The Best Daycare Centers in Skillman, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Skillman. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Skillman
The Goddard School of Montgomery
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Montgomery offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Certified teachers implement a comprehensive curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents about their child's progress and activities. Their safety protocols include comprehensive background checks for staff, regular safety drills, and secure facility access.
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Primrose School of Hillsborough
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Hillsborough follows the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, mathematics, and creative arts through hands-on learning experiences. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated age-appropriate learning environments, and outdoor exploration areas. Their staff includes degreed early childhood educators who participate in ongoing professional development. The school provides nutritious meals and snacks and maintains comprehensive health and safety protocols including regular sanitization and emergency preparedness training.
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Princeton Montessori School
Princeton Montessori Society
Princeton Montessori School offers an authentic Montessori education with AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) certified teachers and carefully prepared environments. Their infant and toddler programs emphasize independence, sensory development, and practical life skills in nurturing, home-like settings. The school features beautiful campus grounds with natural outdoor spaces, specialized Montessori materials, and mixed-age classrooms that foster peer learning. Their comprehensive approach includes foreign language exposure, music, art, and physical education. The school maintains small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios and emphasizes individualized learning plans. Safety measures include secure campus access, comprehensive staff training, and health protocols aligned with state regulations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Skillman, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Skillman, NJ, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Skillman, NJ, and the surrounding Montgomery Township area, full-time daycare or preschool for an infant can range from approximately $1,800 to $2,400 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $1,400 to $2,000 per month. These rates reflect the high quality of care and the area's cost of living. For financial assistance, New Jersey's Child Care Subsidy Program (through WorkFirst NJ) is available for eligible families based on income and employment status. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or scholarships. It's also worth checking with your employer, as many companies in the nearby Princeton corridor offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or other benefits.
How long are the waitlists for infant care at daycare centers in Skillman, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited infant slots (driven by strict New Jersey staff-to-child ratios), waitlists for infant care in Skillman and the greater Princeton region can be significant. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, especially for the most sought-after centers. We strongly recommend beginning your search and putting your name on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. Many parents tour facilities and apply before the baby is born. Be sure to ask centers about their specific waitlist policies, including any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot and how often you need to confirm your continued interest.
What are the licensing and safety regulations for childcare providers in New Jersey that I should verify for a Skillman daycare?
All licensed childcare centers in New Jersey, including those in Skillman, are regulated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. Key regulations to verify include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants under 18 months), comprehensive background checks for all staff, mandatory health and safety training (including CPR/first aid), and regular facility inspections. You can and should ask any center for their most recent licensing inspection report. For added peace of mind, you can also check a provider's licensing status and any history of violations through the NJ DCF's online "Child Care Search" portal.
Are there many in-home daycare options (family childcare homes) in Skillman, and how do I find licensed ones?
Yes, there are licensed family childcare homes in and around Skillman, often offering a smaller, home-like setting. These providers are also licensed by the NJ DCF but under a different set of regulations that allow for a smaller number of children. To find licensed options, use the official NJ DCF "Child Care Search" tool and filter by "Family Child Care Home" and zip code (08558). You can also find recommendations through local parent groups on social media (like Montgomery Township Moms on Facebook) or through community boards at the Skillman branch of the Somerset County Library System. Always verify their current license and ask for references from other local parents.
What are the common educational philosophies or program structures at preschools in the Skillman area?
Preschools in the Skillman area offer a variety of approaches to early childhood education. Common philosophies include Play-Based learning, which emphasizes learning through structured and free play, and Montessori, which focuses on child-led, hands-on activities in a prepared environment (there are several Montessori schools in nearby Princeton and Montgomery). You will also find Reggio Emilia-inspired programs and more traditional academic preparatory preschools. Many local centers incorporate elements of nature-based learning, taking advantage of Skillman's semi-rural setting. It's important to tour schools, observe classrooms, and ask how their curriculum aligns with New Jersey's Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards to find the best fit for your child's learning style.