The Best Daycare Centers in Cherry Hill, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cherry Hill. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cherry Hill
The Goddard School of Cherry Hill
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Cherry Hill 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 curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes parent communication through daily activity reports and regular conferences, with a focus on individualized learning plans for each child.
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Kiddie Academy of Cherry Hill
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Cherry Hill provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, STEM education, and literacy. The academy features secure facilities with keypad entry, live streaming for parents, and age-specific learning environments. Their program includes music and movement, Spanish language exposure, and technology integration. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with low student-teacher ratios. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks through their included meal program, and maintains strong safety protocols including regular drills and health screenings.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy Preschool in Cherry Hill offers a well-rounded early education program with a balanced approach to academics and social development. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on mathematics, and inquiry-based science exploration. The school features purpose-built classrooms, secure playgrounds, and specialized learning centers. Their experienced teaching staff holds early childhood credentials and participates in continuous training. The academy emphasizes individualized attention with small class sizes and maintains comprehensive safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular facility maintenance. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular communication and family events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cherry Hill, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Cherry Hill, NJ?
In Cherry Hill, full-time daycare costs are generally above the New Jersey state average due to the area's higher cost of living and demand for quality services. For an infant (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 family daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, often between $900 and $1,300 monthly. It's important to note that these are base rates; additional costs for registration, supplies, or enrichment programs are common. We recommend contacting several centers directly for their current fee schedules and inquiring about any available sibling discounts or financial assistance programs.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Cherry Hill, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers in Cherry Hill can be significant, especially for infant rooms which have strict staff-to-child ratios. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. To secure a spot, parents are strongly advised to begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. For toddler or preschool programs, starting your search 4-6 months in advance is a good rule of thumb. When touring a facility, always ask for their specific waitlist policy, including any deposit required to hold a spot and how often you need to confirm your continued interest.
What specific New Jersey state licensing requirements should I verify when choosing a daycare in Cherry Hill?
All childcare centers in Cherry Hill must be licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. Key requirements you can verify include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:4 for infants under 18 months), **Background Checks** for all staff, and **Staff Qualifications** (lead teachers must have a Child Development Associate credential or higher). Centers must also meet health and safety standards for facilities, have emergency plans, and provide age-appropriate curricula. You can view a center's licensing history, including any violations, on the NJ DCF website. Always ask the center director for their most recent licensing inspection report during your tour.
Are there any unique local resources or programs in Cherry Hill to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, Cherry Hill parents have access to excellent local resources. The primary resource is the **Southern New Jersey Child Care Resource & Referral Agency (SNJCCR&R)**, which serves Camden County. They offer a free, personalized referral service to help you find licensed providers that match your needs, location, and budget. They also provide information on quality indicators and financial assistance. Additionally, the **Cherry Hill Public Library** often hosts community events for parents and young children, which can be a great informal way to network and get recommendations from other local families. Online, local parent groups on Facebook (e.g., "Cherry Hill Moms") are active forums for sharing firsthand experiences with area daycares.
What are the main differences between a large daycare center and a licensed family childcare home in Cherry Hill?
The choice often comes down to environment, schedule, and philosophy. **Large Daycare Centers** (like The Learning Experience or Goddard School) typically offer structured curricula, multiple classrooms grouped by age, larger peer groups, and extended hours (often 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM). They may have more amenities like dedicated playgrounds and enrichment programs (e.g., yoga, foreign language). **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** operate out of a provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups. This can provide more flexible scheduling and a family-oriented atmosphere, often with a lower child-to-adult ratio. In Cherry Hill, family homes must meet the same NJ DCF health and safety standards as centers but may offer a more personalized and potentially cost-effective option. Visiting both types is the best way to determine the right fit for your child's temperament.
Nearby Cities
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