The Best Daycare Centers in Birmingham, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Birmingham. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Birmingham
The Goddard School of Medford
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Medford offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. Highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum with low student-teacher ratios. The school emphasizes STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and character development. Parents appreciate the daily communication through the proprietary mobile app and the strong focus on safety protocols.
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Kiddie Academy of Mount Laurel
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Mount Laurel provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features secure keypad entry, sanitization protocols, and nutritionally balanced meals. Certified teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. The academy offers enrichment programs including music, physical education, and technology. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and the academy's commitment to preparing children for kindergarten success through hands-on learning experiences.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy Preschool offers a balanced approach to early childhood education with their Links to Learning curriculum that integrates academic preparation with social development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-separated playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Experienced teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain small class sizes for individualized attention. The program includes foreign language exposure, music instruction, and physical education. Parents value the strong communication, safe environment, and the school's focus on developing confident, curious learners through project-based learning activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Birmingham, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Birmingham, NJ, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Birmingham, NJ, and the surrounding Burlington County area, full-time daycare for infants typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These costs reflect the higher operational expenses and stringent state-mandated staff-to-child ratios in New Jersey. For financial assistance, parents can apply for New Jersey's Child Care Subsidy Program (often called "child care assistance") through the New Jersey Department of Human Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's highly recommended to contact the Division of Family Development or a local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for Burlington County for the most current application guidelines and income limits.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Birmingham, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists at well-regarded licensed daycare centers and preschools in the Birmingham area can be significant. It is not uncommon for families to be on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for coveted infant rooms. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during the first trimester of pregnancy. When touring facilities, be sure to ask about their specific waitlist process, any associated fees to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their status. Exploring options in neighboring towns like Vincentown or Southampton may also provide more availability.
What are the key state licensing requirements I should verify when choosing a daycare in New Jersey?
All childcare centers in New Jersey must be licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. Key requirements you should ask about include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:4 for infants under 18 months), **Staff Qualifications** (lead teachers must have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or higher, and all staff must pass background checks and have training in CPR/first aid and prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)), and **Facility Safety** (regular inspections for health, safety, and fire codes). You can verify a center's license status and view any past violations online through the DCF's Office of Licensing website. Always choose a licensed facility to ensure minimum health, safety, and educational standards are met.
Are there many in-home daycare options (family childcare homes) in Birmingham, and how do they differ from center-based care?
In-home family childcare homes are a popular option in suburban/rural areas like Birmingham, NJ. They are often smaller, home-based settings licensed for up to 5 children (or registered for up to 5 if caring for only the children from one other family). They can offer a more flexible, mixed-age, and home-like environment, sometimes at a lower cost than centers. In New Jersey, licensed family childcare providers must also meet state regulations for safety, training, and capacity. The key differences from centers are typically a smaller group size, potentially more flexible hours, and care provided in a residential setting. To find licensed family childcare homes in Burlington County, you can use the state's online search tool or contact a local CCR&R agency. Always ensure any provider you consider is either licensed or registered with the state.
What are some local resources for finding and evaluating daycare providers in the Birmingham, NJ area?
Parents in Birmingham have several valuable local resources. The primary one is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Burlington County**, which is 4C's of Southern New Jersey. They offer free referrals to licensed centers and family childcare homes, information on quality indicators, and guidance on financial assistance. You can also use the **New Jersey DCF Office of Licensing "Search for Child Care" online database** to find licensed providers and review their inspection reports. For community-based insights, consider joining local parent groups on social media, such as "Burlington County Moms" or community pages for the Pinelands Regional School District, to get personal recommendations and experiences from other families in the area.