Child Care Center
✓ Licensed
Little Learner Academy- Jefferson
Lake Hopatcong, NJ
· Morris County
21 Bowling Green Parkway,
Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
Quick Facts
Capacity
94 children
Age Range
0 - 13 years
Subsidized Program
Participates
State Rating
1
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Contact Information
📞 (973) 663-6210
Licensed Child Care Center
Active License
License Number
100900089
License Issued
Oct 27, 2025
Active Through
Oct 27, 2028
Issued By
New Jersey Department of Children & Families
District Office
New Jersey Dept of Children and Families - Office of Licensing
Reviews
Unhappy Parent
2016-02-15 19:02:49
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
I have used this provider for more than 6 months
We really wanted to like this place. It seemed on the surface to be a great child care facility. As someone who worked in child care I took my time and looked up the state inspections of the facility. I know there were some issues, but there always are little ones. That is the nature of childcare.
However, our normally easy going child was VERY unhappy. (This was a child who was used to daycare!) First day I picked him up and found him sitting alone at a table sucking his thumb. Not at all like the social happy little boy I was used to. I thought this was because it was his first day and it was a change. The next day I arrived to pick him up and he was crying. The third day ANOTHER parent handed him to me because he was running in the hallway. This was only to get worse.
Each day he would be picked up and STARVING, he would walk in the front door of our home and eat everything that was still in his lunch box immediately. He frequently brought home a full lunchbox, even though his daily sheets stated he ate 'all' of his food. Another day a daily sheet stated he enjoyed his french toast....strange since he was't sent in with french toast. Did the child who was supposed to have that not have lunch? Let's not even mention the daily sheet that stated he was given milk, you know to the child who has a documented milk allergy! We were not quiet about our concerns and shared them with the director quickly She assured us the situation would be addressed. However if it was it, it was too little too late. After less than two weeks attendance we pulled our child. The above issues on top of getting the wrong clothes sent home, our child coming home in someone else's diapers and seeing other children's diaper cream in my child's diaper cubby was just too much!
This was over a month ago and we are still trying to get in touch with them to get our money back from the last two weeks! We paid for the month, and have yet to have a phone call returned by the owner. Apparently he is more than happy to take your money but can't take the time to call a customer. Now the director is 'away' every time we call. We will continue to wait for our 'call back' within the week (the week of Jan 14th) to discuss our money back for the last two weeks of the month. I don't hold out much hope at this point, but maybe they will care about their business more than they care about the children left in their care and call us back. From one parent and previous day care director PLEASE, please do your homework and DO NOT send your child here.
95 out of 201 think this review is helpful
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About the Provider
Little Learner Academy's Commitment is to provide early childhood education through age and developmentally appropriate activities, based on two main concepts: child-centeredness and problem solving. Out teachers are warm, nurturing and knowledgeable of child development, trained, and committed to the education of young children.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-23 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2026-08-25 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2026-08-11 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2026-06-29 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2025-10-27 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-09-17 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-08-15 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-07-02 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-05-13 | Renewal,Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-04-15 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-03-05 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2025-02-24 | Other | No | Center Inspection |
| 2025-01-24 | Monitoring,Complaint | No | Center Inspection |
| 2024-09-11 | Re-Inspection,Other | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2024-08-28 | Other | No | Center Inspection |
| 2024-06-20 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2024-06-06 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2024-05-22 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2024-05-01 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2024-04-03 | Complaint | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2024-03-06 | Monitoring | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2024-01-23 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2023-08-24 | Phone Call | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-07-06 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2023-06-06 | Monitoring | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-05-24 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-04-04 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2023-04-04 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2023-03-31 | 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). |
| 2023-03-31 | 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. 4 CHRI clearances are missing and 1 needs to be updated. - 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. |
| 2023-03-31 | Violation | 3A:52-5.2(a)(5) | Ensure that the center's fire protective systems are operative at all times. At the time of the inspection, the fire panel was in trouble and was not in communication with the monitoring company. The panel began malfunctioning on 3/30/23 but was not reported to the local Fire Official or OOL. The local Fire Official was notified and the situation was corrected within approximately 3 hours while the OOL inspector and the Fire Official were on site. - 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. |
| 2023-03-31 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(2) | Ensure that all flooring is maintained in good repair. There is a broken floor tile near the door to the preschool wing. - 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. |
| 2023-03-31 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(16)(i) | Repair and/or paint the walls and other surfaces as required. Chipping paint is evident in all of the classrooms throughout the center. - Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of excessive peeling or chipped paint. |
| 2022-09-20 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2022-09-12 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2022-08-19 | Monitoring | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-08-10 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-07-12 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-07-12 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-07-12 | 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. |
| 2022-07-12 | Violation | 3A:52-6.4(a)(1) | Ensure that children under 12 months of age are placed in a face-up position in their sleeping equipment, unless it is contraindicated in writing by the child's health care provider. - For early childhood programs, the center shall provide opportunities for daily rest and sleep as follows: for children 12 months of age and younger, the center shall ensure that each child is initially placed in a face-up sleeping position unless a different position is indicated in writing by the child's health care provider. |
| 2022-07-12 | Violation | 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(vi) | Ensure that age and developmentally appropriate seating is provided for all children who no longer need to be held for feeding. Ensure bucket seats have the required safety straps as required by the manufacturer's instructions for use. - For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: a child who, because of age or developmental readiness, no longer needs to be held for feeding shall be provided with an infant seat, high chair with safety strap, or other age-appropriate seating apparatus, which meets the standards of a recognized safety organization (such as the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, the American Society for Testing and Materials, or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission). |
| 2022-07-12 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(10) | Ensure that all toxic substances are inaccessible to the children. Ensure staff handbags are inaccessible to the children at all times as required. - 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. |
| 2022-07-12 | 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. |
| 2022-06-06 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-06-06 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-06-06 | Violation | 3A:52-6.8(k)(2) | Ensure that the center's social media policy includes its policies regarding the use of e-mail, text messages and other electronic means of communication with staff and parents. Ensure the policy addresses the use of personal staff cell phones for parent communication. - The center shall develop and follow a written policy on the use of social media including, but not limited to the use of e-mail, text messages, and other electronic means of communication with staff and parents. |
| 2022-06-06 | Violation | 3A:52-5.2(d) | Provide a current fire certificate as required. The current certificate expired 5/16/22. - An applicant seeking the renewal of a license or of a Certificate of Life/Safety Approval to continue operating a center shall obtain and maintain on file a fire safety inspection certificate for the building based on a fire inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months. If the center prepares meals, the applicant seeking renewal shall obtain and maintain on file a satisfactory Sanitary Inspection Certificate, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:24, indicating that the kitchen is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the State Sanitary Code, based on a sanitary inspection conducted within the preceding 12 months. |
| 2022-06-06 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(16)(i) | Repair and/or paint the walls and other surfaces as required throughout the center. - Indoor maintenance and sanitation requirements are as follows: walls shall be painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of excessive peeling or chipped paint. |
| 2022-04-18 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2022-03-18 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2022-03-07 | Renewal | No | Center Inspection |
| 2022-03-07 | Renewal | No | Center Inspection |
| 2022-03-07 | Violation | 3A:52-4.4(a)(2) | Ensure that a primary caregiver is assigned to each group of four infants or six toddlers. - 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. |
| 2022-03-07 | Violation | 3A:52-6.1(b)(7) | Ensure that the use of television, computers, and other video equipment is for educational and instructional use, is age and developmentally appropriate, is not used as a substitute for planned activities, and is not used for passive viewing.At the time of the inspection, there was a child seated in a bucket seat looking at an iPad. The child was not eating but was passively watching cartoons. The center shall provide a Memorandum of Understanding. - 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 the use of a television, computers, and other video equipment shall be limited to educational and instructional use, shall be age and developmentally appropriate, and shall not be used as a substitute for planned activities or for passive viewing. |
| 2022-03-07 | Violation | 3A:52-6.4(b)(1)(ii) | Ensure that sleeping equipment is free of pillows, soft bedding, bumpers and other hazards when occupied by a sleeping child.At the time of the inspection, there was a .13mo child sleeping with her face covered with a blanket while also sleeping on a boppy. The center shall provide a doctor's note or immediately cease this practice. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is required. - 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. |
| 2022-03-07 | Violation | 3A:52-7.9(a)(1) | Maintain an illness log on file at the center and ensure that it contains all of the required components.Documentation will be reviewed at the next inspection. - For early childhood programs, the following shall apply: the center shall maintain on file a log of the initial illnesses, symptoms of illness, or diseases that are exhibited by each child while in the center’s care, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-7.1(c) and (d). This illness log shall include |
| 2022-03-07 | Violation | 3A:52-7.7(e)(1) | Ensure that the center washes and disinfects surfaces as required.Clean under all diapering mats in center. - 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, |
| 2022-03-07 | Violation | 3A:52-4.5(a)(3)(i)(1) | Ensure that the center has a table of organization that illustrates lines of authority, responsibility and communication.4/18/22-Provide a copy of the center's updated floor plan which shall include all room occupancies and OOL required information. - 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. |
| 2022-03-07 | 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). |
| 2022-03-07 | Violation | 3A:52-4.10(b)(1) | Ensure that all staff submit a CARI background check upon renewal.Provide a copy of all staff CARI including the sponsor. - 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. |
| 2022-03-07 | 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.Provide a copy of all staff & sponsor CHRI. - 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. |
| 2022-03-07 | Violation | 3A:52-4.8(a)(1) | Ensure that all staff complete orientation training within two weeks of hire and annually, including training on supervising and tracking children.All staff trainings will be reviewed at next inspection. - Topics of orientation training shall include supervising and tracking all children, as specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.3(a). |
| 2022-03-07 | 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/CPR will be reviewed at next inspection. - 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. |
| 2022-03-07 | 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. |
| 2022-03-07 | Violation | 3A:52-5.2(c) | Provide a current health certificate as required. - If the center prepares meals, the center shall obtain a satisfactory Sanitary Inspection Certificate, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:24, indicating that the kitchen is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the State Sanitary Code. The center shall maintain on file the Sanitary Inspection Certificate. |
| 2022-03-07 | Violation | 3A:52-5.2(a)(8) | Provide a current life/hazard use registration certificate applicable to the center's licensed capacity and ages served. - The center shall obtain a Life Hazard Use Registration certificate applicable to the center’s licensed capacity and ages served pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq. The center shall post this document in a prominent location within the center. |
| 2022-03-07 | 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. |
| 2022-03-07 | Violation | 3A:52-2.1(b) | Complete and submit a DCF Renewal Attestation and all required documents. - A person applying for an initial license or renewal license to operate a center or relocation of a center shall submit a completed application to the Office of Licensing at least 45 days prior to the anticipated opening of the center or to the expiration of its existing regular license. |
| 2022-03-07 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(i)(5)(i) | Complete and submit a DCF Drinking Water Testing 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. |
| 2022-03-07 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(h)(2) | Provide a copy of the center's Lead Free report and certificate. - Lead paint precautions are as follows: the center shall comply with the lead paint inspection requirements specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-5.3(h)3, unless the center |
| 2022-03-07 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(l)(1)(vii) | Post a diagram showing how the center is to be evacuated from each classroom and the outdoor play area.Provide an updated floor plan which shall include room numbers and occupancies. - Emergency procedure requirements are as follows: the center shall prepare written emergency procedures delineating a diagram showing how the center is to be evacuated in case of emergency from each classroom and the outdoor play area. |
| 2021-07-16 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2019-09-19 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2019-08-09 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2019-07-03 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2019-06-14 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2018-05-06 | Monitoring | 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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