The Best Daycare Centers in Picatinny Arsenal, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Picatinny Arsenal. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Picatinny Arsenal
The Goddard School of Rockaway
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Rockaway offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts through hands-on activities. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are highly qualified with degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through daily reports, and development tracking. Their proximity to Picatinny Arsenal makes them popular with military families.
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Kiddie Academy of Denville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Denville provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that emphasizes character development, literacy, and social skills. The academy features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, video monitoring, and strict pick-up protocols. Their program includes technology-enhanced learning, music and movement activities, and structured play. Teachers hold early childhood certifications and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, spacious preschool classrooms, and secure outdoor playgrounds. They offer flexible scheduling and cater to military families from Picatinny Arsenal with understanding of unique scheduling needs.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Rockaway
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare at Rockaway offers a nationally-recognized curriculum that focuses on early literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. Their center features secure entry systems, dedicated age-based learning centers, and large outdoor play spaces. The program includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on math activities, and science exploration. All teachers are CPR and First Aid certified, with many holding advanced degrees in early childhood education. They provide balanced meals and snacks meeting nutritional guidelines, and maintain open communication with parents through daily updates and regular conferences. Their experience serving military families from Picatinny Arsenal includes understanding of deployment cycles and flexible care options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Picatinny Arsenal, NJ
Are there any daycare centers or childcare programs on or directly affiliated with Picatinny Arsenal for military and civilian personnel?
Yes, Picatinny Arsenal operates the **Picatinny Arsenal Child Development Center (CDC)**, located on the installation. This center is a Department of the Army facility that provides full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Priority is typically given to children of active-duty military personnel, but Department of Defense civilians and contractors may also enroll based on availability. The center is highly regulated, follows strict Army standards, and employs staff with required background checks and training. Due to high demand, there is often a waitlist, so it is recommended to contact the CDC as early as possible to inquire about enrollment procedures and current wait times.
What are the typical costs for licensed daycare centers in the communities surrounding Picatinny Arsenal, like Rockaway Township, Dover, or Wharton?
In the towns surrounding Picatinny Arsenal, full-time infant care at a licensed center typically ranges from **$1,400 to $1,800 per month**. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs are slightly lower, generally between **$1,200 and $1,600 per month**. These rates are influenced by the center's amenities, staff-to-child ratios, and curriculum. Home-based family childcare in the area can be more affordable, often ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. It's important to note that New Jersey is one of the most expensive states for childcare, and costs in Morris County align with that trend. Some centers may offer sibling discounts.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in New Jersey near Picatinny Arsenal?
All licensed childcare providers in New Jersey are regulated by the **New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing**. Parents can use the **DCF Online Provider Search** tool to look up any licensed center or family daycare home. This public database shows the provider's license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any serious violations or corrective action plans from state inspections. It is a critical step for due diligence. For providers on the military installation, you can request information on their accreditation and inspection records directly from the Child Development Center management.
What options exist for backup or emergency childcare for Picatinny Arsenal employees when regular arrangements fall through?
Several options exist for backup care in the area. First, the on-post CDC may offer a limited number of **hourly care** slots, subject to availability. For broader options, many families use services like **Bright Horizons Back-Up Care**, which is a benefit sometimes offered through federal employment or specific contractors. This service can provide access to last-minute spots in local network centers or in-home care. Additionally, some local daycare centers in Rockaway or Denville may offer drop-in care on a space-available basis. It's advisable to research and pre-register with any backup service well before you need it.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for families working at Picatinny Arsenal?
Yes, eligible families can apply for the **New Jersey Child Care Subsidy Program**, often referred to as "child care assistance," which is administered by the DCF. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (such as employment). Given the high cost of living in Morris County, many working families may qualify. Additionally, military families may have access to the **Department of Defense Fee Assistance** program if the on-post CDC is full, which can help pay for care in the local community. It's recommended to contact the **Morris County Division of Social Services** or your military Family Support Center for guidance on the application process.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Picatinny Arsenal: