The Best Daycare Centers in Chesterfield, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Chesterfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Chesterfield
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Bordentown serves Chesterfield families with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers implement play-based learning with structured curriculum elements, focusing on literacy, STEM, and creative arts. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What sets this center apart is their focus on individual development tracking and daily communication with parents through a proprietary app. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and employ degreed early childhood educators.
Daycare Services:
Chesterfield Child Care Center
Independent
Located directly in Chesterfield, this locally-owned center provides personalized care with a strong emphasis on community values. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired independent learning with structured group activities, focusing on developmental milestones. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, nutritious meal programs, and dedicated outdoor play spaces. Teachers maintain CPR/first aid certification and participate in ongoing professional development. The center is particularly noted for its family-like atmosphere and flexible scheduling options that accommodate working parents in the Chesterfield area.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Robbinsville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Robbinsville serves Chesterfield families with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development with academic preparation. The center features technology-enhanced classrooms, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their educated staff includes teachers with early childhood degrees who implement developmentally appropriate practices across all age groups. The academy stands out for its emphasis on health and fitness programming, including yoga and nutrition education. They maintain strong parent partnerships through regular progress reports and family engagement events.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Chesterfield, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for toddlers in Chesterfield, NJ, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Chesterfield, NJ, full-time daycare for a toddler typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month, depending on the center's amenities, curriculum (e.g., Montessori vs. play-based), and age of the child. Preschool programs often fall within a similar range. These costs are generally in line with Burlington County averages. For financial assistance, New Jersey's primary program is **Child Care Subsidy (formerly known as WorkFirst NJ Child Care)**, administered through the county. Eligible families in Chesterfield apply through the Burlington County Board of Social Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's highly recommended to inquire directly with individual providers about any private scholarships or payment plans they might offer.
How long are waitlists for infant daycare spots in Chesterfield, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and strict New Jersey infant-to-teacher ratios (4:1), waitlists for infant daycare in Chesterfield can be significant. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. **Parents should begin their search and get on waitlists during the first trimester of pregnancy.** When touring facilities, be sure to ask about their specific waitlist policy: if there's a fee to join, how often you need to confirm your interest, and how they prioritize applicants (e.g., siblings of current families, full-time vs. part-time requests). Exploring licensed family childcare homes in the area can also be a good alternative, as they may have more flexible availability.
What are the key differences between licensed childcare centers and registered family childcare homes in Chesterfield?
Chesterfield offers both state-licensed childcare centers and registered family childcare homes, each with distinct features. **Licensed Centers** (like Chesterfield Early Learning Center or nearby centers in Bordentown) are larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and larger staff teams. They typically have set hours and may offer extras like prepared meals. **Registered Family Childcare Homes** are smaller, home-based operations caring for a maximum of 5 children. They often provide a more intimate, family-like setting with mixed-age groups and potentially more flexible hours. Both are regulated by the NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF), but inspection reports and licensing requirements differ slightly. Parents should verify a provider's current license status on the NJ DCF website and consider which environment best suits their child's temperament.
Are there any daycare or preschool programs in Chesterfield that specialize in certain educational approaches, like Montessori or nature-based learning?
While Chesterfield itself is a more rural township, the surrounding area offers specialized programs. You will find traditional play-based and academic-prep preschools within the township. For specific approaches like **Montessori**, parents often look to nearby communities such as Bordentown, Robbinsville, or Hamilton, which are a short commute away. For **nature-based or farm-school programs**, Chesterfield's agricultural setting is ideal, and some local family daycare providers or small centers may incorporate this heavily into their daily activities. It's important to visit and ask detailed questions about the daily schedule and philosophy. The Chesterfield Township website and local parent Facebook groups (e.g., "Chesterfield, NJ Moms") are great resources for personal recommendations on specialized providers.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in Chesterfield, and what are some local red flags?
When touring a daycare in Chesterfield, beyond general cleanliness and safety, ask specific local questions. Observe staff-child interactions and ask about staff tenure—high turnover can be a red flag. Inquire about their emergency plans for the area, including communication during power outages common in more rural parts of town. Check that their outdoor play area is secure and age-appropriate. **Local red flags** include: an inability to show you a current NJ DCF license, a reluctance to provide references from other Chesterfield families, unclear policies on school closures (especially for snow days, as the township can get significant snowfall), or a lack of structured daily activities that align with NJ's early learning standards. Always verify inspection history online and trust your instincts about the environment's warmth and professionalism.