The Best Daycare Centers in Franklin Lakes, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Franklin Lakes. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Franklin Lakes
The Goddard School of Franklin Lakes
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Franklin Lakes offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic learning with creative play. The facility features bright, modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Certified teachers implement developmental milestones tracking and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The program emphasizes STEAM learning, language development, and social-emotional growth through structured play and hands-on activities. Parents appreciate the strong communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Franklin Lakes
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Franklin Lakes provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, technology, and literacy. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, indoor gymnasium, and outdoor learning environments. Highly qualified teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The program includes Spanish language exposure, music enrichment, and technology integration appropriate for each age group. Safety protocols include comprehensive background checks, health monitoring, and emergency preparedness training.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Wyckoff
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Wyckoff serves the Franklin Lakes community with their Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance. The accredited facility features state-of-the-art security systems, nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site, and expansive outdoor learning environments. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on exploration. Highly trained teachers maintain low child-to-teacher ratios and implement ongoing assessment of developmental milestones. The school offers enrichment programs including music, art, and physical education, with strong parent communication through the Primrose Schools app.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Franklin Lakes, NJ
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Franklin Lakes, NJ, and what factors influence the price?
In Franklin Lakes, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,400 per month. For toddlers, it's slightly lower, averaging $1,600 to $2,100 per month. These rates are among the highest in New Jersey, reflecting the town's affluent demographic, high property values, and the associated cost of living. Factors that influence the price include the type of facility (corporate chain vs. family-owned center vs. licensed home daycare), the staff-to-child ratio, the inclusion of educational curricula (like Montessori or Reggio Emilia), and extra amenities such as organic meals, webcam access, or extended hours. It's important to note that most centers in this area have annual tuition contracts, and prices are often quoted as a weekly or monthly rate, not hourly.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Franklin Lakes, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many of the well-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Franklin Lakes have significant waitlists. It is highly recommended that expecting parents begin their research and place their names on waitlists during their second trimester, or at least 6 to 12 months before their desired start date. For popular programs affiliated with local community centers or with exceptional reputations, applying over a year in advance is not uncommon. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist status, the deposit policy to hold a spot (which is usually non-refundable), and how often they update families on their position.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a registered family daycare home in Franklin Lakes, and how do I verify their credentials?
Licensed childcare centers in Franklin Lakes are commercial facilities subject to strict New Jersey state regulations for staff qualifications, maximum group sizes, safety standards, and curriculum. Family daycare homes are smaller operations run out of a provider's residence, caring for a maximum of 5 children (with certain allowances for additional school-age children). They are registered, not licensed, and have different, though still important, regulations. To verify credentials, you can use the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) Child Care Search tool online. This database shows a provider's license or registration status, any history of violations, and their licensed capacity. Always cross-reference this information during your tour and ask to see their current certificate.
What part-time or flexible childcare options are available for parents in Franklin Lakes who don't need full-time care?
While full-time programs dominate, Franklin Lakes does offer several part-time and flexible options. Many preschools offer half-day (9 am-12 pm) programs for children ages 2.5 to 5, typically 2, 3, or 5 days a week. Some daycare centers offer "flex care" packages for a set number of days per month. Another popular local option is utilizing nanny shares with other families in the community, which can offer more customized and flexible hours. Additionally, the Franklin Lakes Recreation Department and local organizations like the Community Church often host seasonal camps, "Mom's Morning Out" programs, or enrichment classes that can serve as supplemental childcare. For consistent part-time needs, licensed family daycare homes often provide more schedule flexibility than large centers.
How does the quality and approach of daycare programs in Franklin Lakes typically differ from those in neighboring towns like Wyckoff or Ridgewood?
Daycare programs in Franklin Lakes are generally on par with the high-quality, education-focused programs found in neighboring affluent towns like Wyckoff and Ridgewood. You will find a strong emphasis on early academic preparation, outdoor play in natural settings, and enrichment activities like music and foreign language. However, Franklin Lakes, being a smaller borough, may have fewer total options than Ridgewood, which has a larger and more walkable downtown with multiple centers. The specific philosophical approach (e.g., play-based, Montessori, Waldorf) will vary more by individual center than by town. A key differentiator can be convenience; many Franklin Lakes parents prioritize a center with a short commute from home, even if it means looking just over the border in Mahwah or Oakland, where costs might be marginally lower while maintaining high standards.