The Best Daycare Centers in Florence, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Florence. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Florence
The Learning Experience - Bordentown
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Bordentown serves the Florence area with a comprehensive early childhood education program featuring their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum. The center emphasizes both academic and social development through structured learning activities, character development programs, and enrichment classes. Facilities include secure, age-appropriate classrooms, indoor play areas, and outdoor playgrounds. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and uses advanced security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring.
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Goddard School of Bordentown
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Bordentown provides high-quality early childhood education to Florence area families through their F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) program. The curriculum focuses on play-based learning while developing literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills. The school features purpose-built classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and specialized learning centers. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in continuous training. The center emphasizes safety with secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Stepping Stone School
Independent
Stepping Stone School is a well-established independent childcare center serving Florence and surrounding communities with a balanced approach to early education. The program combines structured academic preparation with creative play and social development activities. The school offers age-specific curricula with emphasis on kindergarten readiness, including phonics, early math concepts, and social studies. Facilities include secure, modern classrooms, dedicated infant rooms, and expansive outdoor play areas. The center maintains excellent staff retention with many teachers having 5+ years of experience and advanced certifications in early childhood education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Florence, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Florence, NJ?
In Florence, NJ, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month for infant care, and slightly less, around $1,000 to $1,400, for toddler care. Home-based family childcare providers in the Florence area often offer more affordable rates, typically ranging from $800 to $1,200 per month. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that New Jersey does not have a statewide price cap, so rates are set by individual providers. Parents in Florence should budget accordingly and inquire about any potential discounts for siblings or prepayment.
How do I verify that a daycare in Florence is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All childcare providers in New Jersey must be licensed or registered by the state's Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You can verify a Florence provider's license status and view any past inspection reports online through the NJ DCF Child Care Search portal. During an in-person tour, look for the license certificate posted in a visible area. Key local inspection points include: safe, clean, and age-appropriate environments; secure entrances and fenced outdoor play areas; evidence of structured daily activities; and staff who are CPR/First Aid certified. Ask about their emergency procedures specific to the Florence area and their policy on sick children. Observing how staff interact with children is one of the most critical indicators of quality.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Florence, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many reputable daycare centers in and around Florence (including those in neighboring townships like Burlington and Mansfield) often have waitlists. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or those planning a return to work begin their search during the second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date. For toddler or preschool spots, a 3-6 month lead time is advisable. When contacting centers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, any fees to join the list, and how often they update families on their status. Exploring a mix of centers and licensed family childcare homes can increase your chances of securing a spot sooner.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Florence?
While full-time care is most common, Florence and the surrounding Burlington County area do offer some part-time and flexible options. Several daycare centers may offer 2, 3, or 4-day-a-week programs, particularly for preschool-age children. Many licensed family childcare providers offer greater schedule flexibility, including drop-in care or care for non-traditional hours, which can be valuable for parents with shift work. Additionally, you can explore registered "child care centers in a residence" for smaller-scale care. For more occasional needs, consider checking local parent networks on social media or apps like Sittercity for vetted babysitters in the Florence area. Always ensure any flexible provider is compliant with NJ state regulations.
What financial assistance programs are available to help Florence, NJ families afford childcare?
New Jersey offers several programs to assist eligible families in Florence. The primary resource is the state's Child Care Subsidy Program (often called "child care assistance" or "welfare"), administered by the Department of Human Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/training requirements. Burlington County Social Services can help with the application. Additionally, the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit can provide significant relief at tax time. Some local Florence daycare providers may also offer sliding scale fees or scholarships; it's always worth asking directly. For military families, the Department of Defense Fee Assistance program may apply. Starting your financial aid research early is crucial, as approval processes can take time.