The Best Daycare Centers in Montvale, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Montvale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Montvale
The Goddard School of Montvale
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Montvale offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and creative expression with low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development, and the school maintains excellent health and safety protocols with regular communication to parents through daily reports and a proprietary mobile app.
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Kiddie Academy of Montvale
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Montvale provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The program emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, indoor gymnasium, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. Staff members hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the academy maintains strong parent partnerships with regular progress updates, parent-teacher conferences, and community events.
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Children of America - Woodcliff Lake
Children of America
Children of America in nearby Woodcliff Lake serves the Montvale community with their advanced COA Academy Curriculum that includes phonics-based reading, mathematics, science, and Spanish language exposure. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including fingerprint entry, video monitoring, and secure playgrounds. Their educational approach focuses on school readiness with certified teachers and small class sizes. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, and enrichment programs in music, yoga, and computers. Parents receive regular communication through daily reports and a parent portal app.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Montvale, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Montvale, NJ?
In Montvale, full-time daycare costs are generally higher than the New Jersey state average due to the town's location in Bergen County and its high cost of living. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,800 and $2,400 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,600 to $2,100 per month. These rates are for licensed daycare centers; home-based family childcare may be slightly less expensive. It's important to note that these fees often include meals and basic supplies, but you should always confirm what is included. Many centers in Montvale have annual registration or supply fees ranging from $100 to $300.
How do I verify if a daycare in Montvale is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All childcare centers in New Jersey must be licensed by the state's Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You can verify a Montvale facility's license status, inspection reports, and any violations through the NJ DCF Child Care Search website. During an in-person tour, look for the license certificate posted in a visible area. Also, observe key safety indicators: secure entrances, clean and age-appropriate toys, safe sleeping arrangements for infants (cribs meeting current standards), and clearly posted emergency plans. Ask about staff-to-child ratios (NJ mandates 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschoolers) and staff qualifications, including ongoing training in CPR and First Aid.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Montvale, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for reputable daycare centers in Montvale, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. Due to high demand in this family-oriented community, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists during your first or early second trimester of pregnancy if seeking infant care. For toddler or preschool openings, starting 6-9 months in advance is recommended. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee to join? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time for your child's age group? Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year for infants.
What are the main types of childcare options available to parents in Montvale besides traditional daycare centers?
Montvale offers several childcare alternatives. First, licensed family childcare homes operate in residential settings, often with smaller groups and more flexible hours. Second, many local preschools offer extended "wrap-around" care for children aged 2.5 to 5 years, combining education with childcare. Third, you can find in-home nannies or nanny shares, which are popular given Montvale's demographics; local agencies and community boards like the Montvale Moms Facebook group can be resources. Finally, the Montvale Community Center and local organizations sometimes offer part-time or seasonal programs for older toddlers and preschoolers. Each option varies in cost, structure, and regulatory oversight.
Does Montvale or Bergen County offer any financial assistance programs for childcare?
Direct financial assistance for childcare in Montvale primarily comes through state and federal programs, not the municipality itself. The key program is New Jersey's Child Care Subsidy Program (often called "child care assistance"), administered by the state and county. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You apply through the Bergen County Board of Social Services. Additionally, you can use a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer to pay for eligible care with pre-tax dollars. Some local centers may offer sibling discounts or limited scholarship spots, so it's always worth inquiring directly. The Montvale Public Library is also a good resource for information on local family support programs.
Nearby Cities
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