The Best Daycare Centers in Mantua, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Mantua. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Mantua
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Sewell serves the Mantua area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts, delivered by qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What sets this center apart is their emphasis on STEAM learning, daily communication with parents through the proprietary mobile app, and nutritional meal programs. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and offer enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish.
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Kiddie Academy of Deptford
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Deptford serves Mantua families with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, technology, and hands-on learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and modern facilities with dedicated learning centers. Their approach emphasizes social-emotional development through structured activities and free play. Notable features include their STEM-focused learning stations, nutritious meal program prepared on-site, and real-time updates for parents through the mobile app. The academy maintains excellent safety records and offers flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Rainbow Academy
Rainbow Academy Early Childhood Education Centers
Rainbow Academy in Glassboro provides comprehensive childcare services to Mantua residents with their proprietary curriculum that combines academic preparation with developmental activities. The center features degreed early childhood educators, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and age-specific learning environments. Their program includes literacy development, mathematics exploration, science discovery, and creative arts. The academy stands out for their focus on individualized learning plans, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent-teacher communication. Additional benefits include enrichment programs in music and movement, outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, and transportation services for school-age children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Mantua, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Mantua, NJ?
In Mantua, NJ, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the cost typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in the area often charge slightly less, averaging $800 to $1,200 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that costs in Gloucester County are generally lower than in more urban parts of New Jersey, but they have been rising. Many facilities in Mantua require an annual registration fee ($75-$150) in addition to weekly or monthly tuition.
How do I verify that a daycare in Mantua is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All childcare providers in Mantua must be licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You can verify a center's or family childcare home's license status and view any past violations by using the state's online "Child Care Search" tool. During a tour in Mantua, look for specific local indicators of quality: check for a valid license posted, ask about staff qualifications (NJ requires lead teachers to have a Child Development Associate credential or higher), observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, and inquire about their emergency plans for local situations like severe weather. Also, ask about their policy for outdoor play, as many Mantua facilities have on-site playgrounds. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other local parents.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Mantua, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in and around Mantua. Due to high demand and limited infant slots (NJ mandates a 4:1 infant-to-staff ratio), it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before your desired start date. Some popular centers in the Mantua Township area have waitlists that extend 12-18 months. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), waitlists are generally shorter, but you should still inquire 3-6 months in advance. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $50-$100) and to follow up periodically to express your continued interest.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Mantua?
While full-time care is most common, Mantua does offer some part-time and flexible options. Several local daycare centers offer 2, 3, or 4-day-a-week programs, often for preschool-age children. For more flexible or irregular hours, your best bet is to contact licensed family childcare homes, as they may have more ability to accommodate non-traditional schedules like shift work common for parents commuting to Philadelphia or local hospitals. Another growing option is participation in a local cooperative preschool, where parents volunteer in the classroom to reduce costs and gain flexibility. For occasional care, you might explore drop-in services at larger centers in nearby towns like Deptford or Woodbury, but these are less common within Mantua itself.
What local resources or programs in Gloucester County can help me afford childcare in Mantua?
Gloucester County offers several resources to help manage childcare costs. The primary program is New Jersey's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), administered by the Gloucester County Board of Social Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). Additionally, you may qualify for the federal Dependent Care FSA through your employer, which uses pre-tax dollars. Some local centers also offer sibling discounts. For preschool-specific aid, the Mantua Township School District may offer free preschool programs for qualifying 3 and 4-year-olds; contact the district directly for eligibility. It's also worth checking with local community organizations and churches, as some may offer subsidized or sliding-scale tuition programs.