The Best Daycare Centers in Somerdale, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Somerdale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Somerdale
The Goddard School of Somerdale
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Somerdale offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their play-based curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are highly qualified with degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, with a strong focus on individualized learning plans for each child's developmental needs.
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Kiddie Academy of Voorhees
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Voorhees serves the Somerdale area with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The program emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and modern facilities including interactive smart boards and dedicated learning centers. Their highly trained staff maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and focuses on developing the whole child through social-emotional learning and community awareness. The academy offers nutritious meals and maintains an open-door policy for parents.
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The Learning Experience - Cherry Hill
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Cherry Hill provides a comprehensive early education program serving Somerdale families with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum. The center specializes in early literacy, mathematics, and social skills development through innovative programs like philanthropy-based curriculum and foreign language exposure. The facility includes state-of-the-art security systems, age-specific playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms. Their highly qualified educators focus on school readiness while maintaining a nurturing environment. The center offers flexible scheduling and emphasizes regular communication with parents through digital updates and progress reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Somerdale, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Somerdale, NJ?
In Somerdale and the surrounding Camden County area, daycare costs vary based on the type of facility and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month for full-time infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. In-home family daycare providers in Somerdale often charge slightly less, averaging $800 to $1,200 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that New Jersey does not have price controls on childcare, so costs are set by individual providers. Many facilities in Somerdale offer sibling discounts, and financial assistance may be available through the state's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Somerdale is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare centers and registered family daycare homes in New Jersey must be licensed or approved by the state's Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. To verify a provider in Somerdale, you can use the NJ DCF's "Search for Child Care" online tool. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or zip code (08083 for Somerdale) and view their licensing status, capacity, and age ranges served. Crucially, you can also access the provider's inspection reports and any history of violations or corrective actions. We recommend always visiting a facility in person, but checking this official record is a critical first step to ensure they meet New Jersey's health, safety, and program standards.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Somerdale, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers in Somerdale, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. Popular centers and those affiliated with employers or institutions can have waitlists of 6 to 12 months or more. It is strongly advised to begin your search and tours during your second trimester of pregnancy if you are expecting. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search at least 4-6 months in advance is prudent. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to be on the list? How often do they update families on their position? Do they offer guaranteed enrollment for siblings of current students? Exploring smaller, licensed family daycare homes in Somerdale neighborhoods can sometimes offer more immediate availability.
What are some of the key differences between daycare centers and family childcare homes available in Somerdale?
Somerdale offers both licensed childcare centers and registered family childcare homes, each with distinct characteristics. **Centers** (e.g., in commercial buildings or standalone facilities) often have multiple classrooms, structured educational curricula, larger groups of children, and multiple staff members. They may offer more amenities and have stricter hours of operation. **Family Childcare Homes** are run out of a provider's residence in a Somerdale neighborhood. They typically offer a mixed-age, home-like environment with fewer children, potentially more flexible hours, and often a lower child-to-adult ratio for personalized care. Both are regulated by the NJ DCF, but homes have different licensing requirements (e.g., "Registered" vs. "Licensed" for centers). Your choice may depend on your child's temperament, your need for schedule flexibility, and your preference for a home-like versus a school-like setting.
Besides basic care, what types of enrichment or educational programs do Somerdale daycares typically offer for preschoolers?
Most daycare centers and many home-based programs in Somerdale incorporate structured preschool curricula to prepare children for kindergarten. Common frameworks include play-based learning, Montessori-inspired activities, or standards-aligned programs like Creative Curriculum. Specific enrichments you might find include daily literacy and math activities, basic Spanish language exposure, music and movement classes, and outdoor play in secured yards. Some centers partner with local organizations for special programs; for instance, a center might have a weekly sports skills session or bring in a librarian from the Somerdale branch of the Camden County Library System. When touring, ask about their educational philosophy, how they track developmental milestones, and if they provide progress reports. New Jersey's Early Learning Standards guide these programs to ensure school readiness.