The Best Daycare Centers in Oaklyn, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Oaklyn. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Oaklyn
The Goddard School of Collingswood
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Collingswood offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and creative arts. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play spaces. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized attention.
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Kiddie Academy of Haddon Township
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Haddon Township provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and surveillance cameras. Their program includes nutritious meals, regular parent communication through mobile app updates, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing training in early childhood development. The academy offers flexible scheduling and emphasizes creating a nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond.
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The Learning Experience - Cherry Hill
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Cherry Hill offers a proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and science with character values. The center features modern facilities with interactive whiteboards, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and secure environments with multiple safety protocols. Their programs include optional enrichment activities like soccer, yoga, and music. The teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and participates in continuous professional development. Parents receive daily updates and photos through the center's mobile app, ensuring strong communication and involvement in their child's development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Oaklyn, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Oaklyn, NJ?
In Oaklyn, NJ, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based family daycare providers in Oaklyn and the surrounding Camden County area often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $800 and $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, facility amenities, and whether meals are included. It's important to note that New Jersey does not have statewide price controls on childcare, so rates are set by individual providers. Many facilities in Oaklyn may have waitlists, so budgeting early and inquiring about potential annual rate increases is advisable.
How do I verify that a daycare in Oaklyn is properly licensed and what are New Jersey's key regulations?
All childcare centers and registered family daycares in New Jersey must be licensed or approved by the state's Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You can verify a provider's license status and view any inspection reports by using the "Check Child Care License" search tool on the NJ DCF website. Key regulations for Oaklyn providers include strict staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants under 18 months), comprehensive background checks for all staff, mandatory health and safety training including CPR/first aid, and regular facility inspections. Family daycare homes caring for up to 5 children must be registered. Always ask to see the provider's current license during your visit and don't hesitate to request their most recent inspection report, which will note any violations or commendations.
Are there any local resources or programs in Oaklyn to help with childcare costs?
Yes, there are several resources available to Oaklyn residents. The primary program is New Jersey's Child Care Subsidy Program (often called "child care assistance"), administered through the Camden County Board of Social Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/training requirements. Additionally, the State of New Jersey offers the "Grow NJ Kids" program, a quality rating and improvement system; some highly-rated "Grow NJ Kids" programs may have scholarship opportunities. For local guidance, parents can contact the Camden County One-Stop Career Center or the nonprofit Child Care Connection of NJ, which serves South Jersey and provides referrals and information on financial assistance. Some Oaklyn employers may also offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
What is the average waitlist time for daycare centers in Oaklyn, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlist times in Oaklyn can range from 3 to 9 months, and sometimes longer for popular centers. It is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. To improve your chances, be proactive: schedule in-person tours, complete all application paperwork thoroughly, and stay in periodic, polite contact with the center's director (e.g., a brief email every 2-3 months to confirm your continued interest). Consider expanding your search to include high-quality registered family daycare homes in Oaklyn and neighboring towns like Collingswood or Haddon Township, which may have shorter waitlists and offer a more home-like environment.
What are some of the unique features or types of childcare programs available in the Oaklyn area?
Oaklyn's proximity to Collingswood, Haddonfield, and Camden allows parents access to a diverse mix of childcare options. Unique features in the area include: * **Nature-Based Programs:** Some local centers and preschools emphasize outdoor learning, utilizing nearby parks like Newton Lake Park. * **Language Immersion:** Several daycare centers and preschools in surrounding towns offer Spanish or other language immersion programs. * **Faith-Based Options:** There are daycare programs affiliated with local churches in Oaklyn and Collingswood. * **Part-Time/Preschool Hybrids:** For older toddlers, many programs offer flexible part-time schedules (e.g., 2, 3, or 5 half-days a week) that blend daycare with a preschool curriculum. * **"Grow NJ Kids" Participating Centers:** This state initiative identifies and rates programs for quality. Looking for centers with a "Grow NJ Kids" rating can help you identify programs committed to higher standards in early learning and development.