The Best Daycare Centers in Montville, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Montville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Montville
The Goddard School of Montville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Montville offers a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program, focusing on academic, social, and emotional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The curriculum includes STEAM activities, literacy development, and character education. Parents appreciate the daily communication through the proprietary mobile app and the center's focus on safety and cleanliness.
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Kiddie Academy of Parsippany
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Parsippany serves the Montville area with their Life Essentials® curriculum that emphasizes character development, literacy, and STEM education. The center features secure keypad entry, CCTV monitoring, and sanitization protocols. Certified teachers implement age-appropriate lesson plans with hands-on learning activities. The facility includes dedicated playgrounds for different age groups and offers nutritious meals. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, educational programming, and the academy's commitment to creating a nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy in Pine Brook serves Montville families with their comprehensive early childhood program that balances academic preparation with social development. The curriculum incorporates phonics, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning centers. The facility features secure access, age-specific classrooms, and outdoor learning environments. Teachers maintain state certifications and participate in ongoing training. The academy emphasizes parent partnership through regular communication and progress reports. Families appreciate the structured yet nurturing environment and the focus on developing critical thinking skills from an early age.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Montville, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Montville, NJ?
In Montville, NJ, full-time daycare costs are generally above the state average, reflecting the area's higher cost of living and quality of facilities. For infants (under 18 months), parents can expect to pay between $1,600 and $2,200 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), monthly fees typically range from $1,400 to $1,900. These rates are for licensed daycare centers; home-based family childcare may be slightly less expensive. Costs can vary based on factors like the center's curriculum (e.g., Montessori), staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities (meals, enrichment programs). It's advisable to budget for annual registration fees (often $100-$300) and inquire about any additional costs for early drop-off or late pick-up.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Montville, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers in Montville can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. To secure a spot, parents are strongly advised to begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search 4-6 months in advance is recommended. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to join? How often should you check in? Do they offer guaranteed enrollment for siblings of current students? Exploring multiple options, including local family childcare homes and centers in neighboring towns like Towaco or Pine Brook, can increase your chances of finding timely care.
What are the New Jersey state licensing requirements for daycare providers, and how can I verify a Montville provider's compliance?
All childcare centers and registered family childcare homes in New Jersey must be licensed or registered by the state's Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. Key requirements include: background checks for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:10 for 4-year-olds), health and safety training (including CPR/first aid), and regular facility inspections. To verify a Montville provider's compliance and view their inspection history, you can use the official **NJ DCF Child Care Search** tool online. This public database shows the provider's license status, capacity, any cited violations, and corrective actions. Always visit a facility in person and ask to see their current license.
Are there any local Montville programs or resources to help parents afford childcare?
Yes, there are several resources. First, the **New Jersey Child Care Subsidy Program** (through WorkFirst NJ) provides financial assistance to eligible families based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply through the Morris County Board of Social Services. Additionally, many Montville daycare centers participate in corporate discount programs with major local employers. Some centers also offer sibling discounts. For tax savings, you can utilize the federal **Dependent Care FSA** through your employer or the **Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit**. It's also worth checking with the Montville Township Parks & Recreation Department, as they occasionally offer preschool or part-time enrichment programs that can supplement care at a lower cost.
What are the main differences between the daycare centers located in Montville's various neighborhoods, like Towaco, Montville Township, and Pine Brook?
While all operate under NJ state regulations, the character and offerings can vary. Centers in the **Towaco** village area often have a smaller, community-focused feel, sometimes with historic buildings and mixed-age groups. Facilities in the broader **Montville Township** area, especially near Route 202/46, tend to be larger, purpose-built centers with extensive outdoor play spaces and structured curricula (like The Learning Experience or Goddard School). **Pine Brook** (which spans Montville and neighboring towns) offers a mix, with several well-established centers known for strong academic preschool prep. Transportation logistics are a key differentiator; some centers in more centralized locations may offer easier commute access, while others in residential areas might rely more on neighborhood foot traffic. Visiting centers in each area is the best way to gauge the environment that fits your family's routine and philosophy.