The Best Daycare Centers in Haledon, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Haledon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Haledon
The Goddard School of Wayne
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Wayne offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized attention.
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Kiddie Academy of North Haledon
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of North Haledon provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character education, technology, and hands-on learning. The academy features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their program includes music, Spanish language exposure, and STEM activities. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive continuous training. The center focuses on developing social skills, independence, and school readiness through structured play and learning activities.
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Rainbow Academy Early Childhood Learning Center
Rainbow Academy
Rainbow Academy offers a research-based curriculum that combines academic preparation with social-emotional development. Their proprietary curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and creative arts. The facility features secure environments with surveillance systems, dedicated age-specific learning centers, and outdoor play spaces. The center employs certified teachers with expertise in early childhood development and maintains small class sizes. Their program emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking skills, and prepares children for kindergarten success through structured developmental activities and individualized learning approaches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Haledon, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Haledon, NJ?
In Haledon and the surrounding Passaic County area, daycare costs are influenced by the type of facility and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, full-time infant care (6 weeks to 18 months) typically ranges from **$1,200 to $1,600 per month**. Toddler care (18 months to 3 years) is slightly lower, averaging **$1,000 to $1,400 per month**. Home-based family childcare in Haledon can be more affordable, often ranging from **$800 to $1,200 monthly**. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices can vary based on specific programs, included amenities (like meals or early education curricula), and staff-to-child ratios. We recommend contacting facilities directly for their current rates and inquiring about any available subsidies or sibling discounts.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Haledon is properly licensed and safe?
All childcare providers in New Jersey must be licensed or registered by the **New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing**. To verify a provider's status and review their compliance history, you can use the state's official **Child Care Search** tool online. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location (including Haledon), and type. It will show the license status, capacity, ages served, and any recent inspection reports with noted violations. You can also call the DCF's Office of Licensing at 1-877-667-9845. Always visit a potential daycare in person, ask to see their current license, and inquire about staff background checks, emergency procedures, and their sick child policy.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Haledon, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers and highly-regarded preschools in Haledon and the broader North Jersey region, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. For infant care, it is strongly advised to **begin your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy**, or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search 4-6 months in advance is prudent. Some centers in Haledon may have shorter waitlists or immediate openings, particularly family childcare homes or newer facilities. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $50-$100) and to check in with centers periodically to express your continued interest.
What types of childcare assistance or subsidy programs are available for families in Haledon, NJ?
The primary childcare subsidy program in New Jersey is **NJ Child Care Subsidy Program (formerly known as "child care assistance")**, administered by the Department of Human Services. Eligibility is based on family income, size, and reason for care (employment, education, etc.). Haledon residents can apply online through NJHelps or contact the Passaic County Board of Social Services for application assistance. Additionally, some local daycare centers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships. The **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Passaic County** (4C's of Passaic County) is a valuable free resource. They can help parents navigate subsidy options, provide referrals to licensed providers in Haledon, and offer guidance on choosing quality care.
What are some key differences between daycare centers and family childcare homes in Haledon that I should consider?
Choosing between a center and a home-based program in Haledon involves weighing several factors. **Daycare Centers** (like those on Belmont Ave or near Memorial Park) are often in commercial buildings, have multiple classrooms divided by age, a larger staff team, and may follow a structured educational curriculum. They typically have set hours and may be less flexible with schedules. **Family Childcare Homes** are run out of a provider's residence in Haledon neighborhoods, offering a mixed-age, home-like environment with potentially smaller groups and more flexible hours. They can provide more personalized care and often have a single, consistent caregiver. Both are licensed by the state, but regulations (like group size) differ. Consider your child's temperament, your need for schedule flexibility, and your preference for a social or familial setting when deciding.