The Best Daycare Centers in Short Hills, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Short Hills. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Short Hills
The Goddard School of Millburn/Short Hills
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Short Hills offers a comprehensive play-based learning curriculum that focuses on developmental milestones and school readiness. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and social-emotional development. The facility features secure entry systems, dedicated age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Parents praise the engaging curriculum, experienced staff, and excellent communication about child progress.
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Primrose School of Millburn/Short Hills
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Millburn/Short Hills follows the Balanced Learning® approach, blending purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their curriculum includes character development, literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The school features secure facilities with age-appropriate learning environments, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated music and art rooms. All teachers meet state certification requirements and participate in continuous training. The school maintains strict safety protocols including secured entry systems and comprehensive background checks. Parents consistently highlight the school's structured curriculum, caring environment, and strong focus on both academic and social development.
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The Learning Experience - Millburn
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Millburn offers the L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum, which incorporates early literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on activities. Their proprietary programs include philanthropy-based curriculum and foreign language exposure. The center features modern security systems, bright and clean classrooms, and safe outdoor play spaces. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and the center maintains optimal teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes dedicated areas for different age groups and emphasizes nutrition with healthy meal options. Parents appreciate the comprehensive curriculum, experienced staff, and focus on preparing children for elementary school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Short Hills, NJ
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Short Hills, NJ, and what factors influence the price?
In Short Hills, NJ, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,500+ per month. For toddlers, it's slightly lower, often between $1,600 and $2,200 per month. These rates are among the highest in New Jersey, reflecting the area's affluent demographics, high property costs, and the premium placed on educational programming. Factors that influence the price include the type of facility (corporate chain vs. boutique private center vs. licensed in-home care), the staff-to-child ratio, the inclusion of enrichment activities (like foreign language, music, or STEM), and whether meals and snacks are provided. Many centers in Short Hills also have annual registration or supply fees ranging from $500 to $1,000.
How long are the typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Short Hills, and when should I start looking?
For the most sought-after daycare centers and preschools in Short Hills, waitlists can be substantial. It is not uncommon for parents to encounter waitlists of 12 to 18 months, especially for infant spots, which are the most limited due to strict state-mandated ratios. To secure a spot, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists during their first or early second trimester. Many centers have formal application processes that open a full year in advance of the desired start date. Staying in regular, polite contact with the center's admissions director can sometimes improve your position on the list.
What are the key New Jersey state licensing requirements I should verify when choosing a daycare in Short Hills?
All licensed childcare centers in Short Hills must comply with New Jersey's strict Department of Children and Families (DCF) Office of Licensing regulations. Key requirements to verify include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (for infants 0-18 months, 1:4; for toddlers 18 months-2.5 years, 1:6), **Staff Qualifications** (lead teachers must have a Child Development Associate credential or higher, and all staff must pass comprehensive background checks and have CPR/first aid certification), and **Facility Standards** (regular safety inspections, safe sleep policies for infants, and detailed emergency plans). You can verify a center's license status and any history of violations through the NJ DCF website. Reputable centers will gladly provide their license number and discuss their compliance.
Are there specific local resources or networks in Short Hills to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, parents in Short Hills have several valuable local resources. The **Millburn-Short Hills Community Center** often has information on local programs and may host parent networking events. Many parents rely on hyper-local Facebook groups (e.g., "Short Hills Moms" or "Millburn-Short Hills Community") for personal recommendations and to hear about openings in smaller, licensed home-based daycares. Additionally, the **Township of Millburn** website may list licensed providers. For a more formal search, you can use the state's resource, **Child Care Connection NJ**, which serves Essex County and can provide referrals. Word-of-mouth through neighborhood associations and your pediatrician's office is also incredibly powerful in this close-knit community.
What are the main differences between the corporate daycare chains and the independent preschool/daycare centers in Short Hills?
The childcare landscape in Short Hills features both national chains (like The Goddard School or Bright Horizons) and prestigious independent centers. **Corporate chains** often offer brand consistency, structured curricula, corporate backup systems for staffing, and sometimes more flexible hours. **Independent centers** in Short Hills, such as The Willow School or local Montessori programs, often emphasize a specific educational philosophy (e.g., Reggio Emilia, Waldorf), may have more intimate settings, and can be highly tailored to community values. They might also have deeper roots in the area but potentially less flexibility in scheduling. Independents can be more selective with waitlists, while chains might have multiple locations in nearby towns (Summit, Livingston) offering alternative options if the Short Hills center is full. Both types must meet NJ state standards, but the culture, cost, and educational approach can differ significantly.