The Best Daycare Centers in Phillipsburg, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Phillipsburg. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Phillipsburg
Kiddie Academy of Washington
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Washington serves the Phillipsburg area with a comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and secure classroom monitoring. Certified teachers implement age-appropriate lesson plans with low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms with individualized care plans, spacious preschool classrooms with learning centers, and large outdoor playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their included meal program and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and a dedicated parent communication app.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Stewartsville
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Stewartsville offers a proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, foreign language, manners, and fitness. The center serves Phillipsburg families with highly qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive camera monitoring, and strict health protocols. The bright, modern facility features dedicated art and music rooms, interactive learning technology, and multiple outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. Their enrichment programs include yoga, soccer, and dance, and they maintain excellent parent communication through regular updates and family events.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Bethlehem
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves the Phillipsburg area with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social skills development. The center employs degreed teachers with specialized early childhood education training and maintains low child-to-teacher ratios. Security features include keypad entry, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility offers age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated spaces for each developmental stage, including a separate infant wing with individualized care plans. Their program includes healthy meals and snacks, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent partnerships through daily communication and parent-teacher conferences. The center also offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Phillipsburg, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Phillipsburg, NJ?
In Phillipsburg, NJ, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For center-based infant care (6 weeks to 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based daycare (family childcare) is often more affordable, ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly for full-time care. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that New Jersey does not have a statewide price cap, so rates are set by individual providers. Financial assistance may be available through New Jersey's Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP) for eligible families.
How do I verify that a daycare in Phillipsburg 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). You can verify a Phillipsburg provider's license and view any inspection reports or violations by using the official **NJ DCF Child Care Search** tool online. During an in-person tour, look for key indicators of quality and safety: a current license visibly posted, clean and child-proofed environments, secure entry/exit procedures, and engaged, friendly staff. Ask about staff qualifications (NJ requires lead teachers to have a Child Development Associate credential or higher), the daily schedule, emergency plans, and their sick policy. Observing how caregivers interact with children is crucial. Also, check for age-appropriate toys and safe outdoor play areas.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Phillipsburg, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in and around Phillipsburg. Due to high demand and limited infant slots (NJ mandates a 1:4 staff-to-infant ratio), 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 toddler programs, a 3-6 month lead time is advisable. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in Warren County, as they may have more immediate availability and shorter waitlists.
What are some local resources in Phillipsburg to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Phillipsburg parents have several valuable local resources. The primary agency is **The Family Guidance Center of Warren County**, which houses the state-designated Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers, information on subsidies, and guidance on choosing quality care. You can contact them at (908) 689-1000. Additionally, the **Warren County Library - Phillipsburg Branch** often has community bulletins with provider listings. Online, local Facebook groups like "Phillipsburg, NJ Community" or "Warren County Moms" can provide personal recommendations and experiences from other parents, though you should always verify licensing independently.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Phillipsburg School District?
The Phillipsburg School District does not typically operate its own before/after-school childcare programs. However, several local options exist. Many licensed daycare centers in the area offer school-age programs that provide transportation to and from specific Phillipsburg elementary schools. Additionally, organizations like the **Phillipsburg Area YMCA** often run before/after-school enrichment and care programs with busing from school sites. Some licensed family childcare homes also cater to school-age children. It's essential to confirm transportation logistics, hours of operation, and cost (typically $100-$250 per week). You should contact providers directly to see which schools they serve and register early, as spots in these programs can also fill quickly.