The Best Daycare Centers in Highland Lakes, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Highland Lakes. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Highland Lakes
The Goddard School of Sparta
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Sparta is highly regarded for its play-based learning approach and F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum, which integrates STEM activities, literacy, and creative arts. Staff members hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and daily communication apps for parents. Emphasis is placed on social-emotional development and school readiness, with enrichment programs like yoga and foreign language exposure. Parents consistently praise its nurturing environment and engaging educational activities.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Randolph
Kiddie Academy International
Kiddie Academy of Randolph follows the Life Essentials curriculum, focusing on character development, health and fitness, and technology integration. The center employs certified teachers with backgrounds in early childhood education and maintains stringent safety protocols, including secured facilities and regular drills. Programs are designed to foster independence and critical thinking through hands-on learning centers and community involvement. The academy offers nutritious meal plans and flexible scheduling, with parent portals for real-time updates. It is celebrated for its clean, modern facilities and strong parent-teacher partnerships.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience of Hackettstown
The Learning Experience Systems
The Learning Experience of Hackettstown emphasizes a phonics-based curriculum and interactive learning through its L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) framework. The center features dedicated classrooms for different age groups, outdoor play areas, and safety measures like CCTV monitoring and background-checked staff. Teachers are trained in early childhood development and use positive reinforcement to support social, emotional, and academic growth. Programs include music, movement, and philanthropy lessons, with a focus on preparing children for kindergarten. Parents value the center's structured environment and consistent communication on developmental milestones.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Highland Lakes, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Highland Lakes, NJ, and what factors influence the price?
In Highland Lakes and the surrounding Sussex County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These prices are influenced by several local factors: the type of facility (home-based vs. center-based), the staff-to-child ratio, the inclusion of educational curricula (like Montessori or play-based learning), and whether meals and snacks are provided. Highland Lakes, being a more residential lake community, may have fewer large centers than nearby towns like Vernon, so some in-home providers might offer competitive rates. It's also important to budget for registration fees, which can be $100-$300, and potential waitlist deposits.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Highland Lakes is properly licensed and what are New Jersey's key regulations for childcare?
All licensed childcare providers in New Jersey are regulated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You can verify a provider's license status and view any inspection reports by using the "Child Care Search" tool on the NJ DCF website. Key state regulations relevant to Highland Lakes providers include: a maximum staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschoolers; mandatory background checks for all staff; and specific health, safety, and training requirements. Given Highland Lakes' more rural setting, many providers are licensed family childcare homes, which care for up to 5 children. Always ask to see the provider's current license during your visit.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in the Highland Lakes area, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for reputable daycare centers and popular in-home providers in the Highland Lakes and greater Vernon Township area. Due to the limited number of facilities within the immediate community, many families also look at options in nearby towns like Hamburg, Sparta, and Franklin, which can also have waitlists. For infant care, it is strongly recommended to start 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, a 3-6 month lead time is advisable. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their list length, how often it moves, and if a deposit is required to hold a spot.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically in the Highland Lakes community?
Parents in Highland Lakes typically have three primary options: 1) **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** These are common in the residential neighborhoods and lake communities, offering a home-like setting for a smaller group of children. 2) **Child Care Centers:** While fewer within Highland Lakes proper, several centers operate in nearby Vernon, Sparta, and Hamburg, offering structured programs for larger groups. 3) **Preschools:** Many local churches and community organizations offer part-day preschool programs for children ages 3-5, which can be a complement to other care arrangements. Additionally, due to the seasonal nature of the area, some summer-only or seasonal programs are available, but full-year care requires planning with one of the primary options.
What local resources or organizations in Sussex County can help me find and evaluate childcare near Highland Lakes?
The primary resource for Sussex County is **Project Self-Sufficiency**, located in Newton. They operate the state's Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the county. They offer a free referral service to help parents find licensed providers that match their needs, provide information on state subsidy programs (like NJ Cares for Kids), and offer guidance on what to look for during a visit. You can contact them via their website or by phone. Additionally, local Facebook groups such as "Highland Lakes, NJ Community" or "Vernon Moms" are often used by parents to get personal recommendations and share experiences with local providers. The Sussex County Library system branches may also have community bulletin boards with provider information.
Childcare Insights for Highland Lakes
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and for parents in Highland Lakes, New Jersey, the search for the "best daycares near me" comes with its own unique set of considerations. Nestled in Vernon Township with its beautiful lakes and community feel, you’re likely looking for a place that not only provides excellent care but also feels like an extension of the safe, nurturing environment you value at home. The good news is that the area offers a variety of quality options, from larger centers to intimate home-based programs, each with its own strengths.
Your search should begin by defining what "best" means for your family. For some, a structured educational curriculum with a preschool component is paramount, while for others, a flexible schedule with a warm, play-based atmosphere is key. Given Highland Lakes’ semi-rural setting, consider practicalities like commute. A daycare slightly further into Vernon or towards Sparta might be worth the drive for the right program, but factoring in your daily route, especially during seasonal weather, is crucial. Many local providers understand the rhythms of this community, often incorporating nature and outdoor play, which is a wonderful asset given our scenic surroundings.
We are fortunate to have several well-regarded centers within a reasonable distance. It’s highly recommended to look beyond online reviews and schedule in-person tours. This allows you to observe the children’s interactions, the cleanliness and safety of the facility, and the rapport between staff and little ones. Pay attention to the daily rhythm—are the children engaged and happy? Ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, and their philosophy on discipline and learning. In a close-knit area like ours, word-of-mouth is invaluable. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from neighbors at the lake or other parents at the Highland Lakes Community Association events; personal experiences can offer insights no website can.
Remember to inquire about the specifics that matter for New Jersey families. Ensure any program you consider is licensed by the State of New Jersey, which mandates health, safety, and staff-to-child ratio standards. Discuss their policies on sick children, especially in the winter months, and their protocols for emergencies. Given our proximity to natural areas, understanding their outdoor play policy and safety measures is also wise. Finally, trust your instincts. The best daycare in Highland Lakes for your child is the one where you feel a genuine sense of trust and connection. It’s a place where your child will spend significant time learning, growing, and playing, so finding that perfect fit brings invaluable peace of mind, allowing you to feel confident and supported right here in our community.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Highland Lakes: