The Best Daycare Centers in Collingswood, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Collingswood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Collingswood
The Learning Experience - Collingswood
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Collingswood offers a comprehensive early education curriculum with proprietary programs including L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) and philanthropy-focused curriculum. The center features bright, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, secure entry systems, and outdoor playgrounds. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility emphasizes character development alongside academic preparation, with structured schedules that balance instruction, play, and rest. Parents praise the center's communication through daily reports and the engaging, nurturing environment.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Haddonfield
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons in nearby Haddonfield serves Collingswood families with their World at Their Fingers curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and developmentally appropriate practices. The NAEYC-accredited center features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, secure facility access, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. The emergent curriculum follows children's interests while building foundational literacy, math, and social-emotional skills. The center offers enriched environments with natural materials, dedicated art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. Parents consistently note the exceptional staff retention and individualized attention given to each child.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Cherry Hill
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Cherry Hill provides educational child care with their Life Essentials curriculum that integrates character education, STEM learning, and literacy development. The state-licensed facility features secure entry systems, camera monitoring, and comprehensive safety protocols. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with small group instruction and hands-on learning centers. The academy emphasizes health and wellness with nutritious meals and active play. Parents appreciate the strong communication through daily activity reports and the center's focus on preparing children for kindergarten success while nurturing individual growth and social skills.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Collingswood, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Collingswood, NJ?
In Collingswood, full-time daycare for infants (under 18 months) typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while toddler care (18 months to 3 years) generally costs between $1,200 and $1,600 per month. These rates are influenced by factors such as the center's accreditation (like NAEYC), staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities (e.g., organic meals, enrichment programs). Home-based family daycare in the area can be slightly less expensive, often ranging from $900 to $1,300 monthly. It's important to note that costs in Camden County are generally higher than the state average due to the high demand and quality of services in family-oriented suburbs like Collingswood. Many centers offer sibling discounts, and some may have limited slots for state subsidy programs like New Jersey's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Collingswood, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Collingswood can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It is not uncommon for popular centers like The Learning Experience, Collingswood Montessori, or local church-affiliated programs to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for a desired start date (like September). For infant care, parents are advised to begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists during the first trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool spots, starting your search 9-12 months in advance is prudent. Many centers have annual enrollment cycles, so asking about their registration timeline is key. Some smaller, licensed family daycare homes may have shorter or more flexible wait times.
What are the key state licensing requirements I should verify for a daycare in New Jersey?
All licensed childcare providers in Collingswood must comply with New Jersey's strict Office of Licensing (OOL) regulations under the Department of Children and Families. Key requirements to verify include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers), comprehensive background checks (including fingerprinting) for all staff, annual health and safety training including CPR/First Aid, and regular facility inspections. Licensed centers must also have a structured curriculum, safe sleep policies for infants, and nutritional meal plans. You can and should verify a provider's license status and any history of violations through the NJ DCF's Performance Improvement System (PIP) website. Collingswood parents often prioritize centers that exceed these minimums with additional accreditations.
Are there part-time or flexible childcare options available in Collingswood for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
While most traditional daycare centers in Collingswood operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm schedule, flexible options do exist. Several family daycare providers may offer part-time (2-3 days per week) or drop-in care, though availability is limited. For true flexibility, parents often utilize networks like Care.com to find local in-home nannies or babysitters who can accommodate shift work, evenings, or occasional weekend care. Additionally, the Collingswood Community Center and some local churches occasionally offer parent's night out programs or seasonal camps that can supplement care. For reliable, non-traditional hours, a nanny share with another local family is a popular and cost-effective solution in the area.
What resources are available in Collingswood to help me find and evaluate local daycare providers?
Collingswood parents have several excellent local resources. First, the **Camden County Department of Human Services** provides referrals to licensed providers. The **Collingswood Public Library** often has community bulletin boards with flyers for local home daycares and preschools. Online, the **NJ Child Care Search Tool** (via the state website) is the official database for licensed centers and homes. For peer reviews and recommendations, the very active **"Collingswood, NJ Moms"** Facebook group is an invaluable resource for honest parent feedback and personal experiences with local providers. Finally, scheduling in-person tours is crucial; reputable centers in Collingswood welcome tours and encourage parents to ask detailed questions about curriculum, safety, and daily routines.
Childcare Insights for Collingswood
As a parent in Collingswood, the search for a "day nursery near me" is about more than just finding a convenient location; it’s about discovering a nurturing extension of your family where your child can thrive. Our charming borough, with its walkable streets and strong sense of community, offers a wonderful backdrop for early childhood, and finding the right fit within it is a key decision for any family. The good news is that Collingswood and its immediate neighbors provide several excellent options, each with its own philosophy and approach to those crucial early years.
Begin your search by considering what matters most for your family’s rhythm. Are you looking for a program within walking distance of your home, or is proximity to your commute through Haddon Avenue or the PATCO line a priority? Many local nurseries and childcare centers benefit from our town's layout, making drop-offs and pick-ups a integrated part of your day. Once you have a sense of logistics, delve into the educational philosophies. You’ll find programs in and around Collingswood that range from play-based and Montessori-inspired to more structured, curriculum-led approaches. Visiting these spaces is irreplaceable; schedule a tour to see firsthand if the environment feels warm, engaging, and safe. Notice how the caregivers interact with the children—are they down on the floor engaging, or is the atmosphere more rigid? Trust your instincts as you observe.
When researching a day nursery in our area, don't forget to inquire about practical, local specifics. Ask about their policies on outdoor play and where it takes place. Given our beautiful parks like Knight Park, some programs may incorporate walks or outdoor learning, which is a fantastic benefit. Also, discuss their connection to the community. Do they participate in local events like the Collingswood Farmers’ Market or the May Fair? A nursery that embraces the town’s vibrant spirit can enrich your child’s experience. Furthermore, ensure you understand the operational details: their hours align with your needs, their nutritional policy if meals are provided, and their protocols for communication. A daily note or a secure app for updates can provide great peace of mind.
Finally, tap into the incredible network of Collingswood parents. Our community is famously supportive. Ask for recommendations in local Facebook groups or at the library’s story time. Personal anecdotes from other families can offer insights no website can provide, revealing the true day-to-day culture of a nursery. Remember, the right place will not only care for your child but will support their curiosity and growth, giving you confidence while you’re at work. Taking the time to find a day nursery that feels like a partner in Collingswood is an investment in your child’s happiness and your own peace of mind, right here in our wonderful hometown.