The Best Daycare Centers in Maple Shade, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Maple Shade. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Maple Shade
The Learning Experience - Maple Shade
The Learning Experience Academies of Early Education
The Learning Experience in Maple Shade offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that combines academic learning with social development. The center features bright, modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their program includes phonics, foreign language exposure, manners and etiquette, and fitness activities. Teachers are state-certified and receive ongoing professional development. The facility maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and uses a proprietary mobile app for real-time parent communication and daily updates.
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The Goddard School of Mount Laurel
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Maple Shade, The Goddard School of Mount Laurel provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their program includes STEAM learning, yoga, music, and Spanish exposure. The center maintains excellent staff retention and offers flexible scheduling options for working families in the Maple Shade area.
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Bright Horizons at Mount Laurel
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Mount Laurel serves families throughout Burlington County, including Maple Shade residents, with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and developmentally appropriate practices. The center features purpose-built classrooms, secure environments with comprehensive safety measures, and highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education. Their program includes emergent curriculum, literacy-rich environments, and outdoor learning spaces. Bright Horizons is known for strong parent partnerships and their Back-Up Care program for working parents needing flexible childcare solutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Maple Shade, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time infant daycare in Maple Shade, NJ, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Maple Shade, the cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, depending on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. This is generally in line with Burlington County averages. For financial assistance, New Jersey's Child Care Subsidy Program (often called "child care assistance") is available for eligible families based on income and need. You can apply through the New Jersey Department of Human Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's also worth checking with your employer about Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which use pre-tax dollars for childcare expenses.
How do I verify that a daycare center or family childcare home in Maple Shade is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare providers in New Jersey are regulated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You can verify a provider's license status and view any inspection reports by using the "Child Care Search" tool on the NJ DCF website. During a tour in Maple Shade, look for the license certificate posted visibly. Ask about staff qualifications (NJ requires lead teachers to have a Child Development Associate credential or higher), check for clean and safe facilities, observe staff-child interactions, and inquire about their emergency procedures, especially for weather events common to South Jersey. Also, ask about their policy on sick children, as this is a key local concern for parents.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Maple Shade, and how far in advance should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, waitlists are very common for infant and toddler rooms at reputable daycare centers in Maple Shade, due to high demand and regulated capacity limits. For infant care, it is strongly recommended to start your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. For toddler or preschool spots, 3-6 months in advance is advisable. Some popular centers near major employers or with specific educational philosophies (like Montessori) may have even longer waits. Don't hesitate to get on multiple lists, but be aware that many require a non-refundable deposit to hold a spot once offered.
What are the main differences between a daycare center and a registered family childcare home in Maple Shade, and which might be better for my family?
Daycare centers in Maple Shade are typically larger facilities in commercial or institutional buildings, offering structured programs, multiple classrooms grouped by age, and often more staff. Family childcare homes are smaller, licensed operations run out of a provider's residence, offering a mixed-age, home-like environment with fewer children (NJ limits to 5, plus the provider's own). Centers may offer more robust educational curricula and have backup staff, while homes often provide more flexible hours and can be more affordable. Your choice depends on your child's needs: a center might suit a child who thrives on structure and peer interaction, while a home might be ideal for an infant or toddler needing a cozy, family-style setting. Consider your commute, as homes are dispersed in residential neighborhoods across Maple Shade.
What resources are available in Maple Shade to help me find and compare local daycare options?
A great first step is the **Burlington County Resource and Referral Agency**, which is part of the statewide Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) network. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in Maple Shade and can help you understand quality indicators. You can also use the online NJ DCF Child Care Search tool to generate lists of licensed providers by zip code (08052). For community-based insights, consider joining local parent groups on social media, such as "Maple Shade Moms" or "South Jersey Parents," where you can get firsthand recommendations. The Maple Shade Township website or community bulletin boards may also list local preschool programs, which often serve children from age 2.5 or 3.
Nearby Cities
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