The Best Daycare Centers in Westwood, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Westwood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Westwood
Bright Horizons at Westwood
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Westwood offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and social-emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, literacy development, and STEAM activities. The facility includes secure, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and comprehensive safety protocols. Parents appreciate the strong communication system and the center's focus on individualized learning plans for each child's developmental needs.
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Kiddie Academy of Hillsdale
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Hillsdale serves the Westwood area with their Life Essentials curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The center features state-certified teachers, secure keypad entry systems, and modern learning environments. Their program includes technology integration, foreign language exposure, and comprehensive health and fitness activities. The academy maintains rigorous safety standards with regular drills and secure check-in procedures. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and the visible progress children make in both academic and social skills.
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The Learning Experience - Emerson
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Emerson provides a well-rounded early education program serving Westwood families with their L.E.A.P. curriculum that incorporates phonics, foreign language, and philanthropy. The center features purpose-built classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and secure outdoor playgrounds. Their proprietary curriculum focuses on cognitive, physical, and social development through structured play and learning activities. The facility maintains excellent teacher qualifications with ongoing professional development and low student-teacher ratios. Parents highlight the center's strong communication, engaging activities, and the noticeable confidence children gain in their learning journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Westwood, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Westwood, NJ?
In Westwood, Bergen County, full-time daycare costs are generally on the higher end for New Jersey, reflecting the area's cost of living. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,800 to $2,400 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), monthly fees typically range from $1,600 to $2,100. Home-based daycare programs (licensed family childcare) may offer slightly lower rates, often between $1,200 and $1,800 monthly. These costs are for a standard 5-day week. It's important to ask what is included, such as diapers, wipes, and meals, as this can affect the overall value. Financial assistance may be available through New Jersey's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for qualifying families.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Westwood, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists at well-regarded daycare centers in Westwood can be significant. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for infant rooms. We strongly recommend starting your search and getting on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your desired start date. When touring facilities, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee, how often they update it, and if they offer sibling priority. Also consider expanding your search to neighboring towns like Hillsdale, Emerson, or River Vale for more options.
What are the key state licensing requirements I should verify for a daycare in New Jersey?
All childcare centers and registered family daycare homes in Westwood must be licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. Key requirements you should verify include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers), **Staff Qualifications** (directors must have a Child Development Associate credential or higher, and all staff must pass background checks and have training in CPR/first aid and prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and **Facility Safety** (annual inspections for fire, health, and sanitation). You can view a provider's licensing history, including any violations, on the NJ DCF Child Care Search website. Always confirm the license is current.
Are there part-time or flexible childcare options available in Westwood for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
While most traditional daycare centers in Westwood operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm schedule, flexible options do exist. Some centers may offer 2, 3, or 4-day-a-week programs, though these are less common for infants. Your best bet for significant flexibility, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekend care, is often a licensed family childcare home or a nanny share arrangement with other local families. Additionally, you can explore drop-in care services at some local gyms or recreational centers, though these are typically for short durations. For consistent non-traditional hours, hiring a part-time nanny or au pair through a reputable agency serving Bergen County is a common solution for Westwood families.
What resources are available in Westwood to help me evaluate and choose a quality daycare program?
Westwood parents have several excellent local resources. First, utilize the **New Jersey Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Agency for Bergen County**, operated by 4C's of Bergen County. They offer free referrals, quality information, and guidance on financial assistance. Second, the **Westwood Public Library** often hosts community events and may have bulletin boards with local provider information. Third, join local parent groups on social media (e.g., Facebook groups like "Westwood, NJ Moms & Dads") to get unfiltered recommendations and experiences. Finally, always schedule in-person tours, prepare a list of questions about curriculum, safety, and communication, and trust your instincts about the environment and how staff interact with children.
Nearby Cities
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