The Best Daycare Centers in Perth Amboy, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Perth Amboy. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Perth Amboy
The Learning Experience - Edison
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Edison serves the Perth Amboy area with a comprehensive early childhood education program featuring their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum. The center focuses on academic, physical, and social development through interactive learning experiences. Features include state-of-the-art security systems, certified early childhood educators, and developmentally appropriate classrooms. Their program includes foreign language exposure, philanthropy curriculum, and mandatory background checks for all staff. The facility offers bright, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers and outdoor play areas designed for safe, active play.
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The Goddard School of Woodbridge
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Woodbridge provides high-quality early childhood education to families in the Perth Amboy region with their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program. The school employs degreed teachers who create individualized learning plans for each child. Their play-based approach balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. The facility features secure entry systems, daily cleanliness protocols, and age-separated playgrounds. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, literacy development, and character education. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular progress updates through their proprietary mobile app.
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Kiddie Academy of Perth Amboy
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Perth Amboy offers locally-based educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, STEM learning, and literacy. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and sanitization procedures. Their degreed teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices in purpose-built classrooms. The program includes hands-on learning activities, nutritious meal options, and regular communication with parents about child progress. The academy emphasizes creating a nurturing environment that supports each child's individual growth while preparing them for kindergarten success through structured learning centers and play-based exploration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Perth Amboy, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Perth Amboy, NJ?
In Perth Amboy, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the type of facility and the child's age. For center-based care, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month for an infant, and slightly less, around $1,000 to $1,400, for a toddler. Licensed family childcare homes often offer more affordable rates, typically ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are generally in line with Middlesex County averages. It's important to note that these are base rates; additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pick-up may apply. Many facilities in Perth Amboy participate in the New Jersey Child Care Subsidy Program (NJCCSP), which can provide financial assistance to eligible families based on income.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare center in Perth Amboy?
All childcare providers in Perth Amboy must be licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. To verify a center's license and review its compliance history, you can use the state's online "Child Care Search" tool. This public database allows you to search by provider name, city (Perth Amboy), or zip code. It will show the license status, capacity, ages served, and any recent inspection reports, including citations for non-compliance. You can also contact the DCF's Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit for any serious concerns. We recommend always visiting a center in person and asking the director to see their current license, which should be posted in a visible area.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Perth Amboy, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers in Perth Amboy, especially for infant care, which has stricter staff-to-child ratios. Popular centers and those affiliated with employers or institutions can have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. To secure a spot, it is highly advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if you are expecting. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search 4-6 months in advance is recommended. When contacting centers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, any fees to join it, and how often they update families on their status. Exploring multiple options, including licensed family childcare homes, can increase your chances of finding timely care.
What resources are available in Perth Amboy to help me find and compare local childcare options?
Perth Amboy parents have several valuable local resources. The primary resource is the **Middlesex County Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency**, which is part of the statewide network. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in Perth Amboy based on your specific needs (hours, location, budget). You can contact them by phone or through their website. Additionally, the **Perth Amboy Public Library** may have community bulletin boards with information on local home-based providers. Online platforms like Winnie and Care.com can also be useful for finding and reading reviews, but always cross-reference any provider with the state's official licensing database to ensure they are properly licensed.
What are some unique programs or features offered by daycare centers in Perth Amboy that cater to the local community?
Reflecting Perth Amboy's diverse, largely Hispanic community, many daycare centers offer bilingual (Spanish-English) programs and incorporate cultural elements into their curriculum, such as celebrating Hispanic holidays and serving familiar foods. Given the city's waterfront location, some centers may have nature-based learning components that discuss the Raritan Bay and local environment. Furthermore, with many parents working non-traditional hours in healthcare, manufacturing, or service industries, you can find providers offering extended hours, early morning drop-off (before 7 AM), or weekend care. Several centers also partner with local organizations like the Perth Amboy YMCA or the public school district to provide seamless transitions into pre-K programs.