The Best Daycare Centers in Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Atlantic Highlands. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Atlantic Highlands
The Learning Experience - Middletown
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Middletown offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that focuses on academic, physical, and social development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and surveillance cameras, highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their Bubbles the Fish character program teaches philanthropy and kindness, while their flexible scheduling options accommodate working families. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor play areas, and secure outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups.
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The Goddard School of Middletown
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Middletown provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in ongoing professional development. The school features secure facilities with biometric entry systems, daily electronic parent communication through the Goddard Connect app, and nutritionally balanced meals. Their STEAM-focused curriculum includes hands-on science experiments, creative arts, and early literacy programs in purpose-built classrooms with natural lighting and age-appropriate learning centers.
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The Children's Center of Middletown
Independent
The Children's Center of Middletown is a family-owned childcare facility offering personalized care with low teacher-to-child ratios. Their curriculum emphasizes whole-child development through Creative Curriculum and includes Spanish language exposure, music enrichment, and physical education. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, certified teachers with CPR and First Aid training, and nutritious meal programs prepared on-site. Their outdoor learning environment includes nature exploration areas and age-appropriate playgrounds. The center maintains strong parent partnerships through daily communication logs, parent-teacher conferences, and family events throughout the year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Atlantic Highlands, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Atlantic Highlands, NJ?
In Atlantic Highlands, NJ, full-time daycare costs are generally higher than the national average, reflecting the area's cost of living and proximity to the New York City metro area. For infants (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,600 and $2,200 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,400 to $1,900 per month. These rates are for licensed daycare centers; home-based family childcare may be slightly less expensive. It's important to note that these fees often do not include registration costs, supply fees, or charges for early drop-off/late pick-up. Given the limited number of facilities in a smaller town like Atlantic Highlands, securing a spot can be competitive, and costs may be at the higher end of these ranges.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Atlantic Highlands is properly licensed and what should I look for in their inspection records?
All licensed childcare providers in Atlantic Highlands are regulated by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You can verify a provider's license status and view their inspection reports online through the NJ DCF Child Care Search portal. When reviewing a center's records, look for the license type (Child Care Center or Family Child Care Home), the expiration date, and any corrective action plans. Pay close attention to inspection summaries for violations related to staff-to-child ratios, health and safety protocols (like safe sleep practices for infants), and staff qualifications. In a coastal community like Atlantic Highlands, you might also want to inquire about their emergency plans for severe weather. Always visit in person to observe the environment and ask the director about any noted violations.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Atlantic Highlands, and when should I start looking?
Yes, due to the limited number of daycare centers serving Atlantic Highlands and the surrounding Bayshore region, waitlists are common, especially for infant rooms. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and touring facilities during their second trimester, and ideally get on a waitlist 6 to 12 months before their needed start date. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. Don't limit your search to Atlantic Highlands alone; consider licensed providers in nearby towns like Middletown, Highlands, or Leonardo, but be prepared for potential commute implications. Getting on multiple lists is a common strategy. Be sure to ask about each center's waitlist policy, including any non-refundable deposit required to hold a spot.
What unique childcare options or programs are available in Atlantic Highlands that take advantage of the local environment?
Atlantic Highlands' location on the Raritan Bay offers unique programming opportunities that some local providers incorporate. Look for daycares or preschools that include outdoor and nature-based learning. Some may have programs focused on local marine life, visits to the municipal marina or harbor, or incorporate lessons about weather and tides. The proximity to Hartshorne Woods Park and the Huber Woods Environmental Center also allows for potential field trips or outdoor exploration themes. Additionally, given the town's active community, some providers may participate in local events like the Seafood Festival or have relationships with the Atlantic Highlands Public Library for story times. When touring, ask about their outdoor play philosophy and how they utilize the local community and natural surroundings.
What are the options for backup or emergency childcare in Atlantic Highlands if my regular provider is closed?
Finding reliable backup care in a smaller town like Atlantic Highlands requires planning. Your first step should be to ask your primary daycare if they have a network of substitute staff or a recommended list of local babysitters. Several regional services operate in Monmouth County that can connect you with vetted babysitters for occasional care, though availability for last-minute requests can be limited. Another option is to explore drop-in daycare centers in larger neighboring towns like Red Bank or Middletown, though these may require pre-registration and a commute. Building a network with other local parents through community groups, social media, or the Atlantic Highlands Recreation Department can be invaluable for sharing sitter recommendations and arranging informal childcare swaps during emergencies or school closures.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Atlantic Highlands: