The Best Daycare Centers in Oceanport, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Oceanport. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Oceanport
Bright Horizons at Riverview Medical Center
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Located at Riverview Medical Center, this NAEYC-accredited center serves healthcare professionals and community families with a comprehensive educational curriculum. The center features state-of-the-art classrooms, secure access systems, and highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Parents praise the center's communication, cleanliness, and the professional development of their teaching staff.
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The Goddard School of Long Branch
Goddard Systems, Inc.
This premier early childhood education center offers the F.L.E.X. Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. The school features secure entry systems, daily sanitation protocols, and classrooms designed for specific age groups. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character education. The facility includes multiple playgrounds, a dedicated art room, and technology-integrated learning spaces. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its structured curriculum, teacher engagement, and safe environment.
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Little Graces Preschool & Childcare Center
Independent
Family-owned and operated since 2008, Little Graces provides a nurturing Christian-based environment while welcoming children of all faiths. The center emphasizes developmental milestones through play-based learning and structured activities. Their curriculum includes early literacy, mathematics, science exploration, and social skills development. The facility features secure access, video monitoring, and age-appropriate learning centers. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certification. Parents appreciate the small class sizes, personalized attention, and the center's focus on character development alongside academic preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Oceanport, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Oceanport, NJ, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Oceanport, NJ, full-time daycare for an infant can range from approximately $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while toddler care typically costs between $1,200 and $1,600 per month. Preschool programs for 3-5 year olds often range from $1,000 to $1,400 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like the facility's accreditation, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities. For financial assistance, New Jersey's Child Care Subsidy Program (through WorkFirst NJ) helps eligible families. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's also worth checking with the Monmouth County Department of Human Services for any county-specific aid programs.
How do I verify that a daycare center or family childcare home in Oceanport is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare providers in New Jersey are regulated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You can verify a provider's license status and view any past violations through the DCF's online "Child Care Search" portal. When touring a facility in Oceanport, look for the license visibly posted, ask about staff qualifications (NJ requires lead teachers to have a Child Development Associate credential or higher), and observe the environment for safety and cleanliness. Pay attention to group sizes and adult-to-child ratios, which in NJ are, for example, 1:4 for infants. Also, ask about their emergency procedures, especially given Oceanport's proximity to the shore and potential for weather-related events.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Oceanport, and when should I start my search for an infant spot?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many reputable daycare centers in Oceanport and the surrounding Monmouth County area do have waitlists. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before your desired start date. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. Be proactive by contacting multiple providers, asking about their waitlist policies (e.g., if a deposit is required), and checking in periodically. Exploring licensed family childcare homes in residential areas of Oceanport can also be a good alternative with potentially shorter wait times.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Oceanport School District?
The Oceanport School District, which includes Wolf Hill Elementary and Maple Place Middle School, does not directly operate a district-wide before/after-school program. However, several options exist. The Oceanport Recreation Department often runs a "Rec Kids" program that may provide care at a school facility. Additionally, local daycare centers like those in nearby West Long Branch or Shrewsbury often offer school-age programs with transportation to and from Oceanport schools. The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County also offers school-age childcare with bus service from area schools. It's crucial to inquire early about transportation logistics, registration deadlines, and space availability.
What unique amenities or program focuses are common among daycare centers in the Oceanport area?
Reflecting its shore community and family-oriented atmosphere, many daycare centers in and around Oceanport emphasize outdoor play and nature-based learning. It's common to find facilities with large, secure playgrounds and programs that incorporate local environment themes. Given the proximity to major employers like Fort Monmouth (in redevelopment) and commuting routes to NYC, many centers offer extended hours to accommodate parent schedules. You'll also find a strong focus on kindergarten readiness, with curricula often aligning with New Jersey's Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards. Some providers may offer enrichment activities such as introductory Spanish, music, or yoga, which are popular in this suburban community.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Oceanport: