Child Care Center
✓ Licensed
SPARK Preschool
Lakewood, NJ
· Ocean County
525 Oberlin Ave S,
Lakewood, NJ 08701
Quick Facts
Capacity
265 children
Age Range
0 - 6 years
Type of Care
Full-Time
Subsidized Program
Participates
State Rating
3
Missing details such as transportation or rates? Suggest an update to help other families.
Licensed Child Care Center
Active License
License Number
170300016
License Issued
May 7, 2026
Active Through
May 7, 2029
Issued By
New Jersey Department of Children & Families
District Office
New Jersey Dept of Children and Families - Office of Licensing
Reviews
Write a Review
Be the first to review this childcare provider. Write a review about SPARK Preschool. 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.
Providers are welcome to respond to parental reviews, however we ask that they identify themselves as the provider.
About the Provider
SPARK Preschool is a Child Care Center in Lakewood NJ, with a maximum capacity of 265 children. This child care center helps with children in the age range of 0 - 6 years. It is open Monday - Thursday, 08:45 AM - 04:15 PM; Friday, 08:45 AM - 01:15 PM. The provider also participates in a subsidized child care program.
Hours of Operation
- Monday08:45 AM - 04:15 PM
- Tuesday08:45 AM - 04:15 PM
- Wednesday08:45 AM - 04:15 PM
- Thursday08:45 AM - 04:15 PM
- Friday08:45 AM - 01:15 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-03 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2026-07-28 | Email,Phone Call | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2026-06-18 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2026-05-07 | Life Safety Modification | No | Center Inspection |
| 2026-03-20 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2026-01-14 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-12-02 | Monitoring,Life Safety Modification | No | Center Inspection |
| 2025-03-27 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-03-04 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-02-24 | Other | No | Center Inspection |
| 2025-02-13 | Re-Inspection,Life Safety Modification | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-01-16 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2024-12-02 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2023-12-07 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-11-21 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2023-11-06 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2023-11-02 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-10-26 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2023-10-15 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2023-10-10 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-08-29 | Complaint | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-07-25 | Renewal | No | Center Inspection |
| 2022-09-28 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2022-08-05 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2022-07-13 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2022-06-27 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-06-09 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-06-09 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-06-09 | Violation | 3A:52-4.3(c) | Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the center. Room 22 had 1 staff with 16 children ages 2.5-3 when 2 staff were needed. - 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 |
| 2022-04-12 | Monitoring | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-04-12 | Monitoring | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-04-12 | Violation | 3A:52-6.4(b)(1)(ii) | Ensure that all sleeping equipment is free of pillows and soft bedding when occupied by a sleeping child. An infant under 12 months of age in room 34 was covered with a blanket. - 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. |
| 2022-04-12 | Violation | 3A:52-4.6(a) | Provide an updated staff records checklist. 6-9-22: Ensure orientation training date is documented on the staff records checklist for each staff. - 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). |
| 2022-04-12 | Violation | 3A:52-4.11(a)(1) | Provide CHRI clearances for all staff. 6-27-22- 10 missing - 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. |
| 2022-04-12 | Violation | 3A:52-4.10(a)(1) | Provide CARI clearances for all staff. - 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. |
| 2022-04-12 | Violation | 3A:52-4.8(a)(1) | Provide documentation of orientation training for all staff. - Topics of orientation training shall include supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a). |
| 2022-04-12 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(n)(1) | Provide documentation for monthly fire drills as required. - 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. |
| 2022-04-12 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(l)(4) | Provide documentation of a lock down drill as required. - 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. |
| 2022-04-12 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(m)(2) | Ensure that all cribs, cots and sleeping equipment are arranged to provide access to a three foot wide aisle that leads to an exit. In room 10, a crib was behind a large wooden changing table blocking the 3 foot exit isle. 6-2-22: Room 30 had a pack and play positioned in the corner of the room behind out other cribs and inaccessible. Staff re-positioned cribs to provide a 3 foot exit isle from each at the time of inspection. - Supplemental evacuation requirements are as follows: cribs, beds, playpens, and cots used for rest or sleep shall be arranged so as to provide access to a three-foot-wide aisle that leads to an unobstructed exit. |
| 2022-04-12 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(10) | Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. Ensure all cleaning closets in hallway bathrooms which store cleaning supplies are locked. - 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. |
| 2022-04-12 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(2) | Replace the stained ceiling tiles and light cover in the hallway outside room 42 where there is old water damage stains. - 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. |
| 2022-04-12 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(13) | Ensure that blinds are maintained in good repair and that all blind cords are inaccessible to the children. Room 11/12 has low hanging window blind cords which are accessible to children in cribs. - Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: the center shall ensure that window blind cords and other cords and ropes that present risk of harm are inaccessible to children. |
| 2022-04-12 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) | Ensure that the tarp under the outdoor surfacing is not exposed to prevent a tripping hazard. - 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. |
| 2022-04-12 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) | Provide and maintain the resilient surfacing and use zones under all play equipment as required. - 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. |
| 2022-04-12 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(i)(8) | Submit a current Safe Building Interior Certification or other approval issued by the DOH. - 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. |
| 2022-04-12 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(n)(4) | Ensure that all fire extinguishers are serviced and tagged annually and recharged as needed. - 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. |
| 2022-04-12 | Violation | 3A:52-6.4(b)(1) | Provide 1 evacuation crib for every 4 non-ambulatory children. Rooms 30 and 32 had 11 non-ambulatory children and only 2 evacuation cribs. - 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 |
| 2022-03-25 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-03-25 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-03-25 | Violation | 3A:52-4.3(a) | Ensure that adequate supervision is maintained at all times throughout the center. In room 9, there were white covers on the ends of the cribs for children not to see each other while napping. The center needs to ensure direct sight lines for supervision to all children, at all times, including during rest or sleep. 4/12/22: In room 10, a child was sleeping in a crib blocked by a large wooden changing table in the back corner of the room. Staff were unable able to see the child while sleeping. - 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. |
| 2022-03-03 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-03-03 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-03-03 | Violation | 3A:52-6.4(a)(2) | Ensure cribs are free of soft toys, stuffed animals and soft sleeping pads. In room 9, there was a stuffed animals in the crib with an infant under 12 months. In room 30, there were soft toys in the pack and play and the child was laying on a soft blanket type pad. - For early childhood programs, the center shall provide opportunities for daily rest and sleep as follows: for children from 13 to 18 months of age, the center shall provide daily rest and sleep according to the child's physical needs and ensure that blankets or pillows do not cover the child's face. |
| 2022-03-03 | Violation | 3A:52-5.6(a) | Provide an adequate amount of light in the classroom during naptime. Pertaining to room 30. - At least five foot-candles of natural or artificial light shall be provided in all rooms used by children during naptime. The illumination shall be measured three feet above the floor at the farthest point from the light source. |
| 2022-02-15 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-02-15 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-01-27 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-01-27 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2021-11-30 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2021-09-03 | Relocation | No | Center Inspection |
| 2021-07-01 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2021-05-21 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2021-04-08 | Renewal | 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.
Providers in ZIP Code 08701
Looking for Child Care?
Helpful Resources
How to Choose a Child Care Center
Read article →
Questions to Ask During a Tour
Read article →
Licensing Guide
Read article →