The Best Daycare Centers in Milford, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Milford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Milford
The Learning Experience - Milford
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Milford offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that focuses on both academic and social development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring. Highly qualified teachers implement age-appropriate learning activities in bright, modern classrooms. The facility includes indoor and outdoor play areas, and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Their programs emphasize literacy, mathematics, and character development through engaging, play-based learning experiences.
Daycare Services:
Goddard School of Alexandria Township
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Milford in Frenchtown, this Goddard School offers a play-based learning approach with F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum. The center features highly educated teachers with bachelor's and master's degrees in early childhood education. Security measures include coded entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff. The facility includes age-specific playgrounds, enrichment programs in yoga, music, and foreign languages, and focuses on developing social, emotional, and academic skills through structured play and exploration.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Flemington
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy of Flemington provides educational childcare with their proprietary Life Essentials curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The center features secure facilities with electronic entry systems and comprehensive safety protocols. Certified teachers implement STEM activities, literacy programs, and social-emotional learning. The facility includes modern classrooms, outdoor play spaces, and offers enrichment programs. Their approach emphasizes hands-on learning, community awareness, and developing independence while maintaining small teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Milford, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Milford, NJ?
In Milford, 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 range is typically $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in the area often charge slightly less, ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, included amenities (meals, curriculum), and the specific program's reputation. It's important to note that New Jersey does not have any county-specific childcare subsidy programs beyond the state-wide Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), for which Milford residents can apply if they meet income eligibility requirements.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection records of a daycare provider in Milford?
All licensed childcare providers in New Jersey, including those in Milford, are regulated by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You can verify a provider's license and view their inspection history through the DCF's online "Child Care Search" portal. This tool allows you to search by provider name, location, or license number and will show the license status, capacity, ages served, and any recent violations or corrective actions. We strongly recommend using this free resource and also contacting the Hunterdon County Division of Social Services for any local insights or complaint history. Always visit a facility in person to observe the environment and ask the director for their most recent licensing report.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Milford, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many daycare centers and reputable home-based providers in Milford and the surrounding Hunterdon County area have significant waitlists. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long for infant rooms. We recommend starting your search during your second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. For toddler or preschool openings, a 3-6 month lead time is advisable. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, any fees to join it, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring multiple options, including providers in neighboring towns like Frenchtown or Holland Township, can increase your chances of securing a spot.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Milford?
While full-time care is most common, Milford does offer some part-time and flexible options. Several family childcare homes may offer daily or weekly part-time schedules, such as 2-3 days per week, which can be more cost-effective for parents not working traditional full-time hours. Some daycare centers in the area might offer half-day preschool programs for children ages 3-5, typically running 9 AM to 12 PM. For more flexible or occasional care, consider exploring local nanny shares with other Milford families or using reputable online caregiver platforms to find sitters. The Milford Public Library and community center also sometimes host parent-co-op playgroups, which can provide informal, short-term relief.
What unique outdoor or enrichment opportunities do Milford daycares offer, given its location along the Delaware River?
Milford's scenic setting provides unique advantages for local childcare programs. Many providers incorporate nature-based learning. Look for centers or homes with policies for regular outdoor play in all weather, and ask about specific enrichment activities. Some may organize "nature walks" in nearby parks like the Milford Bluffs or along the D&R Canal Towpath. Others might have partnerships or field trips to local points of interest such as the Milford Farmers' Market or the Deer Path Park. Programs may also focus on themes like river ecology, local wildlife, and gardening. When touring, ask about their outdoor space, how often children go outside, and if they incorporate the local environment into their curriculum.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Milford: