The Best Daycare Centers in Union City, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Union City. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Union City
The Goddard School of Union City
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Union City offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning centers. They emphasize STEAM learning, language development, and social-emotional growth through structured play and hands-on activities. The school provides nutritious meals and maintains comprehensive safety protocols including regular sanitization and secure check-in/check-out procedures.
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Kiddie Academy of North Bergen
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Located just minutes from Union City, Kiddie Academy of North Bergen provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM education. The center features bright, modern classrooms with interactive technology, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and a secure facility with surveillance systems. Their highly qualified staff includes certified early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices. The academy emphasizes health and safety with rigorous cleaning protocols, nutritious meal programs, and regular communication with parents through digital daily reports and photos.
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The Learning Experience - West New York
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in nearby West New York serves Union City families with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and science. The center features colorful, engaging learning environments with dedicated spaces for each age group, including infant suites with separate sleeping areas. Their programs include early literacy development, foreign language exposure, and philanthropy lessons. The facility maintains high safety standards with secured entry, regular safety drills, and comprehensive staff training. Their highly-rated teachers create individualized learning plans and provide regular progress updates to parents through their mobile app.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Union City, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Union City, NJ?
In Union City, full-time daycare costs are generally on the higher end for New Jersey due to its proximity to New York City and high population density. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,900 per month at a licensed center. For a toddler (18 months to 3 years), monthly fees typically range from $1,200 to $1,600. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, ranging from $900 to $1,300 monthly. These costs are estimates, and prices can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. It's important to ask what is included (e.g., meals, diapers, enrichment programs) when comparing prices.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Union City, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Union City can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant spots. Due to high demand and limited space, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool-age entry, starting your search at least 6-9 months in advance is advisable. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process, including any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot and how often they update families on their position.
What are the key state licensing requirements I should verify for a daycare in Union City?
All childcare centers in Union City must be licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. Key requirements to verify include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, 1:10 for preschoolers), **Staff Qualifications** (lead teachers must have a Child Development Associate credential or higher), **Background Checks** (mandatory for all staff), and **Annual Health and Safety Inspections**. You can and should ask any provider for their license number and verify their compliance and inspection history online through the NJ DCF website. This is a crucial step in ensuring a safe, regulated environment.
Are there any local Union City programs or resources to help with childcare costs?
Yes, there are several resources. The primary program is New Jersey's **Child Care Subsidy Program** (often called "child care assistance"), administered through the Hudson County Department of Family Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/training requirements. Additionally, some Union City daycare centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth exploring dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs) through your employer, which use pre-tax dollars for eligible expenses. For direct referrals and guidance, parents can contact the **Hudson County Child Care Resource & Referral Agency (CCR&R)**.
What are the common options for childcare in Union City besides large daycare centers?
Union City offers a variety of childcare options to fit different needs and budgets. These include: 1. **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** Smaller, home-based settings often with more flexible hours and a mixed-age group. 2. **Preschools:** Many focus on ages 2.5 to 5 and often offer half-day or full-day programs with an educational curriculum. 3. **Nanny Shares:** A popular option in dense urban areas, where two or more families hire one nanny, splitting the cost. Local parent groups on social media are common places to arrange these. 4. **After-School Programs:** Offered by the Union City Board of Education, the public library, and community centers like the William V. Musto Cultural Center for school-age children. Exploring these alternatives can provide more personalized care or better align with specific scheduling needs.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Union City: