The Best Daycare Centers in Far Hills, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Far Hills. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Far Hills
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Far Hills offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, social skills, and physical development. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators. Parents praise the comprehensive communication system, nutritious meal program, and the school's commitment to safety and cleanliness.
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Primrose School of Basking Ridge
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Basking Ridge serves the Far Hills community with their Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance. The curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, math, and science through hands-on activities. The facility features secure access controls, dedicated infant rooms, age-specific playgrounds, and interactive learning centers. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains rigorous health and safety protocols. Parents consistently highlight the school's exceptional communication, engaging curriculum, and the professional, caring staff who create a warm, educational environment.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy in Basking Ridge provides comprehensive early education serving Far Hills families with their research-based curriculum that emphasizes academic readiness and social-emotional development. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms, and expansive outdoor learning environments. Their curriculum includes STEM activities, literacy development, and character education programs. Certified teachers with early childhood credentials implement individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. The center is noted for its strong parent partnership approach, regular community events, and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and educational excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Far Hills, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Far Hills, NJ, and what factors influence the price?
In Far Hills and the surrounding Somerset County area, full-time daycare or preschool for an infant can range from approximately $1,800 to $2,500+ per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $1,400 to $2,200 per month. These rates are influenced by several local factors: the high cost of living in Somerset County, the often lower child-to-staff ratios that providers maintain, and the inclusion of amenities like organic meals, advanced educational curricula, or extensive outdoor play spaces. Center-based programs in nearby towns like Bernardsville or Bedminster may be slightly less expensive than exclusive in-home providers within Far Hills itself. It's important to note that these are base rates; additional fees for registration, materials, or early/late care can add to the monthly cost.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection records for a daycare provider in Far Hills?
All licensed childcare centers and registered family daycare homes in New Jersey are regulated by the state's Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. To verify a provider's status and review their compliance history, you can use the "Child Care Search" tool on the NJ DCF website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or zip code (like 07931 for Far Hills) and view their license status, capacity, and any cited violations from state inspections. For the most thorough vetting, parents are also encouraged to contact the local Licensing Office for Somerset County directly and to ask providers for references from current families, which is a common practice in this tight-knit community.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Far Hills, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for reputable daycare centers and preschools in Far Hills and the immediate Bernards Township area. Due to the residential nature of the community and limited number of facilities within the borough itself, high-demand spots, especially for infant care, can have waitlists of 6 to 18 months. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. For preschool programs with a traditional September start, inquiry and application processes often begin a full year in advance. Staying in regular, polite contact with your preferred centers can improve your chances of securing a spot.
What are the primary options for childcare in Far Hills, given it's a smaller borough?
As a smaller borough, Far Hills itself has a limited number of standalone childcare centers. Parents typically explore a mix of options within and just beyond the town borders. These include: 1) **In-home family daycare providers** licensed for smaller groups within Far Hills residences. 2) **Childcare centers and preschools** in neighboring communities such as Bernardsville, Bedminster, and Basking Ridge, which many Far Hills families use. 3) **Nanny shares or private nannies**, which are a popular option in this area due to the prevalence of single-family homes and flexible work arrangements. 4) **Part-time nursery school or playgroup programs** often affiliated with local churches or community organizations. Transportation to nearby options is a key consideration for most families.
What unique amenities or program focuses should I expect from daycare providers serving the Far Hills community?
Daycare providers catering to the Far Hills community often emphasize amenities that align with the local, affluent, and semi-rural lifestyle. Common features include: extensive **outdoor and nature-based programming** leveraging the area's open spaces and trails; emphasis on **early literacy and STEM enrichment**; **foreign language introduction** (often Spanish or Mandarin); and **organic or locally-sourced meal programs**. Many programs also offer flexible scheduling to accommodate parents who commute to New York City or major NJ corporate centers, and may provide **"farm-to-table" or equestrian-themed** activities reflecting the local culture. It's also common for providers to have strong security protocols and secure, gated outdoor play areas.