Smart Start Academy - Toms River NJ Regular Child Care Center

1580 Lakewood Rd , TOMS RIVER NJ 08755
(732) 505-6300
1 Review

About the Provider

Description:

Smart Start Academy would like to thank you for your interest in our schools. We believe all children can learn and will learn given the proper environment.







Did you know that children do their most important learning before they even reach age five? Our schools provide an atmosphere which encourages social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth skills which will be needed for the rest of your child's life.





Our curriculum is planned within the framework of Smart Start Academy. The specific skills learned at each level of development will serve as a foundation for learning at the next level. Each classroom's lesson plans are filled with developmentally appropriate experiences. Our standards are high and our commitment is strong.





Like every one of our parents and children, we are at Smart Start Academy by choice... Loving what we do, and who we do it for.

Additional Information:

Established in 2000.

Smart Start Academy was founded in 2000 as a school for early childhood education. It started as a dream, became a reality, and is now celebrating a wonderfully successful past and future. We are a family owned and operated corporation with children's best interests at heart.







The curriculum is of the highest quality covering all basic skills areas. We strive to create a learning environment that stimulates, encourages, and rewards. In addition, we provide a loving, nurturing environment with lots of hugs and kisses. We truly believe that education is the number one reason for children to be at Smart Start Academy with socialization, team play, and the arts as wonderful accessories.







We pride ourselves on our achievements and the wonderful staff at Smart Start Academy and know your child, whether an infant, pre-k, or kindergarten student, will have his/her life enriched by his/her experiences at our school.


Program and Licensing Details

  • License Number: 71000101
  • Capacity: 186
  • Age Range: 0 - 13 years
  • State Rating: 3
  • Enrolled in Subsidized Child Care Program: Yes
  • Type of Care: After School, Before School, Before and After School, Daytime, Full-Time, Kindergarten
  • Current License Expiration Date: Nov 23, 2025
  • 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: Leanna Felipe (lfelipe@preventchildabusenj.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
2023-07-07 2023-07-25 3A:52-6.3(a)(12)(ii)
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.

Violation Observed: Ensure that each child's sippy cup is labeled with the child's name in Room #2.
2023-07-07 2023-08-08 3A:52-4.3(a)
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.

Violation Observed: Ensure that adequate supervision is maintained at all times throughout the center. A school age child was alone at the water fountain. Further, children ran into room #1 and were unattended as they opened the classroom refrigerator and took out thermoses. 7/25/2023 Teacher was observed organizing the storage in the bathroom while children were napping in Room 2.
2023-07-07 2023-07-25 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 staff who do not have a completed CARI and a CHRI background check are directly supervised by another staff member in room #1.
2023-06-15 2023-07-07 3A:52-4.3(a)(1)
The center shall develop and implement an Office of Licensing-approved method to keep track of the location and ensure the safety of all children at all times when under the center’s supervision, including the transfer of supervision from and to parents during arrival and departure and the utilization of off-site locations, including playgrounds and field trips.

Violation Observed: Ensure that adequate procedures for tracking children are adhered to at all times throughout the center.
2023-06-15 2023-07-07 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 in Room 2. There were 7 children present with 1 staff member, when 2 staff members were required.
2023-03-21 2023-05-08 3A:52-7.7(a)(1)
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

Violation Observed: Ensure that the center maintains the bathrooms free of storage as to permit accessibility to the bathroom sinks and toilets.
2023-03-21 2023-05-08 3A:52-4.5(c)(2)(ii)
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.

Violation Observed: Ensure that the director designee completes the Understanding Licensing training.
2023-03-21 3A:52-4.6(c)(3)
For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the group teacher shall meet the requirements for experience and education

Violation Observed: Ensure that the group teacher meets the required qualifications as specified in the manual. Provide documentation of education and experience.
2023-03-21 2023-06-13 3A:52-5.3(n)(4)
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.

Violation Observed: Ensure that all fire extinguishers are mounted as required.
2023-03-21 2023-03-21 3A:52-5.3(a)(10)
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.

Violation Observed: Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. Remove toxics, fire extinguishers under the sink, and sharp objects and ensure they are inaccessible to the children.
2023-03-21 2023-05-08 3A:52-5.3(b)(1)
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.

Violation Observed: Ensure that all outdoor hazards are removed as required. Secure the netting to provide an unobstructed exitway from Room #2.
2023-03-21 2023-05-08 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(vii)
For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: when a child is feeding, the bottle shall not be propped at any time.

Violation Observed: Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date.
2023-03-21 2023-06-13 3A:52-6.3(a)(12)(ii)
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.

Violation Observed: Ensure that each child's sippy cup is labeled with the child's name.
2023-03-21 2023-05-08 3A:52-5.3(a)(17)
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.

Violation Observed: Secure the shelf in room #4
2023-03-21 2023-06-13 3A:52-5.3(p)
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.

Violation Observed: Ensure that all indoor and outdoor equipment is sturdy, safe, and free of hazards. Ensure the chairs in room #6 are not stacked high.

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

...
candice Jun 29, 2022
I have toured this provider's facility, but have not used its services

We had scheduled a tour to potentially enroll our child. Upon entering the facility through the unlocked front door, I approached a glass window, behind which sat a blonde woman who briefly glanced up from her computer screen only to quickly put her head back down as if she hadn't seen me, my husband, and my child enter. We lingered in the front lobby area for a few minutes waiting to be greeted, I even stepped in front of her open office door as to present myself again. Frustrated, we decided to look around and see if anyone would bother to even stop us. We were able to roam around the entire facility seemingly unnoticed. During this time I observed a classroom of what appeared to be 8 to 10 babies around 1 year old, all in a highchair table, eating snacks, glued to a TV. NO teacher in sight. As we continued our unsupervised tour we came across a classroom of toddlers all glued to a television. It wasn't until we had made our way all the way back to the front entrance area that we were approached by someone asking if we needed help. I was so disturbed I continued to leave with my child but my husband made sure to let her know that we were scheduled for a tour but due to the complete lack of security and supervision we would be well on our way. She then proceeded to explain that it was likely a staff member that left and didn't lock the door behind herself. Completely unacceptable, after all the incidents of school intruders the safety of the children should always be maintained and this was a flagrant breech of any safety protocol they claim to have in place and immediate action should be taken to ensure the safety of the children attending this facility. I urge any parents that have their children in this facility to remove them immediately as they are not safe by any meansflagrant breech of any safety protocol they claim to have in place and immediate action should be taken to ensure the safety of the children attending this facility. I urge any parents that have their children in this facility to remove them immediately as they are not safe by any means.

16 out of 30 think this review is helpful
Was this review helpful to you?  Yes  No

Write a review about Smart Start Academy. Let other families know what’s great, or what could be improved. Please read our brief review guidelines to make your review as helpful as possible.

Review Policy:
ChildcareCenter.us does not actively screen or monitor user reviews, nor do we verify or edit content. Reviews reflect only the opinion of the writer. We ask that users follow our review guidelines. If you see a review that does not reflect these guidelines, you can email us. We will assess the review and decide the appropriate next step. Please note – we will not remove a review simply because it is negative. Providers are welcome to respond to parental reviews, however we ask that they identify themselves as the provider.

Providers in ZIP Code 08755