The Best Daycare Centers in Franklin Park, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Franklin Park. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Franklin Park
The Learning Experience - Franklin Park
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Franklin Park offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that focuses on both academic and social development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and surveillance cameras. Highly qualified teachers implement age-appropriate learning activities with low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor play areas, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Their programs emphasize literacy, mathematics, foreign language exposure, and character development through their philanthropy curriculum.
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The Goddard School of Franklin Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Franklin Park provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. The school employs degreed teachers who receive ongoing professional development. Safety features include secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. The facility features bright, well-equipped classrooms, multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for art, music, and movement activities. Their approach focuses on developing confidence, compassion, and readiness for elementary school.
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Rainbow Academy Childcare & Learning Center
Rainbow Academy
Rainbow Academy in nearby Kendall Park serves the Franklin Park community with a comprehensive educational program that emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) integration. The center features a bilingual curriculum option and focuses on developing critical thinking skills through hands-on learning experiences. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with small group instruction. The facility includes secure classrooms, multiple outdoor play areas, and specialized learning centers. Their nutrition program provides healthy meals and snacks, and they maintain excellent staff retention rates with many teachers having 5+ years of experience at the center.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Franklin Park, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Franklin Park, NJ?
In Franklin Park, NJ, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of center, age of the child, and specific services offered. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,900 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,700 per month. In-home family daycare providers in the area often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $1,000 and $1,500 monthly. These costs are influenced by Franklin Park's location within Somerset County, which has a higher cost of living than the state average. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, diapers, wipes, and enrichment programs, as these can affect the overall value.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Franklin Park is properly licensed and in good standing?
All childcare centers and registered family daycare homes in New Jersey must be licensed or approved by the state's Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. To verify a provider in Franklin Park, you can use the New Jersey Child Care Search tool available on the DCF website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or zip code (08823 for Franklin Park) and view their licensing status, any recent inspection reports, and violations. You can also call the Office of Licensing directly. It's highly recommended to visit any potential provider in person to observe the environment and ask to see their current license, which should be posted.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Franklin Park, and how can I navigate them?
Yes, due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many reputable daycare centers in and around Franklin Park maintain waitlists, often several months long. It's advisable to begin your search and get on lists as early as possible—during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date is common. To navigate this, create a list of 5-7 preferred centers within a reasonable commute. Contact each to inquire about their specific waitlist process, any associated fees (which should be minimal and refundable), and estimated timelines. Consider expanding your search to neighboring towns like Somerset, North Brunswick, or Milltown for more options. Staying in regular, polite contact (e.g., a check-in every 2-3 months) can help keep your application top of mind.
What types of preschool or pre-K programs are integrated into daycare services in Franklin Park?
Many daycare centers in Franklin Park offer structured preschool or pre-K curricula for children ages 3-5 as part of their full-day childcare programs. These programs are designed to meet New Jersey's Early Learning Standards and often focus on kindergarten readiness through play-based learning, literacy, math concepts, and social-emotional development. Some centers may partner with the Franklin Park School District or use established curricula like Creative Curriculum or HighScope. Additionally, New Jersey's state-funded preschool program is typically administered through public school districts for qualifying families, but availability within private daycare centers in Franklin Park itself may be limited. It's crucial to ask specific questions about daily schedules, teacher qualifications, and learning objectives when touring a center.
What are some local resources for finding and comparing childcare options in Franklin Park, NJ?
Parents in Franklin Park have several valuable local resources. Your first stop should be **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Agency for Somerset County**, operated by PROCEED Inc. They offer free, personalized referrals, information on licensing, and guidance on financial assistance programs like New Jersey's Child Care Subsidy Program. The **Franklin Park Public Library** often has community bulletin boards with information on local family daycare providers. Online, local parent groups on Facebook (e.g., "Franklin Park, NJ Community" or "Central NJ Moms") are excellent for getting personal recommendations and experiences. Finally, the **Somerset County Department of Human Services** website provides links to key childcare support services and regulatory information specific to the county.