The Best Daycare Centers in Stewartsville, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Stewartsville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Stewartsville
The Goddard School of Phillipsburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Phillipsburg offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, arts, and social skills. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provides comprehensive safety protocols including regular health screenings. Parents praise the school's communication through daily activity reports and the nurturing environment that promotes confidence and independence in children.
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Phillipsburg KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Phillipsburg KinderCare provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum that aligns with New Jersey early learning standards. Their experienced teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators who create individualized learning plans. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and age-appropriate learning centers. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, math readiness, and social-emotional learning through hands-on activities. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent-teacher conferences, and flexible scheduling options to meet family needs.
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Little People of Phillipsburg
Independent
Little People of Phillipsburg is a family-owned childcare center providing personalized care and education since 2006. Their play-based learning approach incorporates Creative Curriculum with focus on whole-child development. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-separated playgrounds, and well-equipped classrooms with learning centers for dramatic play, blocks, art, and literacy. Experienced teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide regular developmental assessments. The center emphasizes character development, social skills, and school readiness through structured routines and hands-on learning experiences. Parents appreciate the warm, family-like atmosphere and consistent communication about their child's progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Stewartsville, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Stewartsville, NJ?
In Stewartsville and the surrounding Warren County area, daycare costs are generally in line with the New Jersey state average, which is among the higher in the nation. For full-time infant care (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in the area may offer slightly lower rates, often between $900 and $1,300 for infants. These costs reflect the state's high standards for staff-to-child ratios and caregiver qualifications. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, diapers, and enrichment programs.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Stewartsville?
All licensed childcare providers in New Jersey are regulated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You can verify a provider's license and view their inspection reports through the NJ DCF's "Child Care Search" tool available on their official website. Simply enter the provider's name or zip code (08886 for Stewartsville) to access their licensing status, capacity, and any cited violations. It's highly recommended to review these reports, as they detail compliance with state health, safety, and program standards. You can also contact the DCF's Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit for any serious concerns. Always confirm the license is current during your in-person tour.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Stewartsville, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded centers in and around Stewartsville, particularly for the coveted infant rooms. Due to high demand and limited capacity dictated by strict state ratios, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally 6 to 12 months before your needed start date, especially if you are expecting a new baby. Many local centers serving the 08886 community have rolling waitlists. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their list: how many families are ahead of you, how often it's updated, and if a deposit is required to hold a spot. Exploring nearby family childcare homes in residential areas of Stewartsville can sometimes offer more immediate availability.
What are some of the key differences between daycare centers and registered family childcare homes in Stewartsville?
In Stewartsville, parents typically choose between licensed childcare centers and registered family childcare homes. **Centers** (like those in nearby commercial areas or standalone buildings) often have multiple classrooms, structured curricula, larger groups of children, and more staff with specialized roles. They may offer more elaborate facilities and extended hours. **Family Childcare Homes** operate out of a provider's residence in Stewartsville neighborhoods. They offer a mixed-age, home-like environment with smaller groups (max of 5 children under the provider's direct care, plus 3 school-age), often providing more flexible hours and potentially lower costs. Both are regulated by the state, but homes have different physical environment rules. The best choice depends on your child's temperament and your need for schedule flexibility versus a more institutionalized educational structure.
What local resources or referral services can help me find and evaluate childcare options in Warren County?
The primary resource for Warren County parents is **Child Care Resources of Northwest NJ (CCRNNJ)**, a contracted agency of the state's Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) network. They offer a free, personalized referral service where a specialist can provide a list of licensed providers in Stewartsville and surrounding towns based on your specific needs (hours, age, budget). They can also guide you through applying for state subsidy programs like New Jersey's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) if you qualify. Additionally, connecting with local parent groups on social media (e.g., Facebook groups for Warren County parents) can provide unfiltered reviews and recommendations for providers in the Stewartsville community. Your pediatrician's office may also have suggestions for trusted local care.