The Best Daycare Centers in Absecon, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Absecon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Absecon
Kiddie Academy of Galloway
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Galloway is a highly-regarded educational childcare center serving the Absecon area with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and outdoor playgrounds. The academy emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, nutritious meal programs, and regular parent communication through their mobile app. Their strong focus on school readiness and developmental milestones makes them a top choice for families in the region.
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The Goddard School of Galloway
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Galloway offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic learning with creative play. The center features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and modern security systems including coded entry and surveillance. Their facility includes bright, spacious classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and enrichment programs in yoga, music, and Spanish. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent partnerships. Their comprehensive approach to early childhood development and focus on creating confident learners has earned them excellent parent satisfaction ratings.
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Little Learners Academy
Little Learners Academy
Little Learners Academy is a well-established, family-owned childcare center serving Absecon and surrounding communities with a comprehensive educational program. Their curriculum combines structured academic preparation with play-based learning, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. The center features experienced early childhood educators, secure facility with surveillance systems, and USDA-approved nutrition program. Their facility includes dedicated infant rooms, age-segregated playgrounds, and enrichment activities in music and art. The academy is known for its warm, nurturing environment, flexible scheduling options, and strong emphasis on building foundational skills for kindergarten readiness. Their long-standing reputation and commitment to quality care make them a trusted choice for local families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Absecon, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Absecon, NJ?
In Absecon and the surrounding Atlantic County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in Absecon often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $800 and $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that New Jersey does not have state-mandated price controls for childcare, so rates are set by individual providers. Many facilities in the area offer sibling discounts, and financial assistance may be available through programs like New Jersey's Child Care Subsidy Program (often called "child care assistance") for eligible families.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Absecon?
All childcare providers in New Jersey, including those in Absecon, must be licensed or registered by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and review their history is through the state's online system. You can visit the NJ DCF "Child Care Search" portal. This tool allows you to search by provider name, location (like Absecon, 08201), or license number. The report will show the provider's license status (active, suspended, etc.), capacity, ages served, and any serious violations or complaints that resulted in corrective action. You can also call the Office of Licensing's Southern Regional Office, which oversees Atlantic County, for additional information. Always ask any prospective daycare for their license number and confirm it matches the state records.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Absecon, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers in Absecon, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios under NJ law (1:4). It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date. For toddler or preschool spots, aiming to start your search 3-6 months in advance is advisable. Some highly sought-after centers in the area may have waitlists exceeding a year. When touring facilities, always ask about their specific waitlist process: Is there a fee to join? How often do they update parents on their position? Do they offer guaranteed enrollment for siblings of current students? Exploring a mix of centers and licensed family childcare homes can increase your options.
What are some local Absecon resources or programs that can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Parents in Absecon have several valuable local resources. Your first stop should be the **4C's of Southern New Jersey (Child Care Connection)**, which is the state-designated Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Atlantic County. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers based on your specific needs (location, hours, budget). They can be contacted online or by phone. Additionally, the **Absecon Public Library** may have community bulletin boards with information on local family childcare providers. For evaluating quality, look for providers participating in **Grow NJ Kids**, New Jersey's voluntary quality rating and improvement system. A Grow NJ Kids rating (from 1 to 5 stars) indicates a program has met specific standards beyond basic licensing. You can also connect with local parent groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Absecon, NJ Community" groups) for personal recommendations and experiences.
What are the common operating hours for daycare providers in Absecon, and is there availability for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Most standard daycare centers in Absecon operate on a schedule similar to a business day, typically from around 6:30 AM or 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. However, options for parents with evening, overnight, or weekend shifts are very limited. Some licensed family childcare homes may offer more flexible hours, including early mornings or occasional late pick-ups, but this is not the norm. For true non-traditional hour care, your best bet is to search specifically for providers who advertise "24-hour care" or "shift care" through the state's Child Care Search portal, though these are rare in the immediate Absecon area. You may need to look toward larger population centers in Atlantic County or consider arranging a nanny share with other local families who have similar schedules. Always discuss your specific hourly needs upfront during initial inquiries, as extended hours often incur additional fees.