The Best Daycare Centers in Hillsdale, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hillsdale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hillsdale
The Goddard School of Hillsdale
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Hillsdale offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. They emphasize STEAM learning, language development, and social-emotional growth through structured activities and creative play. The school maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provides daily communication to parents about their child's progress and activities.
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Kiddie Academy of Westwood
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Westwood serves the Hillsdale community with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and hands-on learning experiences. The academy features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated learning centers, and outdoor play areas. Their highly qualified staff includes teachers with early childhood education credentials who implement developmentally appropriate practices. The program emphasizes social skills, problem-solving, and academic readiness through project-based learning. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular progress reports, and maintain strong communication with families through their mobile app.
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Primrose School of Paramus
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Paramus serves families throughout Bergen County, including Hillsdale, with their Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance. The school features secure, modern facilities with dedicated music and art rooms, age-specific playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Their degreed teachers implement a research-based curriculum that develops literacy, math, science, and social skills through hands-on experiences. The school maintains exceptional safety protocols including secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. They emphasize character development and community awareness while providing regular updates to parents about their child's developmental milestones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hillsdale, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hillsdale, NJ?
In Hillsdale and the surrounding Bergen County area, daycare costs are on the higher end of the state average due to the region's cost of living. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,600 and $2,200 per month for full-time infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,900 per month. In-home family daycare options may be slightly less expensive, often ranging from $1,200 to $1,700 monthly. It's important to note that these are base rates; additional fees for registration, supplies, or early/late pickup are common. We recommend contacting providers directly for their most current pricing and to inquire about any available sibling discounts.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Hillsdale is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All childcare providers in New Jersey must be licensed or registered by the state's Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You can verify a facility's license status and view any past inspection reports through the NJ DCF's "Child Care Search" tool online. When touring a facility in Hillsdale, look for: a current license visibly posted, evidence of structured daily activities, clean and safe indoor/outdoor play areas, secure entry procedures, and a low staff-to-child ratio (NJ mandates 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschoolers). Also, ask about staff qualifications, background checks, emergency procedures, and their sick policy. Observing how caregivers interact with children is one of the most critical parts of the visit.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Hillsdale, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for daycare centers, especially for infant rooms, in Hillsdale and the wider Pascack Valley region. Due to high demand and limited infant slots, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists **during your second trimester of pregnancy**, or at least 6-12 months before your desired start date. For toddler or preschool openings, a 3-6 month lead time is more typical but still recommended. When contacting centers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often they update families on position, and their estimated timeline. Exploring a mix of centers and licensed family daycare homes can increase your options.
What are some of the local resources for finding and comparing childcare options in Hillsdale?
Parents in Hillsdale have several valuable local resources. The primary resource is the **Bergen County Department of Human Services, Division of Family Guidance**, which can provide referrals. A key tool is **Child Care Connection of NJ**, a state-contracted resource and referral agency; you can call them or use their online search. Additionally, the **Hillsdale Public Library** often has community bulletin boards with local provider flyers, and local parenting groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Hillsdale Moms & Dads") are excellent for getting personal recommendations and experiences from other families in town. Your pediatrician's office may also have suggestions for trusted local providers.
What part-time or flexible childcare options are available for parents in Hillsdale who don't need full-time care?
Several part-time and flexible options exist in the Hillsdale area. Many daycare centers offer 2, 3, or 4-day-a-week schedules, though these spots can be limited. Licensed family daycare homes often provide more schedule flexibility. The **Hillsdale Recreation Department** and local churches frequently run preschool programs that operate on a half-day (morning or afternoon) schedule, typically 2-5 days a week. For more occasional or backup care, you can explore drop-in daycare services in nearby towns like Westwood or River Edge, or use reputable nanny-share networks with other local families. Always confirm that any part-time provider is still licensed and follows NJ state regulations.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Hillsdale: