The Best Daycare Centers in Bloomfield, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bloomfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bloomfield
The Goddard School of Bloomfield
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Bloomfield offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their play-based curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and physical development. All teachers are highly qualified with degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provide daily communication through their proprietary mobile app. The school emphasizes character development and prepares children for elementary school success through structured learning activities and creative play.
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Kiddie Academy of Bloomfield
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Bloomfield provides comprehensive educational childcare with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, technology, and hands-on learning. The academy features state-of-the-art security systems including coded entry and surveillance cameras. Their curriculum focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities and social-emotional learning. Certified teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. The facility includes modern classrooms, dedicated nap rooms, and secure outdoor playgrounds. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their meal program and maintain excellent communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Little Sunshine's Playhouse & Preschool of Montclair
Little Sunshine's Enterprises, Inc.
While located in nearby Montclair, Little Sunshine's Playhouse serves the broader Bloomfield area with their renowned Creatively Shine™ curriculum that emphasizes creative arts, music, and movement alongside academic foundations. The facility features themed classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and beautifully designed outdoor learning environments. Their Reggio Emilia-inspired approach encourages child-led exploration and project-based learning. All lead teachers hold bachelor's degrees in education or related fields, and the center maintains exceptionally low student-to-teacher ratios. They offer enrichment programs including Spanish, yoga, and music classes. The center is known for its outstanding parent communication, secure facility with biometric entry, and focus on developing the whole child through personalized attention and innovative learning experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bloomfield, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Bloomfield, NJ?
In Bloomfield, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the type of center and the child's age. For infants (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), monthly fees typically range from $1,200 to $1,600. In-home daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, generally between $900 and $1,300 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, facility amenities, and the provider's location within Bloomfield. It's important to note that these are average estimates, and prices can be higher for centers with specialized programs or extended hours. Many facilities also require a registration fee and may have additional costs for meals or enrichment activities.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Bloomfield is properly licensed and safe?
All childcare centers in New Jersey, including those in Bloomfield, must be licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You can verify a provider's license status and review their inspection history, including any violations, for free on the DCF's "Child Care Search" website. For in-home family daycare providers, ensure they are registered with a state-approved family childcare agency. Beyond licensing, you should personally visit any prospective daycare, ask about staff qualifications (including background checks and ongoing training), observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, and inquire about their emergency procedures. The Bloomfield Health Department may also have local regulations, so checking with them is a good additional step.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Bloomfield, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many sought-after daycare centers in Bloomfield, especially for infant care where state-mandated low staff-to-child ratios limit availability. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and place deposits during the second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before their desired start date. For toddler or preschool spots, starting your search 4-6 months in advance is advisable. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee to join? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time for your child's age group? Exploring a mix of larger centers, smaller church-affiliated programs, and licensed in-home providers can increase your chances of securing a spot sooner.
What resources are available in Bloomfield to help lower-income families afford quality childcare?
Bloomfield families have access to state and federal assistance programs to help manage childcare costs. The primary resource is New Jersey's Child Care Subsidy Program (often referred to as "child care assistance" or "welfare-to-work"), administered by the Essex County Division of Welfare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/training requirements. Additionally, some local daycare centers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships. You can contact the Essex County Division of Social Services or the statewide child care resource and referral agency, **Prosperity NJ (formerly Child Care Aware of New Jersey)**, for guidance on applying for subsidies and finding participating providers in the Bloomfield area.
What are some of the key differences between the daycare/preschool programs offered by the Bloomfield Public School District versus private centers?
The Bloomfield Public School District offers free, full-day preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds, but eligibility and availability are based on state funding and may prioritize children with special needs or those from lower-income families through the "Preschool Education Expansion Aid" (PEEA) program. These public programs follow a structured curriculum aligned with state standards and are typically held in district school buildings. Private daycare centers in Bloomfield, on the other hand, offer care for a wider age range (infants through pre-K), have more flexible hours (often from early morning to 6 PM), and require tuition. They may offer diverse educational philosophies (Montessori, play-based, etc.). The main trade-offs are cost (private) versus potential eligibility restrictions and shorter daily/yearly schedules (public preschool). For care before age 3 or outside standard school hours, private centers or in-home providers are the primary option.