The Best Daycare Centers in Somerset, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Somerset. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Somerset
The Goddard School of Somerset
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Somerset offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and social-emotional development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes play-based learning with structured activities that promote cognitive, physical, and social growth through hands-on experiences and individualized attention.
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Kiddie Academy of Somerset
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Somerset implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development with academic readiness. Their program includes technology-enhanced learning, music and movement, and Spanish language exposure. The center features secure keypad entry, CCTV monitoring, and comprehensive safety protocols. Certified teachers create personalized learning plans with progress tracking. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor gross motor space, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their approach balances structured learning with creative exploration, focusing on developing critical thinking skills and social competence through project-based activities.
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The Learning Experience - Hillsborough
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in nearby Hillsborough serves the Somerset area with their L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and scientific investigation. Their proprietary programs include philanthropy curriculum and manners program. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, sanitization protocols, and nutritious meal programs. Early childhood-certified teachers provide individualized instruction with regular progress reports. The facility includes interactive learning centers, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and dedicated art and music rooms. Their approach emphasizes both academic preparation and character development through structured play and guided discovery learning methods.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Somerset, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time infant daycare in Somerset, NJ, and what factors influence the price?
In Somerset, NJ, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,400 to $2,200 per month. The cost is influenced by several factors specific to the area. Center-based programs, especially those affiliated with corporate chains or offering specialized curricula (like Montessori or language immersion), tend to be at the higher end of this range. Home-based family daycare providers in Somerset neighborhoods often offer more affordable rates, generally between $1,200 and $1,700 monthly. Additional costs to consider include registration fees (often $100-$300), supply fees, and charges for early drop-off or late pick-up. Prices can also vary based on the specific amenities offered, such as live streaming cameras, organic meal programs, or extended hours to accommodate commuters to nearby corporate hubs like Bridgewater or New Brunswick.
How do I verify a daycare provider's license and inspection history in Somerset, NJ?
All licensed childcare centers and registered family daycare homes in Somerset operate under the regulations of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. To verify a provider's status and history, you should use the state's official "Child Care Search" tool available on the DCF website. This database allows you to search by provider name, location (Somerset, NJ 08873), or zip code. It will show the license status (active, suspended, etc.), capacity, ages served, and any serious violations or corrective action plans from state inspections. We strongly recommend reviewing the last 2-3 years of inspection reports, which detail any non-compliance issues related to health, safety, staff qualifications, or child-to-staff ratios. You can also contact the DCF's Office of Licensing Northern Regional Office, which oversees Somerset County, for additional information.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Somerset, and how can I navigate them?
Yes, waitlists are very common for infant and toddler programs at highly-regarded daycare centers in Somerset, often ranging from 3 to 12 months. This is due to high demand from families in this suburban area with many dual-income households. To navigate them effectively, start your search during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. When contacting centers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be on the list (typically $50-$150, often non-refundable), and how often they update families. Consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Franklin Township, Bridgewater, or Hillsborough, which may have shorter waitlists. Getting on multiple lists is a standard strategy. Also, inquire about "sibling priority" policies if you plan to have more children in care.
What are the state-mandated child-to-staff ratios for daycare in New Jersey, and how do Somerset providers typically adhere to them?
New Jersey has strict, age-based child-to-staff ratios enforced by the DCF. For centers, the ratios are: 1:4 for infants (under 18 months), 1:6 for toddlers (18 months to 2.5 years), 1:10 for preschoolers (2.5 to 4 years), and 1:12 for school-age children. For registered family daycare homes, the ratio is 1:5, with no more than 2 children under 2.5 years. Reputable providers in Somerset not only meet but often strive to maintain ratios better than the state minimum to ensure higher quality care and individual attention. During tours, parents should directly ask about typical group sizes and observe classrooms to see if ratios are being maintained. State inspection reports, which are public, will note any violations of these critical safety standards.
What unique childcare options or programs are available in Somerset, NJ, beyond traditional daycare centers?
Somerset offers several unique options tailored to its community. Many local providers offer "flex care" or part-week schedules to accommodate hybrid work models common in the area. You can find nature-based preschool programs that utilize local parks like Colonial Park. Several centers offer language immersion programs (Spanish or Mandarin) reflecting the diverse population of Somerset County. For school-age children, many centers and the Somerset County YMCA provide before-and-after-school care with transportation to and from specific local elementary schools (e.g., from the Somerset section of Franklin Township). Additionally, there are specialized programs for children with developmental needs, often in collaboration with early intervention services provided through the Somerset County Educational Services Commission. Exploring local parenting groups on social media or the "Somerset County Moms" network can provide leads on smaller, home-based educational cooperatives.