The Best Daycare Centers in Mountainside, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Mountainside. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Mountainside
The Goddard School of Westfield
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in neighboring Westfield serves Mountainside families with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers implement play-based learning through STEAM enrichment, language arts, and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play spaces. What sets this center apart is their low student-teacher ratios, daily communication with parents through the proprietary mobile app, and nutritionally balanced meal programs. They maintain NAEYC-aligned standards with ongoing staff development and comprehensive safety protocols.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy in Westfield provides Mountainside families with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and critical thinking skills. Their proprietary Links to Learning program integrates technology with hands-on activities across all age groups. The center features dedicated infant rooms with individualized care plans, STEM labs for older children, and secure outdoor playgrounds. Notable strengths include their degreed lead teachers, comprehensive security systems including biometric entry, and enrichment programs in music, Spanish, and physical education. The center maintains excellent state compliance records and offers flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Primrose School of Westfield
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Westfield serves the Mountainside community with their Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from master's level educated directors. Their accredited curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, and STEAM concepts through hands-on exploration. The facility features bright, modern classrooms, commercial-grade kitchen providing healthy meals, and age-specific playgrounds with safety surfaces. Distinguished by their exclusive Harmony & Heart® music program and structured literacy initiatives, the center maintains small class sizes and employs teachers with early childhood credentials. Their comprehensive safety protocols include secure entry systems, regular emergency drills, and strict health and cleanliness standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Mountainside, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Mountainside, NJ?
In Mountainside, NJ, full-time daycare costs are generally higher than the national average, reflecting the area's cost of living and high-quality services. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,600 and $2,200 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,400 to $1,900 per month. These rates are for licensed daycare centers; in-home family daycare 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. Financial assistance may be available through New Jersey's Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP) for eligible families.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Mountainside, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers in Mountainside can be significant, especially for infant spots. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. To secure a spot, it is highly recommended that you begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. Many centers in the area have formal waitlist procedures and may require a non-refundable deposit to hold your place. It's also wise to get on multiple waitlists to increase your options. For preschool-age programs (3-5 years), waitlists tend to be shorter, but starting your search 9-12 months in advance is still prudent.
What are the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a registered family child care home in Mountainside?
In Mountainside, both options are regulated by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), but they operate differently. Licensed **Daycare Centers** are typically larger facilities in commercial or school-like settings. They have multiple staff, structured curricula, and often care for dozens of children in age-specific classrooms. They must meet strict staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants). **Registered Family Child Care Homes** are run out of a provider's residence and care for a maximum of 5 children unrelated to the provider. They offer a more home-like, mixed-age environment and often have more flexible hours. Both types are inspected, but centers undergo a more comprehensive licensing process. The choice often comes down to your child's need for a structured program versus a smaller, family-style setting.
Are there any local Mountainside resources or programs to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, the primary local resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Union County**, which serves Mountainside. You can contact **Prospective, The Center for Family Resources** (the designated CCR&R for the county). They provide free, personalized referrals to licensed and registered childcare programs based on your specific needs (location, hours, budget). They can also help you understand New Jersey's quality rating system, "Grow NJ Kids," which evaluates programs on curriculum, staff qualifications, and environment. Additionally, the **Mountainside Public Library** and local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Mountainside Moms & Dads") are valuable for gathering parent recommendations and experiences.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to New Jersey's regulations and standards?
During a tour in Mountainside, look for evidence of compliance with New Jersey's strict regulations. First, ask to see the facility's **current DCF license**, which must be posted. Observe the **staff-to-child ratios** in each room to ensure they meet NJ standards (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers). Check for visible **emergency evacuation plans** and ask about recent fire and health inspections. Inquire about staff qualifications; lead teachers should have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or higher. Also, look for the program's participation in **"Grow NJ Kids,"** the state's quality rating system—a higher star rating indicates a commitment to exceeding minimum standards. Finally, ensure the outdoor play area is securely fenced and age-appropriate.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Mountainside: