The Best Daycare Centers in Fords, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fords. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fords
The Learning Experience - Fords
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Fords offers a comprehensive early education curriculum with proprietary programs like L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) and enrichment classes including phonics, manners, and foreign language. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, certified early childhood educators, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their Bubbles the Fish character curriculum teaches philanthropy and social skills. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor play areas, and structured outdoor playgrounds with safety surfacing.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Fords
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Fords provides a play-based learning approach with F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic preparation with social development. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The center features secure entry systems, daily sanitization protocols, and nutritionally balanced meals. Their STEAM-focused curriculum includes robotics, coding, and hands-on science activities appropriate for each age group.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Edison
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Edison serves the Fords area with their Life Essentials curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM education. The academy features secure keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and electronic daily reports for parents. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, music and movement classes, and technology-integrated learning stations. The facility offers spacious classrooms, dedicated nap areas, and age-separated playgrounds with natural elements for outdoor learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fords, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Fords, NJ?
In Fords, NJ, the cost of full-time daycare can vary significantly based on the type of center, its programs, and the age of your child. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay an average of $1,200 to $1,600 per month for infant care, and slightly less, around $1,100 to $1,400 per month, for toddler care. In-home family daycare providers in the Fords/Woodbridge area often offer more affordable rates, typically ranging from $800 to $1,200 per month. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices can be higher for centers with specialized curricula or extended hours. Many facilities also require registration fees and may have additional costs for meals, supplies, or enrichment activities. We recommend contacting centers directly for their most current pricing and inquiring about any available sibling discounts.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Fords is properly licensed and has a good safety record?
All childcare centers in New Jersey must be licensed by the state's Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. To verify a provider in Fords, you can use the New Jersey Child Care Search tool available on the DCF website. This database allows you to search by location and view a provider's license status, capacity, and any serious violations or complaints that have been substantiated. For the most thorough check, you can also contact the DCF's Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit for any history of investigations. Additionally, we recommend visiting the facility in person, asking about staff-to-child ratios (which in NJ are 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschoolers), checking for visible safety features like secured exits and outlet covers, and requesting references from other Fords-area parents.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Fords, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many of the more popular daycare centers and in-home providers in Fords, especially for infant rooms, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search during your pregnancy, ideally 6 to 9 months before your needed start date. For toddler or preschool spots, starting 3 to 6 months in advance is recommended. When touring facilities, always ask about their specific waitlist process: Is there a fee to be placed on the list? How often do they update parents on their position? Some centers affiliated with local employers or community organizations in the Woodbridge Township area may have priority lists. Being flexible with your start date can sometimes help secure a spot sooner.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Fords, NJ?
Parents in Fords have several types of licensed childcare options to consider. The most common are: 1. **Child Care Centers:** These are formal facilities, often in commercial buildings or community centers, offering structured programs for various age groups. Examples include chains and independent centers in the Fords section of Woodbridge. 2. **Family Child Care Homes:** Licensed providers who care for children in their own private residences. These often offer a smaller, home-like setting and can be more flexible with hours. 3. **Preschools:** Many local churches, synagogues, and private organizations offer part-day or full-day preschool programs for children ages 2.5 to 5, which may focus more on early education. 4. **Before/After School Care:** Several programs operate in conjunction with Woodbridge Township public schools, providing care for school-age children. Your choice will depend on your child's age, your schedule, budget, and preferred learning environment.
Does the town of Woodbridge (which includes Fords) offer any resources or assistance for finding and paying for childcare?
Yes, as a community within Woodbridge Township, Fords residents can access several resources. The **Woodbridge Township Health Department** can provide referrals to licensed providers. For financial assistance, the primary resource is the state-administered **Child Care Subsidy Program** (often called "child care assistance" or "welfare"), which helps eligible low- and moderate-income families pay for care. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply through the NJ Department of Human Services. Additionally, some local employers, Rutgers University, and nearby corporate parks may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or referral services. It's also worthwhile to check with local community centers and libraries for parenting groups that share recommendations.