The Best Daycare Centers in Southampton, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Southampton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Southampton
The Learning Experience - Mount Laurel
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Mount Laurel offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, CCTV monitoring, and secure check-in procedures. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces. Their enrichment programs include phonics, foreign language, and yoga, providing a well-rounded educational experience for children from infancy through kindergarten.
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Creative Learning Center
Creative Learning Center
Creative Learning Center in Vincentown serves the Southampton community with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social-emotional development and academic readiness. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and employs certified early childhood educators. Their curriculum includes STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and expansive outdoor play areas. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their in-house food program and maintain excellent health and safety records with regular state inspections. Parents praise the center's warm environment and strong communication practices.
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Kiddie Academy of Mount Laurel
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy of Mount Laurel provides educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic learning with character development. The center features secure electronic entry, real-time parent communication through the Kiddie Academy Mobile App, and comprehensive safety protocols. Certified teachers implement age-appropriate learning activities focusing on literacy, mathematics, and social skills. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, interactive smart boards in preschool classrooms, and multiple outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Their health and wellness program includes daily physical activities and nutrition education, creating a holistic approach to child development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Southampton, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time infant daycare in Southampton, NJ, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Southampton, Burlington County, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. Prices can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. For more affordable options, registered family childcare homes may range from $900 to $1,300 monthly. New Jersey offers several financial assistance programs. Locally, you can apply for the state's Child Care Subsidy Program (often called "child care assistance") through the New Jersey Department of Human Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's recommended to contact the Burlington County Board of Social Services for the most current application information and to check with individual providers about any private scholarships or openings in subsidized slots.
How do I verify a daycare center or home is properly licensed and inspected in Southampton, NJ?
All licensed childcare providers in New Jersey are regulated by the state's Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. To verify a provider's license and view their inspection history, you can use the official **NJ DCF Child Care Search** tool available online. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location (including Southampton), or license number. It will show the license status, capacity, ages served, and any serious violations or corrective actions from the last three years. You can also call the DCF Office of Licensing at 1-877-667-9845. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your tour, and don't hesitate to request their most recent inspection report, which they are required to make available to parents.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Southampton, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant and toddler rooms at highly-regarded centers in the Southampton area. Due to high demand and limited infant slots (strict staff-to-child ratios), it is not unusual for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long. For the best chance of securing a spot, parents should begin researching and touring facilities as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy. Many centers in the area allow you to join a waitlist before your child is born. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which typically ranges from $50 to $150. It's a good strategy to get on multiple waitlists and follow up periodically to express continued interest.
What are some of the key differences between the larger daycare centers and in-home family childcare options available in Southampton?
Southampton offers both center-based and licensed family childcare home options, each with distinct advantages. **Centers** (like those in nearby Medford or Mount Holly) often have larger facilities, structured educational curricula, multiple classrooms segmented by age, and larger staff teams. They may offer more enrichment programs (like music or yoga) and typically have stricter protocols for closures (e.g., they remain open if the home provider is sick). **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** in Southampton neighborhoods offer a home-like environment, often with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They usually have more flexible hours and may be more affordable. The key is licensing: ensure any home provider is registered or licensed by the NJ DCF, which ensures they meet health, safety, and training standards. Your choice will depend on your child's temperament, your schedule, and your educational philosophy.
Beyond basic licensing, what quality indicators should I look for when touring daycare options in the Southampton area?
While licensing ensures minimum standards, looking for these quality indicators can help you choose an exceptional program: 1. **Accreditations:** Look for centers with national accreditations like NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) or NJ-PAS (New Jersey's quality rating system). These involve rigorous standards beyond state licensing. 2. **Staff Qualifications & Turnover:** Ask about director and lead teacher education (degrees in Early Childhood Education are a plus) and staff tenure. Low turnover indicates a stable, positive environment. 3. **Curriculum & Communication:** A clear, developmentally appropriate curriculum should be evident. Ask how they communicate daily activities and milestones (many use apps like Brightwheel or Tadpoles). 4. **Safety & Cleanliness:** Observe outdoor play areas, check for secure entrances (keypad or buzzer systems), and ask about sick policies and cleaning protocols. 5. **Parent References:** Any quality provider should be willing to connect you with current parents. Ask local parents in Southampton community groups on Facebook or Nextdoor for their honest experiences with specific providers.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Southampton: