The Best Daycare Centers in Hillside, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hillside. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hillside
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Hillside offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. Their play-based curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and physical development with certified teachers holding early childhood education degrees. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide daily communication through their mobile app. The school emphasizes character development and offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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Kiddie Academy of Union
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Located just minutes from Hillside, Kiddie Academy of Union provides Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development with academic readiness. Their program includes technology-enhanced learning, hands-on STEM activities, and literacy development. The center features secure keypad entry, sanitization protocols, and emergency preparedness training. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with ongoing assessment tracking. The academy offers nutritious meals and snacks, indoor gross motor room, and structured learning centers. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular conferences.
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The Learning Experience - Elizabeth
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Elizabeth serves Hillside families with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and social skills development. The center features bright, modern classrooms, secure monitoring systems, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their programs include early literacy development, foreign language exposure (Spanish), and philanthropy curriculum. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certification. The facility offers flexible scheduling, enrichment programs, and real-time parent communication through their mobile app. Safety protocols include strict pickup authorization and comprehensive background checks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hillside, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hillside, NJ?
In Hillside, NJ, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of center. For infants (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. These rates are generally in line with the Union County average. Home-based family daycare providers in Hillside may offer slightly lower rates, often between $900 and $1,300 monthly. It's important to note that these are base tuition costs; additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pick-up are common. We recommend contacting centers directly for their most current pricing and inquiring about any available sibling discounts.
How can I verify that a daycare center in Hillside is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare centers in New Jersey, including those in Hillside, are regulated by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You can verify a center's license status and view any past inspection reports by using the "Child Care Search" tool on the NJ DCF website. During a tour in Hillside, beyond checking for the posted license, parents should specifically ask about staff-to-child ratios (NJ mandates 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers), staff qualifications and tenure, the center's emergency procedures for local issues like power outages or severe weather, and their sick policy. Observe the cleanliness and safety of the facilities, the engagement between caregivers and children, and ask for a sample daily schedule. Many Hillside centers also participate in Grow NJ Kids, the state's quality rating system, which is an additional marker of quality.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Hillside, and when should I start my search?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in Hillside, especially for infants due to stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend that expectant parents begin their search and tours during the second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search at least 4-6 months in advance is advisable. When contacting centers, be sure to ask about their specific waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often you need to confirm your continued interest, and how they prioritize applicants (e.g., siblings of current families, Hillside residents).
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Hillside?
While full-time care is most common, Hillside does offer some part-time and flexible options. Several local daycare centers offer part-week schedules (e.g., 2 or 3 days a week), though these spots are often limited and may not come with a proportional discount. Home-based family daycare providers in residential neighborhoods may offer more flexibility with hours and are sometimes willing to accommodate shift workers or irregular schedules. For occasional or backup care, you can explore regional services like nanny shares with other Hillside families or use apps that connect parents with licensed babysitters. Additionally, the Hillside Public Library and local community centers often host parent-child programs that can supplement a part-time care arrangement.
Does the Township of Hillside or local organizations offer any financial assistance or subsidized childcare programs for residents?
The primary source of financial assistance for childcare in New Jersey is the state-administered Child Care Subsidy Program (often referred to as "welfare" or "NJ Cares for Kids"), which is income-based. Eligibility and application are handled through the NJ Department of Human Services. While the Township of Hillside itself does not run a direct subsidy program, the Hillside Family Success Center (often operated by a community partner) is a valuable local resource. They can provide guidance on applying for state aid, connect you with local non-profits that may offer scholarships or sliding-scale fees, and inform you about other support services for families. It's crucial to apply for state assistance well in advance, as approval can take time.