The Best Daycare Centers in Somerville, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Somerville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Somerville
The Goddard School of Somerville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Somerville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their STEAM-based curriculum includes science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics activities tailored to each developmental stage. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes character development, social-emotional learning, and individualized attention with low student-teacher ratios.
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Kiddie Academy of Somerville
Kiddie Academy International
Kiddie Academy of Somerville provides comprehensive educational childcare through their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and school readiness. The academy features secure facilities with keypad entry, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and age-appropriate learning centers. Their program includes technology integration, music and movement, and hands-on learning activities. The highly qualified staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and follows strict health and safety protocols. Parents receive daily communication through the proprietary mobile app with photos, updates, and developmental milestones.
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The Learning Experience - Hillsborough
The Learning Experience
Located just minutes from Somerville, The Learning Experience in Hillsborough offers a comprehensive early education program with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum. The center specializes in phonics, foreign language introduction, and manners/character development programs. Their state-of-the-art facility includes secure entry systems, indoor gymnasium, and age-specific playgrounds. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and provides ongoing staff training. Their enrichment programs include soccer, dance, and yoga, with emphasis on developing the whole child through cognitive, physical, and social-emotional learning activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Somerville, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Somerville, NJ, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Somerville, NJ, full-time daycare for infants typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,900 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,200 to $1,700 per month. These costs reflect the area's higher cost of living and demand for quality care. For financial assistance, New Jersey's Child Care Subsidy Program (through WorkFirst NJ) helps eligible families based on income and work/training requirements. Additionally, the Somerset County Department of Human Services can provide local referrals and may have information on sliding-scale options at certain centers. It's highly recommended to inquire directly with daycare providers about any sibling discounts or private scholarships they might offer.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Somerville, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for reputable licensed centers in Somerville can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It's common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for highly sought-after programs. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Get on multiple waitlists, even at centers in neighboring towns like Bridgewater or Raritan. Be proactive—follow up with a polite phone call or email every 2-3 months to confirm your interest. Many centers also prioritize siblings of current enrollees, so if you have an older child, mention that when applying. Consider registered family childcare homes as a potentially more available alternative while waiting for a center spot.
What are the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a registered family childcare home in New Jersey, and how do I verify their credentials in Somerville?
In New Jersey, licensed daycare centers are facilities serving multiple children in a non-residential setting, subject to strict staff-to-child ratios, curriculum requirements, and facility inspections. Registered family childcare homes operate in a provider's residence, caring for up to 5 children. They have different ratio requirements and a more home-like environment. To verify credentials for any provider in Somerville, use the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) Child Care Search tool online. This database shows licensing status, capacity, and any recent violations. You can also contact the DCF Office of Licensing in your region directly. Always visit in person and ask to see their current license or registration certificate.
Are there daycare centers in Somerville that offer specialized programs, such as for children with allergies, or those incorporating outdoor/nature-based learning?
Yes, several options exist in the Somerville area. For children with severe allergies or dietary restrictions, centers like The Learning Experience in Bridgewater (serving the region) often have detailed allergy management plans and nut-free policies—always discuss specific needs during tours. For nature-based learning, while Somerville itself is more urban, nearby centers such as the Sunrise Children's Center in Branchburg emphasize outdoor play. Additionally, the "Creative Explorers" program at the Somerville YMCA incorporates outdoor activities in nearby parks. For more dedicated programs, parents often look to Montessori or Reggio Emilia-inspired schools in surrounding Somerset County, which strongly value outdoor exploration and project-based learning.
What should I look for during a tour of a potential daycare in Somerville, and are there any local red flags specific to this area?
During a tour, observe cleanliness, child engagement, and staff interactions. Ask about staff turnover, curriculum, safety protocols (including pick-up authorization), and their sick policy. Specifically for Somerville, consider traffic and location—centers near major routes like US-202/206 or near the Somerville Circle should have secure, protected outdoor play areas away from road noise and pollution. A local red flag is a center that is not transparent about its New Jersey DCF license or cannot provide recent inspection reports. Also, be wary of centers with consistently poor communication or those that cannot clearly explain their emergency plans for events like power outages or severe weather, which are common in our region. Check online town forums or local parent Facebook groups (e.g., "Somerville, NJ Moms") for unfiltered reviews and experiences.