First Steps Early Learning Center
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Contact Information
📞 (732) 706-1567Reviews
The owners really care about the school and the students. My som is in the pre-k class and had a very hard tike transitioning. His feelings were acknowledged and worked through, and he was given so much one on one attention that I know he would never have gotten anywhere else. Now my son never wants to leave school. He has been learning and excited each week for the new topic/lessons. We will miss first steps when we start kindergarten!
I felt the need to write a review because I remember researching this school before sending my child there and was a little concerned with the previous reviews. Needless to say I never experienced any issues with the previous ownership but most importantly there is a new owner who is wonderful. You can tell she really cares about the school as well as each child that attends. I have seen little improvements already and can't wait to see the final product. I would recommend this school to anyone and based on the lower end tuition cost and high end learning experience I am very happy I get to send my child here.
Children always coming home bite and bruised. Air Conditioning and heat rarely work. Object to contract (paying for time not there ie super storm sandy) instead of talking like humans terminate children.
Liz Novak will not be in business much longer.....
My rating for the school it self is it is wonderful. Up until this great storm 2012. I gave it a poor because of the greedy management.
Due to the state of emergency and the power outage the school was closed (as it should be). My beef is the greedy management.
Everyone lost money. Parents lost homes, cars etc. As a parent, I have no objection to paying tuition for taking a child out for vacations and when you close for holidays but to take tuition when NJ was in a State of Emergency with curfew and no power, people who lost time from their jobs and were not paid I think you are a disgrace.
Ever here for business interuption insurance? Did you pay your staff for the time they were out? Then you reopened and you didn't even have power to heat the place. You are lucky the state doesn't step in and investigate you.
Your staff is excellent, but the owner is very greedy.
Tom
My daughter has been going here since she was 8 weeks old. It has been the best decision that I have ever made. Everyone here is like family to me. This my daughters last year and I am sadden to know that I wont see these women on a daily basis. I recommend this place to anyone in the neighborhood that wants their child to be treated with respect and LOVE.
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About the Provider
First Steps has been providing quality child care in Monmouth County for over 20 years. In April 2015, there was a change in ownership. Since then, the center has been completely renovated and the curriculum has been enhanced. First Steps constantly upgrades the center to ensure that high-quality care and education are being provided.
We offer 2 snacks daily, Bi-monthly Parents Night Out and speciality classes all included in your tuition!
Part-time and Full-Time Options
Flexible Schedule Available
Refer a Friend receive 1 WEEK FREE!
Vacation Credit
Sibling Discount
CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Hours of Operation
- Monday07:00 AM - 06:00 PM
- Tuesday07:00 AM - 06:00 PM
- Wednesday07:00 AM - 06:00 PM
- Thursday07:00 AM - 06:00 PM
- Friday07:00 AM - 06:00 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-23 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2026-08-18 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2026-07-29 | Other,No Children Present | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2026-07-20 | Unable to Conduct Inspection,No Children Present | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2026-05-14 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2026-03-23 | Re-Inspection,TA Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2026-02-17 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2025-10-06 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2025-08-26 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-07-16 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-06-02 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2025-04-17 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2025-03-18 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2024-07-01 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2024-05-28 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2024-04-29 | Renewal | No | Center Inspection |
| 2023-07-17 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-07-17 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-06-19 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-05-26 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-05-26 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-04-19 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2023-03-30 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2023-03-30 | Monitoring | No | Center Inspection |
| 2023-03-30 | Violation | 3A:52-4.10(a)(1) | Ensure that CARI background checks are completed for 1 named staff member. - 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. |
| 2023-03-30 | 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. Fingerprint clearance needed for 4 named staff members. - 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. |
| 2023-03-30 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(r) | Secure (2) loose small cubbies to wall. - The center shall take any steps required by the Office of Licensing to correct conditions in the building or center that may endanger the health, safety, and well-being of the children served. |
| 2023-03-27 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(q)(1)(ii) | Maintain licensed room capacities - 13 children were in a room licensed for 12. - Space and room requirements are as follows: all space and rooms within the center to be used by children shall be inspected and approved by the Office of Licensing prior to their use. In making its determination, the Office of Licensing shall consider whether the space is too far removed, remote, or isolated from other areas of the center to be used by children. rooms or areas of the center that are not Office of Licensing-approved for use by children shall be made inaccessible to children. |
| 2023-03-27 | Violation | 3A:52-4.8(c) | Ensure that all staff complete 12 hours of staff development annually. - The center shall ensure that all staff members who work at the center complete 12 hours of continuing staff development each year. |
| 2023-03-27 | Violation | 3A:52-4.8(d)(1) | Ensure that all credentialed staff complete 20 hours of staff development annually. - In lieu of the child care staff development specified in N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.8(b), the director, head teacher(s), group teacher(s), and program supervisor(s) shall each complete 20 hours of staff development each year. Recommended topics of training for these staff include educational and physical activity. |
| 2023-03-27 | 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. |
| 2023-03-27 | Violation | 3A:52-5.2(a)(5) | Ensure that the center's fire protective systems are operative at all times. - 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. |
| 2023-03-27 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(10) | Ensure that all cleaning supplies are inaccessible to the children. - 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. |
| 2023-03-27 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(2) | Ensure that all ceiling tiles are kept clean and in good repair. - 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. |
| 2023-03-27 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(b)(7) | Provide and maintain the resilient surfacing and use zones under all play equipment as required. Replenish rubber mulch in fall zones under slides. - 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. |
| 2023-03-27 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(l)(1)(iii) | Ensure that the center's written emergency plans 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 |
| 2023-03-27 | Violation | 3A:52-6.2(a)(1) | Ensure that the center has an adequate supply of materials to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program. Organize required learning centers or areas in rooms 2 and 3. Provide 5 areas with 5 activities each in room 3. Provide 4 areas with 4 activities each in room 2. - The center shall provide a supply of age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program equipment including play equipment, child-size furniture and supplies that are sufficient to meet the daily activity needs of the children and the program. |
| 2023-03-27 | 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. |
| 2023-03-27 | Violation | 3A:52-6.3(b)(3)(iv)(1) | Ensure that each child's bottle is labeled with the child's name and date. - For early childhood programs, the following shall apply, feeding requirements for centers serving children less than 18 months of age are as follows: for bottles, each child's bottle(s) shall be labeled with the child's name and dated. |
| 2023-03-27 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(p) | Provide straps in highchairs in toddler classroom. - 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. |
| 2023-03-27 | Violation | 3A:52-7.7(e)(1)(iii) | Ensure that the center washes and disinfects required surfaces. Train staff on the 2 step method, first soap and water and then disinfection of diaper changing tables and tables before each meal. - 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. |
| 2023-03-27 | Violation | 3A:52-4.3(c) | Ensure that adequate staff/child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the center. In the toddler room, there were 13 children present with 2 staff members, when 3 staff was required. - 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 |
| 2023-03-27 | Violation | 3A:52-5.3(a)(16)(i) | Repair and/or paint the walls and other surfaces as required. Touch up chipped paint on wall behind desk in room #3. - 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. |
| 2023-03-27 | Violation | 3A:52-7.6(a)(2) | Ensure that parents are notified immediately when a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head. - The center shall take immediate necessary action to protect the child from further harm and shall immediately notify the child's parent(s) when a child sustains a head or facial injury, including when a child bumps his or her head. |
| 2021-12-14 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2021-11-10 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2021-09-20 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2021-08-09 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2021-07-01 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2021-06-14 | Re-Inspection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2021-05-07 | Renewal | No | Center Inspection |
| 2021-02-24 | No Selection | Yes | Center Inspection |
| 2021-01-21 | Yes | Center Inspection | |
| 2020-12-17 | 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.
Providers in ZIP Code 07748
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