The Best Daycare Centers in Englewood Cliffs, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Englewood Cliffs. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Englewood Cliffs
The Goddard School of Englewood Cliffs
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Englewood Cliffs 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 play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are highly qualified with degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, with a focus on individualized learning plans for each child.
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Bright Horizons at Englewood
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Englewood provides comprehensive early education with their World at Their Fingers curriculum that integrates emergent learning with intentional teaching. The center features state-of-the-art security including coded entry systems, secure playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their educational approach focuses on developing critical thinking skills through hands-on exploration in literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The highly qualified teaching staff maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and participates in continuous professional development. The center offers nutritious meals and maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family engagement events.
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The Learning Experience - Fort Lee
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Fort Lee offers a comprehensive early education curriculum featuring their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) and philanthropy-based curriculum that teaches children the importance of giving back. The center provides advanced security systems including biometric entry, CCTV monitoring, and strict pick-up protocols. Their programs include foreign language exposure, phonics programs, and hands-on STEAM activities. The highly trained educators focus on social, emotional, and academic development through structured play and guided learning. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor play areas, and safe outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, with an emphasis on creating a nurturing and stimulating environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Englewood Cliffs, NJ
What are the typical costs for infant daycare in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Englewood Cliffs, the cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,500 per month, placing it among the higher-priced areas in Bergen County due to its proximity to New York City and the high cost of living. This cost generally covers core care, meals, and basic curriculum. For financial assistance, New Jersey's state-funded program, Child Care Subsidy (through WorkFirst NJ), is available to eligible families based on income and work/training requirements. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's also worth checking with your employer, as many corporations in the area, including those headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or even partnerships with specific providers.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Englewood Cliffs, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Englewood Cliffs can be significant, especially for infant and toddler rooms. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, and sometimes even longer for coveted spots. Given this, it is highly recommended that expecting parents begin their research and place their names on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. Many centers have formal application processes and may require a non-refundable deposit to secure a spot on the list. Being proactive and applying to multiple centers is a common strategy for parents in this area.
What are the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a registered family childcare home in Englewood Cliffs?
Both are regulated by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), but they operate differently. Licensed daycare centers in Englewood Cliffs are larger facilities, often in commercial buildings, with multiple staff, structured curricula, and specific child-to-staff ratios mandated by the state (e.g., 4:1 for infants). They are subject to regular, announced inspections. Registered family childcare homes operate out of a provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like setting with a mixed-age group. They are registered (not licensed) and can care for up to 5 children unrelated to the provider. The choice often comes down to preference for a structured, institutional setting versus a more intimate, flexible environment. Parents can verify a provider's license or registration status through the NJ DCF website.
Are there any unique enrichment or educational programs commonly offered by daycares in Englewood Cliffs given its diverse community?
Yes, many daycare centers in Englewood Cliffs leverage the area's affluent and internationally connected community to offer robust enrichment programs. It is common to find centers that include second language exposure, often Spanish or Mandarin, as part of their daily curriculum. Other frequent enrichments include music and movement classes with specialized instructors, introductory STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activities, and yoga for children. Given the proximity to corporate headquarters and a population with high educational attainment, many programs emphasize a strong academic preschool foundation, often following models like Montessori or Reggio Emilia, to prepare children for the competitive local school districts.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Englewood Cliffs?
Beyond general cleanliness and safety, focus on local and state-specific factors. First, verify the current license is posted and ask about staff tenure—low turnover indicates a stable environment. Observe the child-to-staff ratios to ensure NJ compliance. Inquire about their emergency procedures, especially for weather-related closures or incidents given the area's seasons. Ask about their outdoor play policy; safe, dedicated outdoor space is valuable but can be limited in a densely populated borough. Sample a meal menu to assess nutritional quality. Finally, gauge communication: ask how they provide daily updates (many use apps like Brightwheel) and their policy on parent visits during the day. Trust your instincts on the overall warmth and engagement of the staff with the children.