The Best Daycare Centers in Barnegat Light, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Barnegat Light. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Barnegat Light
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Ship Bottom offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. The school features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum focuses on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth. The facility includes modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and enrichment programs in yoga, music, and Spanish. Parents consistently praise the professional staff, clean environment, and excellent communication systems.
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Kiddie Academy of Manahawkin
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Manahawkin provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that emphasizes character development, technology integration, and hands-on learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with ongoing professional development, secure facility access, and health screening protocols. Their program includes STEM activities, literacy enhancement, and physical development through structured play. The academy offers nutritious meal programs, modern learning environments with interactive technology, and age-appropriate outdoor play spaces. Parent reviews highlight the caring staff, educational quality, and excellent preparation for kindergarten.
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Creative Learning Center
Creative Learning Center, Inc.
Creative Learning Center offers a well-established childcare program with a balanced approach to early childhood education, combining structured learning with creative exploration. The center employs experienced early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios and comprehensive safety training. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones, social skills, and academic readiness through thematic units and hands-on activities. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with learning centers, and safe outdoor play areas. Parents consistently commend the center's nurturing environment, experienced staff, and strong focus on individual child development and school preparedness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Barnegat Light, NJ
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Barnegat Light, NJ, and how do I find them?
In Barnegat Light, your primary licensed childcare options are family childcare homes (in a provider's residence) and childcare centers. Due to the town's small, residential nature, family daycare homes are particularly common and can offer a more intimate setting. There are no large commercial chains within the town itself. The most reliable way to find licensed providers is through the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) Child Care Search tool online. You can filter by zip code (08006) and program type. Additionally, local community boards, the Barnegat Light Municipal Building, and Facebook groups like "Barnegat Light Community" are valuable for word-of-mouth recommendations, which are crucial in this tight-knit shore community.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Barnegat Light, and how can I secure a spot?
Yes, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care and for programs that operate year-round. The demand often spikes in the late spring as seasonal workers and returning summer residents seek care. For year-round residents, it's advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6-12 months in advance, particularly if you need care for a child under two. When contacting providers, be prepared to provide your child's date of birth and your needed start date. Some providers may require a non-refundable deposit to hold a spot. Being flexible with your start date and considering providers in neighboring towns like Ship Bottom or Barnegat can increase your options.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Barnegat Light?
Costs in Barnegat Light are influenced by its Ocean County location and limited supply. For a licensed family childcare home, you can expect to pay approximately $225-$275 per week for infant care. For a toddler, weekly rates might range from $200-$250. Rates at any nearby centers tend to be higher. These costs are generally in line with or slightly above the New Jersey state average due to the area's cost of living and seasonal demand pressures. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, snacks, formula, educational materials) as policies vary. Financial assistance may be available through the state's Child Care Subsidy Program (NJ Cares for Kids) for eligible families.
How does the seasonal nature of Barnegat Light affect childcare availability and programs?
The seasonal summer influx profoundly impacts childcare. Many home-based providers may have limited capacity or different schedules in the summer, sometimes prioritizing the children of year-round residents. Some providers might offer "summer camp" style programs for older preschoolers. Conversely, in the quieter off-season (fall through spring), you may find more availability and potentially more flexibility from providers. It's critical to discuss a provider's year-round operating schedule and whether they close for any extended periods. If you are a seasonal worker or resident, be upfront about your needs, as some providers may offer short-term seasonal contracts, though these are rare and highly sought after.
What specific licensing and safety regulations should I verify for a daycare in New Jersey, and are there local considerations for Barnegat Light?
All licensed providers in New Jersey must comply with DCF regulations covering staff-to-child ratios, background checks, health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), and facility inspections. You can verify a provider's license status and view any inspection reports through the DCF website. For Barnegat Light specifically, given its coastal environment, ask about their policies for outdoor play and sun safety, as well as emergency evacuation plans for weather events like nor'easters or hurricanes. Inquire if the provider participates in New Jersey's Grow NJ Kids quality rating system, which indicates a commitment to higher standards. Also, due to the town's size, many providers are known personally within the community, so don't hesitate to ask for and check local references.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Barnegat Light: