The Best Daycare Centers in Island Heights, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Island Heights. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Island Heights
Bright Horizons at Toms River
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Toms River offers a comprehensive educational curriculum focused on school readiness and whole-child development. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees and specialized training in age-appropriate learning methodologies. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on activities. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-specific classrooms, and outdoor play areas designed for different developmental stages. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provide nutritious meals and snacks. Parents praise the consistent communication and detailed progress reports tracking developmental milestones.
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The Goddard School of Toms River
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Toms River provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. Their faculty includes certified teachers with ongoing professional development in early childhood education. The center features modern security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their STEAM-focused curriculum incorporates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through age-appropriate activities. The facility includes multiple playgrounds, enrichment programs like yoga and foreign language, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Parents consistently highlight the engaging learning environment and strong communication from teachers.
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Kiddie Academy of Toms River
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Toms River utilizes their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and school readiness skills. The center employs dedicated early childhood professionals with CPR and first aid certification, plus ongoing training in child development. Their comprehensive safety measures include secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and strict health protocols. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through centers-based classrooms, outdoor exploration, and technology integration appropriate for young learners. Facilities include age-separated playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated spaces for creative arts and motor skill development. Parents appreciate the structured yet nurturing environment and the focus on developing independence and social skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Island Heights, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Island Heights, NJ?
In Island Heights and the surrounding Ocean County area, full-time daycare costs are generally in line with New Jersey state averages, which are among the highest in the nation. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month for a licensed center. For toddlers, costs may range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based family childcare in Island Heights can sometimes be 10-20% less expensive. It's important to note that prices can vary based on the program's curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities. Many facilities in the area offer limited part-time slots, which are proportionally more expensive per day. We recommend contacting providers directly for their current rates and inquiring about any available sibling discounts.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Island Heights, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler rooms at the most sought-after daycare centers and licensed home providers in Island Heights. Due to the town's small size and limited number of providers, high-quality spots fill up quickly. For infant care (6 weeks to 18 months), it is strongly advised to get on waitlists as soon as you know you are expecting, or at least 6-12 months before your desired start date. For toddler programs, a 3-6 month lead time is often necessary. Some centers in the Toms River and Seaside Heights areas, which serve Island Heights residents, may have slightly shorter waitlists but still require advanced planning. Always ask about a provider's specific waitlist policy, including any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot.
What are the licensing and safety regulations for childcare providers in New Jersey that I should verify for an Island Heights daycare?
All licensed childcare centers and family daycare homes in New Jersey, including those in Island Heights, are regulated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. Key regulations you should verify include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers), comprehensive background checks for all staff, mandatory annual training in health/safety and development, and regular facility inspections. You can view a provider's licensing history, including any violations, on the NJ DCF website. Additionally, given Island Heights' proximity to the Barnegat Bay, if a program includes outdoor or water activities, inquire about their specific safety protocols and staff certifications in water safety.
What types of childcare options are available specifically within the borough of Island Heights, NJ?
Island Heights is a small, residential borough, so on-site options are limited but do exist. Your primary choices within the town boundaries are likely to be licensed family childcare homes, which offer a smaller, home-like setting for a mixed-age group of children. There are typically no large, corporate daycare centers within Island Heights itself. Many families in Island Heights also utilize providers in neighboring communities such as Toms River, Seaside Heights, and Berkeley Township, which offer a wider range of options including daycare centers, preschools, and Montessori programs. For school-age children, the Island Heights Elementary School may offer before/after-care programs. Exploring options in these adjacent towns is a common and necessary practice for local parents.
Are there any local resources or referral services to help parents in Island Heights find and evaluate childcare?
Yes, the primary resource for Ocean County, including Island Heights, is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency, operated by the Professional Impact NJ**. They offer a free, searchable database of licensed providers, personalized referrals based on your needs (hours, location, budget), and guidance on understanding quality indicators and state subsidies. You can contact them via their website or hotline. Additionally, the **Island Heights Borough website or municipal office** may have information on local home-based providers or community bulletins. Many parents also find recommendations through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Island Heights, NJ Community") and word-of-mouth networks at places like the Island Heights Pier or the Ocean County Library - Toms River Branch.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Island Heights: