The Best Daycare Centers in Wallington, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Wallington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Wallington
The Learning Experience - Wallington
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Wallington offers a comprehensive early education curriculum with proprietary programs like L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) and enrichment classes including yoga, music, and philanthropy. The center features modern security systems including keypad entry, secure classrooms, and regular safety drills. Certified early childhood educators provide age-appropriate learning through play-based activities, with low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes bright, colorful classrooms, indoor play areas, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Parents appreciate the daily communication through their mobile app, which includes photos, updates, and developmental milestones tracking.
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Kiddie Academy of Garfield
Kiddie Academy
Located just minutes from Wallington, Kiddie Academy of Garfield provides Life Essentials® curriculum focusing on character development, literacy, and STEM education. The center employs degreed teachers with early childhood certifications and maintains small class sizes with optimal teacher-to-child ratios. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular facility maintenance. The academy offers nutritious meals and snacks through their included meal program and features age-specific learning centers, computer labs, and outdoor playgrounds. Parents consistently praise the dedicated staff and comprehensive communication about children's daily activities and progress.
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Bright Horizons at Clifton
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Clifton serves families throughout Bergen County including Wallington residents, offering the World at Their Fingers curriculum that emphasizes emergent learning and project-based activities. The center features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. Safety protocols include strict access control, comprehensive emergency procedures, and health screening systems. The facility includes dedicated art studios, literacy-rich classrooms, and natural outdoor environments designed for exploration. The center is known for its strong parent partnership approach, with regular portfolio updates, parent-teacher conferences, and family engagement events throughout the year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Wallington, NJ
What are the licensing requirements for daycare centers in Wallington, NJ, and how can I verify a provider is compliant?
In Wallington, all childcare centers and family daycare homes serving more than five children must be licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. This licensing ensures facilities meet strict standards for health, safety, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), child-to-staff ratios, and physical environment. To verify a provider's compliance and view their licensing history, including any violations, you can use the NJ DCF's "Child Care Search" tool online. It's also recommended to visit the facility in person and ask to see their current license, which should be posted.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Wallington, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Wallington and the surrounding Bergen County area, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. Costs vary based on the type of center, its amenities, and the age of the child. To help with these expenses, New Jersey offers the Child Care Subsidy Program (often called "child care assistance") for eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements. You can apply through the NJ Department of Human Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's important to inquire directly.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Wallington, and when should I start my search?
For popular, highly-regarded daycare centers in Wallington and nearby towns like Garfield or East Rutherford, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It's not uncommon for families to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months. Therefore, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. Be prepared to place non-refundable deposits at multiple centers to secure a spot.
Are there part-time or flexible childcare options available in Wallington for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
While most traditional daycare centers in Wallington operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule, flexible options do exist. Some family daycare homes may offer more adaptable hours, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekend care. For true shift work or irregular hours, you may need to look into hiring a licensed in-home nanny or using a regional babysitting service that covers Bergen County. Networking through local parent groups on social media (like Wallington community pages) can also be a valuable way to find caregivers willing to work flexible schedules.
What resources are available in Wallington to help me evaluate and choose the right daycare for my child?
Beyond online reviews, several local resources can aid your search. First, utilize the free referral service through **Child Care Resources of Rockland** (which also serves Bergen County, NJ) or the **4C's of Passaic County**. They can provide customized lists of licensed providers. Second, schedule tours and ask for references from current parents. Third, connect with the **Wallington Public Library** or community center, as staff often have knowledge of local programs and may host parent-child groups where you can get firsthand recommendations. Finally, always check the provider's most recent DCF licensing inspection report for objective data on compliance.
Nearby Cities
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