The Best Daycare Centers in Longport, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Longport. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Longport
The Goddard School of Linwood
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Linwood offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development. Features state-certified teachers, low student-teacher ratios, secure keypad entry systems, and daily communication with parents via mobile app. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gym, and multiple outdoor playgrounds. Known for strong parent satisfaction and comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff and regular safety drills.
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Kiddie Academy of Egg Harbor Township
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Egg Harbor Township provides Life Essentials® curriculum that combines academic preparation with character development. Their program emphasizes technology integration, literacy development, and hands-on learning experiences. Features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure facility with surveillance systems, and nutritious meal programs. The center includes modern classrooms, dedicated learning centers, and outdoor play spaces. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, educational quality, and caring staff. Offers flexible scheduling and serves children from 6 weeks to 12 years old.
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Little Learners Academy
Little Learners Academy LLC
Little Learners Academy is a family-owned childcare center offering a comprehensive educational program that blends Montessori and traditional approaches. Their curriculum focuses on individualized learning plans, early literacy, mathematics readiness, and social skills development. Features experienced teaching staff with ongoing professional development, secure facility with coded entry, and small class sizes. The center includes multiple age-appropriate classrooms, indoor play areas, and fenced outdoor playgrounds. Known for personalized attention, strong parent-teacher partnerships, and consistent educational outcomes. Specializes in preparing children for kindergarten with structured academic foundation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Longport, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Longport, NJ?
In Longport and the surrounding Atlantic County coastal communities, daycare costs are generally higher than the state average due to the resort-area cost of living and high demand during peak seasons. For full-time infant care (under 18 months), parents 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 for licensed centers and home-based programs. It's important to note that many facilities in this area have seasonal pricing or require year-round contracts, even if you only need care during the summer months. We recommend contacting facilities directly for their most current fee schedules and inquiring about any available subsidies or sibling discounts.
Are there many licensed childcare options directly in Longport, or will I need to look in neighboring towns?
As a small, primarily residential barrier island community, Longport itself has very few dedicated childcare centers within its municipal boundaries. Most families in Longport utilize providers in neighboring towns such as Margate, Ventnor, and Atlantic City, which are just a short drive away via the bridges. There are several highly-rated licensed childcare centers and family daycare homes in these adjacent communities that regularly serve Longport families. Additionally, some in-home nanny shares or private nannies operate within Longport. The New Jersey Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for Atlantic County is an excellent resource for finding licensed options in the immediate area that fit your commute and needs.
What are the New Jersey state licensing requirements I should verify when choosing a daycare near Longport?
All childcare centers and registered family daycare homes in New Jersey must be licensed or registered by the NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. Key requirements include: background checks (fingerprinting) for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:10 for preschoolers), annual health and safety training, and compliance with facility safety codes. You can and should verify a provider's license status and view any past inspection reports online through the NJ DCF Office of Licensing website. When touring facilities in the Longport area, don't hesitate to ask for their license documentation and their most recent inspection summary, which they are required to post.
How far in advance should I apply for daycare, and are waitlists common in the Longport area?
Due to the limited number of facilities on the island and high demand from both year-round and seasonal residents, planning ahead is crucial. For year-round care, especially for infants, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 12 months before your needed start date. For summer-only care, which is in extremely high demand, you should inquire as early as January or February of that year. Many centers in Margate and Ventnor that serve Longport families have substantial waitlists, particularly for the infant and toddler rooms. Being flexible with your start date and having backup options can be very helpful.
Are there any unique programs or considerations for childcare related to Longport's coastal environment and seasonal community?
Yes, the coastal environment and seasonal flux create unique childcare dynamics. Many local programs offer "Summer Camp" styles for preschoolers and school-age children, which may include beach safety education, nature exploration, and water play activities. However, it's important to ask about their specific safety protocols for outings, sunscreen application, and hydration. Furthermore, the population of Longport swells in the summer, so some year-round daycare centers may prioritize their full-year families for summer spots, making it challenging for new seasonal residents to find openings. Conversely, some providers may operate only on a seasonal (May-September) basis. Always clarify the program's operational calendar and how they handle holiday weeks common in shore communities.