
| 2022-10-17 | Violation | 3A:52-7.8(a)(1)(ii) | Ensure that children wash their hands immediately after using the toilet or having their diaper changed. - 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 immediately after using the toilet or having diapers changed. |
| 2022-10-17 | Violation | 3A:52-7.8(a)(4)(i) | Ensure that staff wash their hands immediately before preparing or serving food. - Handwashing requirements are as follows: staff members shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately before preparing or serving food. |
| 2022-10-17 | Violation | 3A:52-7.8(a)(4)(iii) | Ensure that staff wash their hands immediately after assisting a child in toileting. - Handwashing requirements are as follows: staff members shall wash their hands with soap and running water immediately after assisting a child in toileting. |
| 2022-10-17 | 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. Staff were using the sink in the classroom for cleaning dishes. - 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. |
| 2022-10-17 | Violation | 3A:52-4.5(e)(2)(ii) | Ensure that the head teacher is able to spend time in each classroom in order to plan, discuss and observe the implementation of the program. - For early childhood programs the head teacher shall be scheduled to plan, discuss and observe the implementation of program activities by staff members for all groups of children. |
| 2022-10-17 | Violation | 3A:52-4.5(e)(4)(ii) | Ensure that the group teacher assists the head teacher in implementing the center's program. - For early childhood programs the group teacher(s) shall be scheduled and have the authority and responsibility to assist the head teacher in implementing the center's child development and activities program. |
| 2022-10-17 | 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). |
| 2022-10-17 | 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). |
| 2022-10-17 | Violation | 3A:52-6.8(a)(1) | Ensure that the center completes and maintains on file a children's records checklist, including the child's name, address, birth date and date of enrollment. - The center shall complete and maintain on file for each enrolled child a Children’s Records Checklist, signed by the director, sponsor, or sponsor representative and designated by the Office of Licensing, indicating that the center has obtained documentation of the child's name, address, birth date, and date of enrollment. |
| 2022-10-17 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(l)(1) | Ensure that the center has written emergency plans in a readily accessible location that includes evacuation, disaster and lockdown procedures. - Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating |
| 2022-10-17 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(l)(1)(iii) | Ensure that the center's evacuation procedures include an alternate indoor location that operates during the same operating hours as the center. - Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating an alternate indoor location that operates during the same operating hours as the center. The center shall |
| 2022-10-17 | 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. |
| 2022-10-17 | Violation | 3A:52-6.1(g)(3) | Ensure that classrooms that care for children over 18 months of age provide at least five different activity areas and that each area contains at least five different types of supplies and equipment. - 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. |
| 2022-10-17 | 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. |
| 2022-10-17 | Violation | 3A:52-4.6(c)(3) | Ensure that the group teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. - For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the group teacher shall meet the requirements for experience and education |
| 2022-10-17 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(d)(3) | Cease the use of electric space heaters. - Heating requirements are as follows: the center shall not use portable liquid fuel-burning or wood-burning heating appliances or electric space heaters. |
| 2022-10-17 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(2) | Ensure that all surfaces are kept clean and in good repair. Replace or deep clean all stained toys throughout the center. - 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. |
| 2022-10-17 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) | Maintain all mechanical ventilation in a clean and operating condition. Clean all dusty vents throughout the 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. |
| 2022-10-17 | 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. |
| 2022-09-20 | Monitoring | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-09-20 | Monitoring | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-09-20 | Violation | 3A:52-6.6(a)(1) | Based on report, ensure that staff utilize positive methods of guidance and discipline at all times throughout the center. - The methods of guidance and discipline used shall: be positive. |
| 2022-09-20 | Violation | 3A:52-6.8(k)(5) | Based on report, ensure that staff adhere to the center’s policies and procedures for the appropriate use of technology, including cell phones and communicating with parents. - The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the use of social media including, but not limited to the guidelines for appropriate conduct by staff members. |
| 2022-08-12 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-08-05 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-06-29 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-05-31 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-05-10 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-05-10 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-05-10 | Violation | 3A:52-4.3(c) | Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the center. There were 14, 18mos.-2 years old children with 2 staff, 3 staff were needed to maintain the staff/child 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 |
| 2022-04-26 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-04-26 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-04-11 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-02-10 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2021-11-29 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2021-02-24 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2021-02-10 | Renewal | No | Center Inspection |
| 2021-02-09 | Life Safety | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2020-07-14 | Life Safety | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2020-05-15 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2020-01-21 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2019-12-31 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2019-11-19 | Renewal | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2019-10-01 | New Sponsor | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2019-10-01 | Renewal | No | Center Inspection |
| 2019-07-11 | New Sponsor | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2019-05-06 | New Sponsor | No | Center Inspection |
If you are a provider and believe any information is incorrect, please contact us. We will research your concern and make corrections accordingly.
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