The Best Daycare Centers in Normandy Beach, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Normandy Beach. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Normandy Beach
The Goddard School of Toms River
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Toms River offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development with daily communication to parents through the proprietary mobile app. Located just 15 minutes from Normandy Beach, they serve families throughout Ocean County with flexible scheduling options.
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Lightbridge Academy of Point Pleasant
Lightbridge Academy
Lightbridge Academy of Point Pleasant provides comprehensive early education with their proprietary "Circle of Care" philosophy that encompasses children, parents, staff, and community. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning experiences. The center features state-of-the-art security including biometric entry systems, live streaming for parents, and emergency notification systems. All lead teachers hold early childhood credentials and the center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Located approximately 10 miles from Normandy Beach, they offer extended hours and serve infants through school-age children with a focus on whole-child development.
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Kiddie Academy of Brick
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Brick offers the proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development with academic readiness through project-based learning. Their program focuses on STEM education, literacy development, and social skills in purpose-built classrooms designed for different age groups. The center features secure access controls, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and rigorous health and safety protocols. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with regular progress reporting to parents. Located about 12 miles from Normandy Beach, they provide nutritious meals and snacks while maintaining NAEYC-aligned standards for early childhood education excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Normandy Beach, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Normandy Beach, NJ, and what factors influence the price?
In Normandy Beach and the surrounding Toms River area, full-time daycare for infants typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These costs are influenced by several local factors, including the type of facility (a licensed center vs. a registered family childcare home), the staff-to-child ratio, and the inclusion of extras like organic meals, early childhood curriculum, or extended hours. Facilities closer to the beach or with premium amenities may be at the higher end. It's important to note that New Jersey does not have a statewide price cap, so costs are set by individual providers. Many local centers offer sibling discounts, and it's worth inquiring about any available local subsidies or flexible spending account (FSA) compatibility.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Normandy Beach is properly licensed and meets New Jersey state regulations?
All childcare centers and family daycare homes in New Jersey must be licensed or registered by the state's Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You can verify a provider's status and review their licensing history, including any violations, by using the "Child Care Search" tool on the official New Jersey DCF website. For Normandy Beach specifically, you can also contact the Ocean County Office of the DCF for local references. When visiting a potential daycare, don't hesitate to ask to see their current license, which should be posted. New Jersey regulations cover critical areas like staff qualifications (including background checks and ongoing training), safe sleep practices for infants, maximum group sizes, and facility safety standards.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in the Normandy Beach area, and when should I start my search?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in Normandy Beach and the broader Ocean County region, especially for programs that offer year-round care. Due to high demand from both year-round residents and seasonal professionals, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date. For older toddlers or preschool-age children, a 3-6 month lead time is often sufficient. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time for your child's age group?
What unique seasonal considerations should Normandy Beach parents be aware of when choosing childcare?
Normandy Beach's location as a shore community creates unique seasonal dynamics. Many year-round daycare centers experience increased demand in the summer from families of seasonal workers (e.g., in hospitality or construction). This can sometimes limit the availability of drop-in or part-time care for residents. Conversely, some programs may have more flexible spots in the off-season (fall and winter). Additionally, inquire about a center's policy and schedule for major summer holidays (like Memorial Day and July 4th) when traffic and local events peak. It's also wise to ask about their emergency plans for severe weather, such as nor'easters or hurricanes, which can impact shore communities, including potential evacuation procedures or closure policies.
Beyond traditional daycare centers, what other licensed childcare options are available for families in Normandy Beach?
Families in Normandy Beach have several licensed options. New Jersey recognizes registered Family Child Care Providers, who care for a smaller group of children (up to 5) in their own homes, often offering a more flexible, home-like environment. These can be a great option for infants or for parents with non-traditional work hours. For preschool-aged children (3-5 years), there are also licensed preschool programs, some of which may be part of local churches or community organizations. Another option is seeking care through a licensed "School-Age Child Care" program for before/after-school care, which may involve transportation from nearby Toms River district schools. The NJ DCF search tool allows you to filter by these specific provider types to find all regulated options in your ZIP code.
Nearby Cities
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