The Best Daycare Centers in Manville, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Manville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Manville
The Learning Experience - Bridgewater
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Bridgewater is a highly-regarded early childhood education center serving the Manville area with a comprehensive curriculum that includes proprietary programs like L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) and enrichment classes in music, drama, and physical fitness. The center features modern, secure facilities with age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and advanced security systems. Certified early childhood educators provide individualized attention with low student-teacher ratios, focusing on cognitive, social, and emotional development. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, cleanliness, and engaging learning environment that prepares children for kindergarten readiness.
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Kiddie Academy of Hillsborough
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy of Hillsborough provides high-quality educational childcare serving families in the Manville region with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The center features state-of-the-art security including keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and secure classroom monitoring. Highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials create nurturing environments with hands-on learning activities, STEAM integration, and daily progress reporting. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, spacious play areas, and nutritional meal programs. Parents consistently highlight the professional staff, clean environment, and excellent communication about their child's development.
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Bright Horizons at Bridgewater
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Bridgewater is a nationally recognized early education center serving the Manville community with their World at Their Fingers® curriculum that emphasizes emergent, project-based learning and school readiness. The center employs highly qualified educators with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and provides ongoing professional development. Facilities include dedicated age-appropriate learning environments, secure outdoor play spaces, and comprehensive safety protocols. The program focuses on developing social-emotional skills, literacy, and STEM concepts through hands-on exploration. Parents appreciate the center's strong educational foundation, experienced staff, and flexible scheduling options including backup care services for working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Manville, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Manville, NJ?
In Manville, 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 $1,200 and $1,600 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These rates are generally in line with Somerset County averages. Home-based daycare providers in Manville may offer slightly lower rates, often between $800 and $1,200 monthly. It's important to note that these are base costs; additional fees for registration, supplies, or early/late pick-up may apply. Many facilities in the area offer sibling discounts, and New Jersey's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can provide financial aid to eligible families.
How do I verify that a daycare in Manville is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare centers and family daycare homes in Manville are regulated by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can verify a provider's license, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the official "Child Care Search" tool on the NJ DCF website. During an in-person tour, look for key indicators of quality and safety: a valid license posted visibly, clean and child-proofed environments, appropriate child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), engaged and qualified staff, a structured daily schedule, and secure outdoor play areas. In Manville, also ask about their emergency plans for local events, such as flooding, given the town's history. Don't hesitate to ask for references from current parents.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Manville, and when should I start my search?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in and around Manville, especially for infants due to stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly recommended to begin your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester, to secure a spot for when your maternity/paternity leave ends. For popular centers, waitlists of 6 to 12 months are not unusual. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee to join? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time for my child's age group? Exploring options in neighboring towns like Somerville, Bridgewater, or Hillsborough can provide more availability, but be sure to factor in commute logistics.
What are the options for backup or emergency childcare in Manville if my regular provider is unavailable?
Finding last-minute care can be challenging, but Manville and the surrounding Somerset County area offer a few solutions. Some local daycare centers may offer occasional "drop-in" care if they have space, but this is rare and usually requires pre-registration. A more reliable option is to use licensed backup care services through networks like Bright Horizons or Care.com, which can connect you with vetted sitters in the area. Additionally, you can inquire if your regular home-based provider has a network of substitutes they trust. For true emergencies, the Manville community often relies on informal networks; consider joining local parent groups on Facebook (e.g., "Manville, NJ Community" or "Manville Moms") where parents sometimes help each other out in a pinch.
What part-day or specialized preschool programs are available for 3-5 year olds in Manville, beyond full-time daycare?
For children aged 3-5, Manville offers several part-day preschool options that focus on school readiness. The Manville School District itself operates a tuition-based preschool program for 3 and 4-year-olds, which follows the public school calendar and daily schedule. Many local churches and community centers, such as those in nearby Somerville, also host preschool programs. These typically run for 2.5 to 3 hours, 2-5 days a week, and cost significantly less than full-time daycare (e.g., $150-$300 per month). For specialized needs, Somerset County services are accessible. It's important to apply early, as district and popular community preschools also maintain waitlists. These programs are an excellent bridge between daycare and kindergarten.