The Best Daycare Centers in Brick, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Brick. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Brick
The Goddard School of Brick
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Brick 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, low student-to-teacher ratios, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure entry systems. Their curriculum focuses on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment programs in yoga, music, and Spanish. Parents appreciate the daily communication through the proprietary mobile app and the strong focus on individualized learning plans.
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Lightbridge Academy of Brick
Lightbridge Academy
Lightbridge Academy of Brick provides a comprehensive early education experience with their proprietary Circle of Care philosophy that extends support to children, parents, and staff. The center features the ParentView® Internet Monitoring system allowing parents to view their child's classroom throughout the day. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and character development through interactive learning centers. The facility includes secure electronic entry, HVAC air purification systems, and age-specific learning environments. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center is noted for its strong communication and family-oriented atmosphere.
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Rainbow Academy Early Childhood Learning Center - Toms River
Rainbow Academy
Rainbow Academy in nearby Toms River serves Brick families with their comprehensive early childhood education program that combines academic preparation with social development. The center utilizes the Creative Curriculum® system supplemented with enrichment programs in music, movement, and technology. Their facility features secure access control, commercial-grade air filtration, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. The staff includes certified teachers with specialized training in early childhood development. The center offers flexible scheduling options and maintains excellent teacher retention rates. Parents consistently praise the center's engaging learning environment and strong focus on kindergarten readiness skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Brick, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Brick, NJ?
In Brick, NJ, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of center. For infants (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based daycare programs (family childcare) are often slightly less expensive, ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, facility amenities, and included meals. It's important to note that costs in Brick are generally in line with the Ocean County average but can be higher than in some inland parts of New Jersey.
How do I verify that a daycare facility in Brick is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare centers and family daycare homes in Brick are regulated by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You can verify a facility's license status and view any past inspection reports by using the "Child Care Search" tool on the NJ DCF website. During an in-person tour, look for the current license posted visibly, check for clean and safe indoor/outdoor play areas, observe staff-child interactions, and ask about staff qualifications (including CPR/first aid certification). Specifically in Brick, many quality centers will also highlight their storm preparedness and evacuation plans, given the coastal location. Don't hesitate to ask for their last licensing inspection report summary.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Brick, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in Brick, especially for programs affiliated with schools or those with strong educational reputations. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists **at least 6 to 12 months** before your needed start date, particularly for infant care. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. To improve your chances, consider applying to multiple centers and expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in neighboring Brick neighborhoods, which may have more immediate availability. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is standard practice.
What resources are available in Brick to help lower-income families afford quality childcare?
Brick families have access to state and federal assistance programs. The primary resource is New Jersey's Child Care Subsidy Program (often called "child care assistance" or "welfare"), administered by the Ocean County Board of Social Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/training requirements. Additionally, some local centers may offer limited sliding-scale slots or scholarships. It's also worthwhile to inquire about corporate partnerships; some larger employers in the area may have pre-negotiated rates with specific centers. For guidance, you can contact the **Ocean County Family Support Organization** or the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency** serving Ocean County for personalized help navigating options and applications.
What are some popular types of preschool or pre-K programs available within Brick daycare centers?
Many Brick daycare centers offer structured preschool programs for children ages 3-5, often blending childcare with early education. Popular curricula and approaches you'll find include play-based learning, Montessori-inspired methods, and faith-based programs (common in local churches). A significant option is the **Brick Township Public School District's integrated preschool program**, which serves children with and without disabilities, though it is a part-day program. Many full-day daycare centers incorporate elements of the NJ Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards to ensure kindergarten readiness. Specialized programs like "STEM for tots," music enrichment, and outdoor/nature-based learning are also becoming more prevalent in Brick centers to meet parent demand for a well-rounded foundation.
Nearby Cities
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