The Best Daycare Centers in Englewood, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Englewood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Englewood
KinderCare at Englewood
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Englewood provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate learning environments, and outdoor play spaces. Their curriculum incorporates STEM learning, literacy development, and social skills through structured play and guided activities. The center is known for its strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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The Learning Experience - Englewood
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Englewood offers a proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that combines academic preparation with character development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including coded entry and surveillance monitoring. Highly trained early childhood educators provide individualized attention with small class sizes. Programs include phonics-based reading, mathematics, foreign language exposure, and philanthropy lessons. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and secure outdoor playgrounds. Parents consistently praise the center's communication and their children's developmental progress.
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The Goddard School of Fort Lee
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Englewood, The Goddard School of Fort Lee serves the broader Bergen County area with an exceptional F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) program. The school employs highly qualified teachers with bachelor's and master's degrees in education, maintaining low student-to-teacher ratios. Their play-based learning approach incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with natural lighting, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated art and music spaces. The school is renowned for its comprehensive safety protocols and outstanding parent satisfaction ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Englewood, NJ
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Englewood, NJ, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Englewood, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,400 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,500 to $2,000 per month. These rates reflect the higher cost of living in Bergen County. For financial assistance, New Jersey's Child Care Subsidy Program (through WorkFirst NJ) is available for eligible families based on income and need. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking with the Englewood Department of Health and Human Services for any city-specific resources or referrals to affordable programs.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Englewood, and when should I start my search?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Englewood can be substantial, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant rooms which have stricter teacher-to-child ratios. For popular programs, it's not uncommon for waitlists to extend even longer. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search and schedule tours during the second trimester of pregnancy if expecting, or at least 9-12 months before their desired start date. Many centers have annual enrollment cycles, with key intake periods in the spring for a fall start. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists is a common strategy for Englewood families.
What are the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a family childcare home in Englewood, and how do I verify their licensing?
In Englewood, licensed daycare centers are larger facilities, often in commercial buildings, with multiple staff and classrooms grouped by age. They must follow New Jersey's strict licensing codes for staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, safety, and curriculum. Family childcare homes are smaller, licensed operations run out of a provider's residence, offering a more home-like environment for a mixed-age group of up to 5 children. To verify the license and inspection history of any provider, you can use the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) Child Care Search tool online. You can also contact the Bergen County Office of Licensing for the most recent compliance reports.
Are there any unique enrichment or educational programs commonly offered by daycare centers in Englewood that reflect the community's demographics?
Yes, many daycare centers and preschools in Englewood offer programs that reflect its diverse and education-focused community. It's common to find centers with bilingual immersion programs (often Spanish or Korean), STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activities tailored for early learners, and music or arts enrichment. Given Englewood's proximity to New York City and its cultural resources, some programs incorporate field trips (for older preschoolers) and themes around global awareness. Jewish and other faith-based preschools are also prevalent, offering specific cultural curricula. When touring, ask about their educational philosophy and how they integrate enrichment into the daily schedule.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in Englewood, and are there any local red flags specific to this area?
During a tour in Englewood, beyond standard checks for cleanliness and safety, pay close attention to: secure facility access (a must in an urban/suburban setting), clearly posted licenses and inspection summaries, and structured outdoor play areas that are safe and shaded. Ask about their emergency procedures and communication with parents. Local red flags include a center that is not transparent about its NJ DCF license, staff who cannot clearly explain their educational approach, or a facility that feels overcrowded despite Bergen County's strict space requirements. Also, be wary of centers with excessive staff turnover, which can disrupt a child's routine. Trust your instincts and consider driving by at different times of day to observe drop-off/pick-up chaos.
Childcare Insights for Englewood
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, blending practical logistics with deep emotional trust. For parents in Englewood, New Jersey, searching for the "best daycares near me" means navigating a community known for its diversity, excellent schools, and family-friendly neighborhoods. Your search is not just about proximity; it's about finding a nurturing extension of your home where your child can thrive. The good news is that Englewood and its surrounding Bergen County areas offer a variety of high-quality options, from intimate home-based programs to larger, accredited early learning centers.
Begin your search by considering what "best" means for your unique family. For some, a daycare with a rigorous academic preschool curriculum is paramount, while others may prioritize a play-based philosophy with ample outdoor time. Englewood’s cultural richness is a tremendous asset, so look for programs that celebrate diversity and perhaps even incorporate language exposure, which is common in this vibrant community. Location is key with our local traffic patterns; a center close to your home or your commute route along Route 4 or Palisade Avenue can make daily transitions smoother for everyone. Many parents find that visiting a center during pickup or drop-off hours offers a genuine feel for the daily rhythm and staff interactions.
When researching specific daycares, look beyond the basics. Inquire about staff longevity and qualifications—low turnover is a strong indicator of a positive work environment, which directly benefits the children. Ask about their protocols for communication; regular updates and an open-door policy for parents are essential. Given New Jersey's distinct seasons, understand their policy for outdoor play and their inclement weather plans. It’s also wise to ask about their connections to the broader Englewood community, such as visits to the library or local parks, which can enrich your child’s experience.
Practical steps include checking each provider’s licensing status with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, which is publicly available online. Reading reviews is helpful, but personal referrals from neighbors at places like the Flat Rock Brook Nature Center or other local parents can be invaluable. Trust your instincts during tours. Does the environment feel warm and engaging? Are the children you observe happily involved in activities? The right place will feel like a partnership. Remember, the "best" daycare in Englewood is ultimately the one that aligns with your child’s temperament and your family’s values, providing a safe, stimulating, and loving foundation for these crucial early years. Your careful search through the options in our community is the first step toward finding that perfect fit.