The Best Daycare Centers in Strathmere, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Strathmere. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Strathmere
The Goddard School of Sea Isle City
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Sea Isle City offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their play-based curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and physical development in a safe, nurturing environment. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development, and the facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. The school maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provides comprehensive communication with parents through daily reports and regular updates.
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Kiddie Academy of Ocean City
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Ocean City provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, literacy, mathematics, and science. The academy features state-of-the-art security systems including electronic entry, camera monitoring, and strict pickup protocols. Their degreed teachers implement age-appropriate learning activities in well-equipped classrooms with modern educational materials. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, healthy habits, and school readiness through structured play and hands-on learning experiences. Parents appreciate the consistent communication and detailed progress reports.
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Sea Isle City Nursery School
Independent Non-Profit
Sea Isle City Nursery School offers a well-established early childhood program focusing on developmental appropriate practices in a warm, community-oriented environment. Their play-based curriculum emphasizes social skills, creativity, and kindergarten readiness through structured learning centers, art activities, and outdoor play. The school maintains small class sizes with experienced educators who create individualized learning experiences. The facility features bright, engaging classrooms, a secure outdoor play area, and comprehensive safety protocols. The school is known for its strong parent-teacher partnerships and community involvement, with many local families returning generation after generation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Strathmere, NJ
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Strathmere, NJ?
In Strathmere and the surrounding Cape May County area, your primary licensed childcare options are family childcare homes and childcare centers. Due to Strathmere's small, residential nature, there are no large daycare centers within the village itself. Most families look to nearby communities like Sea Isle City, Avalon, or Ocean City for licensed childcare centers. Family childcare homes, which are licensed to care for up to 5 children in a provider's residence, may be found within Strathmere or adjacent towns. All providers must be licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing, which ensures they meet state standards for safety, staff qualifications, and program quality. For school-age children, the Dennis Township School District may offer before and after-care programs.
How far in advance should I start looking for and applying to daycare programs in the Strathmere area, and are waitlists common?
Given the limited number of providers serving the Strathmere and Cape May County coastal region, it is highly advisable to begin your search at least 6-9 months before you need care, especially if you require full-time, year-round placement. Waitlists are very common, particularly for infant and toddler spots at the more sought-after centers in nearby towns like Ocean City. The demand intensifies in the late spring and summer as seasonal residents and workers return. For a fall start, initiating your search in the winter or early spring of the same year is critical. Contacting family childcare homes directly may sometimes yield more immediate openings, but planning ahead is still the best strategy.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Strathmere, NJ area?
Childcare costs in Cape May County are significant. For full-time infant care at a licensed center in nearby communities (e.g., Ocean City, Sea Isle City), you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Family childcare homes may be slightly less expensive, often ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly, but prices vary based on the provider's experience, amenities, and included services. These costs reflect the high cost of living and operational expenses in this shore region. It's important to inquire exactly what is included (meals, snacks, curriculum) and if there are additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pick-up.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for Strathmere residents?
Yes, eligible families in Strathmere can apply for assistance through New Jersey's statewide Child Care Subsidy Program, administered by the Department of Human Services. This program helps low- and moderate-income families pay for licensed childcare so parents can work or attend school. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care. You apply through the New Jersey Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for your county, which for Strathmere is the CCR&R of Cape May County. They can be contacted for an application and to determine if you qualify. Additionally, some local charities or community organizations may offer limited assistance, especially for families facing temporary hardship.
What are some key local factors I should consider when choosing a daycare for my child in this coastal community?
When selecting care in the Strathmere area, consider these local-specific factors: First, **proximity and commute**: Since options are in neighboring towns, evaluate the daily drive, especially considering summer shore traffic on routes like Ocean Drive (CR 619) or the Garden State Parkway. Second, **seasonal schedules**: Some programs may have different hours, closures, or enrollment policies in the off-season (fall/winter). Third, **emergency preparedness**: Inquire about the provider's plans for hurricanes, coastal flooding, or other weather-related emergencies common to the Jersey Shore. Fourth, **summer enrollment**: Many centers prioritize or have separate programs for summer, which can affect year-round availability. Finally, visit and ask about **outdoor play**: A good program should have safe, shaded outdoor spaces and policies for beach or park outings that align with your comfort level.