The Best Daycare Centers in Westville, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Westville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Westville
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Clementon serves the Westville area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The school features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and secure classroom monitoring. Certified teachers implement age-appropriate lesson plans with low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes modern classrooms, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and enrichment programs in yoga, music, and foreign language.
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Chesterbrook Academy
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy in Woodbury provides premium early childhood education to families in Westville and surrounding communities. Their research-based curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning experiences. The academy features secure facilities with electronic entry systems, comprehensive emergency protocols, and health screening procedures. Highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The program includes technology integration, foreign language exposure, and character education. Parents receive regular updates through a dedicated communication app and benefit from flexible scheduling options.
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The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience Academies of Early Education
The Learning Experience in Clementon serves Westville families with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and social skills development. The center specializes in early childhood development with programs like Philanthropy & Charity for Kids and Manners & Etiquette. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive camera monitoring, and strict health protocols. The facility offers bright, modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. Their highly trained staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and provides individualized attention. The program includes enrichment activities in music, movement, and technology.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Westville, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Westville, NJ?
In Westville, NJ, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in Westville and the surrounding Gloucester County area often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $800 and $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that New Jersey does not have a statewide price cap, so rates are set by individual providers. Many facilities in the area also charge a one-time registration or enrollment fee.
How do I verify that a daycare in Westville is properly licensed and what should I look for in inspection records?
All childcare centers in New Jersey must be licensed by the state's Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You can verify a Westville provider's license status and view their inspection history through the NJ DCF's "Child Care Search" website. When reviewing records, look for the license type (Center or Family Child Care), its expiration date, and the licensed capacity. Crucially, review the "Inspection/Violation Summary" for any cited deficiencies. Pay attention to repeat violations, especially those related to health and safety (e.g., child-staff ratios, background checks, safe sleep practices for infants, or sanitation). You can also contact the DCF's Office of Licensing directly for information. Always confirm the license is current during your in-person visit.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Westville, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler rooms at highly-regarded daycare centers in Westville and throughout South Jersey, with some wait times extending 6 to 12 months. The best strategy is to start your search during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before your needed start date. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists, as this is often free or requires a small, refundable deposit. Be proactive: follow up every 2-3 months to confirm your spot on the list and express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Woodbury, Deptford, or West Deptford for more options. Don't discount licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter waitlists and offer a more intimate setting.
What are some local resources for finding and comparing childcare options in Westville and Gloucester County?
Parents in Westville have several excellent local resources. Your first stop should be the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for South Jersey**, which is operated by the Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative. They offer a free, personalized referral service to help you find licensed providers that match your needs. You can also use the statewide **NJ DCF Child Care Search** tool online. For community-based insights, join local Facebook groups like "Westville, NJ Community" or "South Jersey Moms" to get personal recommendations and reviews. Additionally, the **Gloucester County Library System** branches often have community bulletin boards with flyers from local providers and may host parenting resource events.
What unique programs or considerations are there for childcare in Westville given its proximity to the Delaware River and Philadelphia?
Westville's location offers unique childcare considerations. Some centers and preschools incorporate "environmental awareness" into their curriculum, utilizing nearby parks like the Westville Parks and Recreation areas or the RiverWinds complex for outdoor learning. For commuting parents, many providers are accustomed to flexible hours or early/late care to accommodate parents working in Philadelphia or at the nearby Jefferson Health and Inspira Medical Center facilities. It's important to inquire about their policies for late pick-up due to potential bridge traffic (like the Walt Whitman or Ben Franklin). Furthermore, some providers may participate in Philadelphia-centric employer-sponsored childcare benefit programs, so it's worth asking if they accept subsidies or benefits from major employers across the river.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Westville: