The Best Daycare Centers in Closter, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Closter. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Closter
The Learning Experience - Closter
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Closter offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with proprietary curriculum including L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program). The center features bright, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, secure entry systems, and outdoor playgrounds. Their phonics-based literacy program and hands-on mathematics curriculum prepare children for kindergarten success. Teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes separate infant, toddler, and preschool wings with dedicated play areas and follows strict health and safety protocols.
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Closter Nature Center Preschool
Closter Nature Center
This unique nature-based preschool integrates environmental education with early childhood development. Located within the 136-acre Closter Nature Center, the program emphasizes outdoor exploration, hands-on science learning, and environmental stewardship. Children spend significant time outdoors in all weather conditions, developing observation skills and connection to nature. The curriculum balances structured learning with child-directed exploration, focusing on social-emotional development through cooperative outdoor activities. Certified early childhood educators with environmental science backgrounds provide instruction in small class sizes with extensive outdoor classroom spaces.
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Bright Horizons at Tenafly
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Tenafly serves families throughout Bergen County including Closter residents. The center follows the World at Their Fingers curriculum, emphasizing literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts through project-based learning. Features include STEM labs, literacy-rich environments, and age-appropriate technology integration. The facility maintains enhanced security systems, on-site kitchen providing nutritious meals, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. Teachers hold early childhood degrees and participate in continuous professional development. The center is NAEYC-accredited and maintains exceptional health and safety standards with comprehensive parent communication systems.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Closter, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Closter, NJ, and what factors influence the price?
In Closter, NJ, full-time daycare or preschool for an infant (under 18 months) typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,400 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs are slightly lower, generally between $1,500 and $2,100 per month. These prices are influenced by several local factors: the specific program's curriculum (e.g., Montessori, academic-focused, play-based), the age of your child (infant care is more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratios), the facility's amenities (like outdoor space or new equipment), and whether meals are provided. Closter's proximity to New York City and its reputation for excellent schools contribute to the higher-end market rates. It's important to ask what is included in tuition, as some centers charge extra for early drop-off, late pick-up, or enrichment activities.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Closter, and when should I start my search?
Waitlists for the most sought-after daycare centers and preschools in Closter can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant and toddler programs. For a September start, many families begin touring facilities and applying 12-18 months in advance. Some centers even have "sibling preference" or "alumni" lists that can extend wait times for new families. It is highly recommended to start your search during your pregnancy or at least a full year before your desired start date. While this may seem extreme, it is a common reality in Bergen County due to high demand and limited infant slots. Don't be discouraged; also consider licensed family childcare homes in Closter, which may have more immediate availability and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What are the New Jersey state licensing requirements for childcare providers, and how can I verify a Closter provider's compliance?
All childcare centers in Closter must be licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. Key requirements include: specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers), background checks for all employees, health and safety training (including CPR/first aid), and regular facility inspections. Family childcare homes caring for up to 5 children must also be registered. You can and should verify a provider's compliance and view their inspection history online through the NJ DCF Child Care Search portal. This public database shows the license status, capacity, and any cited violations. Always ask a center for their license number and check it yourself—a reputable provider will be transparent about this information.
Are there part-time or flexible childcare options available in Closter, such as for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
While most traditional daycare centers in Closter operate on a standard Monday-Friday, full-time schedule (typically 7:00/8:00 AM to 6:00 PM), flexible options do exist but require more diligent searching. Some centers may offer part-time schedules (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 days a week), though these spots are limited and often at a premium daily rate. For true flexibility, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends, your best bets are: 1) Licensed family childcare homes, which may offer more customizable hours, and 2) Nanny shares or hiring a local babysitter through community networks like the Closter Moms Facebook group or agencies serving Bergen County. Additionally, some local preschools offer half-day programs (morning or afternoon), which can be paired with a part-time nanny for coverage.
What resources or community groups in Closter can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Closter parents have several valuable local resources for finding and vetting childcare. First, the **Closter Public Library** often has community bulletin boards with flyers for local providers and may host parenting groups. Second, online community groups are indispensable; the **"Closter, NJ Community"** and **"Closter Moms"** Facebook groups are active forums where parents openly share recommendations, warnings, and availability alerts for daycares and babysitters. Third, the **Closter Department of Health** can provide information on licensed providers. Finally, don't underestimate word-of-mouth through local parks (like Veterans Memorial Park), the Closter Nature Center's family programs, or your neighborhood network. Personal referrals from other Closter parents often provide the most trusted and nuanced insights into a program's fit for your family.