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Regular Child Care Center

Little Gems Montessori Academy

Somerset, NJ · Somerset County
★ ★ ★ ★ ½ 4.5 (9 reviews)
65 WESTON ROAD, Somerset, NJ 08873
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Quick Facts

Capacity
60 children
Age Range
0 - 13 years
Type of Care
Before and After School, Full-Time, Kindergarten, Part-Time
Subsidized Program
Participates

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Contact Information

📞 (732) 649-3443
65 WESTON ROAD
Somerset, NJ 08873
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• Regular Child Care Center
Not found in current state licensing data

This provider appeared in previous licensing records but was not found in our most recent state data update.

Historical licensing information
Previous license status
Active
License Number
110500206
Expired
Aug 16, 2023
Issued By
New Jersey Department of Children & Families
District Office
New Jersey Dept of Children and Families - Office of Licensing

Reviews

4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ½
9 reviews
5★
8
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Neeru
2015-03-12 17:21:18
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This school is under the management of a Team of teachers who I truly respect & regard.
My daughter had the privilege if being taught by all of these teachers & we were very happy to know, that all those like minded teachers got together to run this establishment.
I have known them to be extremely approachable & addressed each of my concerns as their own. My daughter is in grade1 & still fondly remembers all of these teachers & their lessons & often mentions them in her daily routines. I understand the delima choosing a school can be & highly recomend this school to anyone who is in two minds.
It was the best decision for my daughter, they give her the love of learning.

120 out of 229 think this review is helpful Was this helpful?  Yes  No
Jess N
2015-02-11 02:44:15
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This daycare has been under new management / new ownership since late summer, and the daycare itself is running much more smoothly.
Little Gems has experienced teachers who enjoy being there, and who genuinely care for the children.
The director is available everyday, and is very involved.

I love the "home" environment and small classes!

My child is learning so much; it's been amazing to see the progress over these last few months!

119 out of 242 think this review is helpful Was this helpful?  Yes  No
Momof2
2014-12-30 22:08:01
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This school is under NEW MANAGEMENT and it is amazing to see the teachers work and interact with the children. My son is being taken care very well and he has become very independent in the last 4 months. For anyone looking for a Montessori rich environment and passionate teachers, this is the place to be.

170 out of 292 think this review is helpful Was this helpful?  Yes  No
Proud Parent
2014-12-24 02:12:40
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had to write this after I was reminded yet again how great the Teachers at Little Gems are and wanted to share our experience now that my kids are in first grade.

We've had the pleasure of the Director, Mrs. Alladi, as well as several of the Little Gems staff teaching my son and daughter from when they were 3 until they started first grade. When my kids first started, my son was a very typical 3 year old boy (who was in a day care since 8 months old). One that didn't have much interest in anything that involved sitting especially if the task at hand required a little effort. Because of this he would ask each morning if he can skip school. The teachers were able to quickly turn around his lack of interest to a child that loves to do any assignment, is focused and is ready and eager to go to school each day. My son today has this passion to learn and curiosity which I believe is largely attributed to the Teachers he had.
My children, just like others, are poles apart in their learning style, strengths and interests, however Mrs. Alladi & staff have a knack for connecting with their students and driving them to success. By mid-year of their kindergarten year, they were reading chapter books, talking about worldly affairs and interested in multiplication among many other skills that they have acquired.


I always knew these teachers were amazing due to their individual, hands-on approach but I am still reminded of their skills today, a year later. My kids are now in 1st grade at a public school and we get lots of questions from their teachers as well as staff as to where they went to school previously since they are at the top of their class. My children are the most advanced readers in their class (by many levels) and are excelling in school. One teacher recently asked where they previously went to school because she said the way they focus on their homework is different than the other kids. Even their ability to focus on task, I would attribute to their previous teachers. I truly feel that my children have this great foundation, a passion to learn and curiosity that was instilled in them from the Little Gems staff that will impact not only their education but their day to day activities for a lifetime. I wish they could still teach my kids! Best decision I ever made. They are ready to conquer the world and have a foundation for a life full of success due to their previous teachers!

122 out of 246 think this review is helpful Was this helpful?  Yes  No
Parent
2014-12-01 02:57:40
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Little Gems Montessori Academy has helped my son grow and be a better learner. Under the new management, the school now offers a Montessori curriculum. The best part about Montessori is every child gets the opportunity to learn at his/her own pace and they create a customized learning experience for each individual child’s needs. The teachers here are phenomenal and it is a great school. I can see the positive difference in my son since he has started the Montessori class.

102 out of 231 think this review is helpful Was this helpful?  Yes  No
Neha A
2014-11-22 16:49:37
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I started my Montessori journey 8 years ago when my son was born. My passion for Montessori approach lead me to take the Certified Teacher training course. I love working with children and the best part is children amaze you with their hidden potential. They are teaching you all the time, you need to find the time to observe them and then provide right kind of environment for joyfull learning. I am proud to be a part of Little Gems Montessori Family as an Owner. This is a perfect home away from home for children.

121 out of 248 think this review is helpful Was this helpful?  Yes  No
Stephanie Vetter
2014-11-22 01:23:14
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This school is now under new management. The director is there everyday and is very approachable. This school is full of passionate and experianced montessori educators. It is amazing to see how the teachers help these kids flourish.

124 out of 243 think this review is helpful Was this helpful?  Yes  No
Owner
2014-11-19 15:58:51
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

It is under a new management. The Director and the teachers are dedicated staff who are there at all times of the day. Call for a tour and check out the facility.

105 out of 222 think this review is helpful Was this helpful?  Yes  No
Ted P
2013-10-09 18:45:22
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

We didn't like this day care at all. Like the other reviewer mentioned, there's no professionalism. No directors available upon drop off in the morning and only 1 teacher present with the toddlers who's changing diapers and taking care of other toddlers as well. 1 incident happened when I was dropping my child off, the teacher was changing diaper and couldn't get to the other 2 kids who were fighting. This day care needs more staff in the morning and at least one director to be there so you can talk to them about any concerns. I took my child out and registered her at another day care close by, they didn't even charge me registration fees since I told them that I was very displeased with the little gems academy and had to take my child out. I will NOT recommend this center to anyone.

113 out of 241 think this review is helpful Was this helpful?  Yes  No

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About the Provider

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Little Gems Academy is now a Early Childhood Montessori School serving children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. The school is under the new ownership of Montessori Educators bringing in over 20 years of experience in Montessori Education.

“Montessori is an education for independence, preparing not just for school, but for Life.” 

Little Gems Montessori provides education based on Dr. Maria Montessori's belief in progressively nurturing each individual’s innate talents and interests to their greatest potential, in turn benefiting greater society. Our mission is to help students achieve their inherent promise by providing enriching, purposeful experiences that unleash their natural aptitude for creativity, curiosity, appreciation, learning, understanding, peacefulness, and kindness.

Children learn at their own individual pace in a carefully prepared environment guided by specially trained and certified Montessori teachers. Our distinctive atmosphere provides a "whole child" curriculum designed to help each student realize his or her greatest intellectual, emotional, spiritual, physical, and aesthetic growth.

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
2023-05-24 Violation 3A:52-4.11(a)(1) Ensure that one staff member completes 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.
2023-05-24 Violation 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) Ensure that all outdoor hazards are removed as required. Repair the splintering railroad tie surrounding the large playground equipment. - 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.
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-4.4(a)(2) Ensure that a primary caregiver is assigned to each group of four infants or six toddlers in room 1. - For early childhood programs, the following shall apply for infants (under 18 months of age) and toddlers (18 months to 2½ years of age): a group shall consist of four infants or six toddlers to whom a primary caregiver has been assigned.
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-6.3(a)(12)(ii) Ensure that each child's sippy cup is labeled with the child's name in room 1 and 6. - 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.
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-6.4(g)(1) Ensure that each child's sleeping equipment is labeled with the child's name. - When sheets, blankets and other coverings are not stored with sleeping equipment, each of these items shall be labeled for each child.
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-4.5(a)(3)(i)(1) Ensure that the center has an up-dated 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.
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-4.5(a)(3)(i)(2) Ensure that the center develops and implements job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff. - 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 job descriptions, titles and qualifications for all center staff.
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-4.6(a) Maintains on file a current 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).
2023-04-21 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.
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-4.8(b) Ensure that all staff complete orientation training which may be included for six of the required annual training hours. - Orientation training as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(a) may be included for six of the required hours of staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(c) and (d).
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-7.3(a)(2) Ensure that a Universal Health Record is completed upon enrollment and updated annually for 2 children - For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: for each child not enrolled in a public or private school, upon admission, the center shall maintain on file at the center a Universal Child Health Record (Department of Health Form CH-14) or its equivalent, updated annually, along with an immunization record, and a special care plan, if applicable. A 30-day grace period is permitted in N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.5(e)
2023-04-21 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.
2023-04-21 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.
2023-04-21 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
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-5.2(a)(5) Ensure that the emergency lighting are operable at all times in room 3. - 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.
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-5.3(d)(3) Cease the use of electric space heater in the office. - Heating requirements are as follows: the center shall not use portable liquid fuel-burning or wood-burning heating appliances or electric space heaters.
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-5.3(a)(2) Ensure that all surfaces are kept clean and in good repair. Clean the exterior building wall at the fire ramp of room 1. - 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.
2023-04-21 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.
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-5.3(a)(15) Maintain all mechanical ventilation are clean in the ceiling in the hallway near room 6. - Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: ventilation outlets shall be clean and free from obstructions, and filters shall be replaced when saturated.
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-5.3(b)(6) Ensure that the fence surrounding the outdoor play area is maintained in good condition. The gate is in need of repair on the large playground. - Outdoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: centers that provide outdoor space shall maintain all fencing in proper condition.
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) Ensure that all playground equipment meets public playground design standards (ASTM F-1487). Clean the large play equipment of dirt. - 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.
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-5.3(p) Repair and/or remove all broken toys/equipment from the outdoor play area. The seat on the wooden sandbox is in need of repair. - 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.
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-7.7(b)(2) Ensure that all sand used in the outdoor play areas is maintained in a sanitary manner from animals. - Centers that maintain outside sandboxes or play areas containing sand shall ensure that the sand is maintained in a safe and sanitary manner.
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-5.3(b)(1) Ensure that all outdoor hazards are removed as required. Enclose the 2 air conditioning units for the safety of the children on the large playground. - 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.
2023-04-21 Violation 3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(iii) Submit current documentation from the DEP, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water (BSDW) for centers not served by a public community water system and post the results. - 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 or site is not provided a potable water supply by a public community water system, the applicant shall provide potable water sampling results demonstrating compliance with maximum contaminant levels for all contaminants required to be tested pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:10-5 for public non-transient, non-community (NTNC) water systems, including radiological contaminants, regardless of whether they meet the definition of NTNC systems as defined at N.J.A.C. 7:10-1.3. This sampling shall have been conducted within three years of the date of application submission, except nitrates and coliform, for which the sampling shall have been conducted within 90 days of submitting the application.
2022-07-05 Violation 3A:52-4.10(b)(2) Ensure that all staff who do not have a completed CARI background check are directly supervised by another staff member. - 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.
2022-07-05 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.
2022-07-05 Violation 3A:52-4.10(a)(1) Ensure that CARI background checks are completed as required for 2 staff within two weeks of hire. - 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.
2022-07-05 Violation 3A:52-4.11(a)(1) Ensure that 2 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.
2022-06-06 Violation 3A:52-4.3(a) Ensure that adequate supervision is maintained at all times throughout the center. A staff member left a sleeping child in room 1 to answer the door for the inspector. - 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.
2022-04-01 Violation 3A:52-5.3(o)(1) Ensure that at least two staff have current first aid and CPR certifications and are present at all times at the center. - First aid requirements are as follows: at least two staff members who have current certified basic knowledge of first aid principles and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as defined by a recognized health organization (such as the American Red Cross), shall be in the center at all times when enrolled children are present.
2022-04-01 Violation 3A:52-5.2(a)(5) Ensure that all illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting are operable at all times in the hallway near room 6. - 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.
2022-04-01 Violation 3A:52-5.3(a)(10) Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. the hallway closet was open and the cleaning supplies were accessible to the children. At the time of the inspection, the cleaning supplies were moved. - 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.
2022-04-01 Violation 3A:52-5.3(a)(2) Ensure that all surfaces are in good repair. Repair the shattered window in room 6. - 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.

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