The Best Daycare Centers in Wharton, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Wharton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Wharton
The Learning Experience - Roxbury
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in nearby Succasunna serves Wharton families with a comprehensive early childhood education program featuring their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum. The center emphasizes phonics, foreign language exposure, manners and etiquette, and physical fitness. Features include secure keypad entry, live streaming cameras for parent viewing, and USDA-approved meals. Staff hold early childhood education degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The bright, modern facility includes age-appropriate classrooms and outdoor play areas designed for different developmental stages.
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Kiddie Academy of Randolph
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy of Randolph provides educational childcare to Wharton area families through their Life Essentials curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The center features low student-teacher ratios, secure entry systems, and daily communication with parents through their mobile app. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, STEM learning centers, and large outdoor playgrounds. Their program includes music, Spanish language exposure, and technology integration appropriate for each age group.
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Goddard School of Parsippany
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Parsippany serves Wharton families with a play-based learning approach that incorporates F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum. The school emphasizes STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth. Features include secure entry systems, daily photo and activity updates for parents, and nutritionally balanced meals. Classrooms are designed as learning centers with hands-on materials, and the outdoor space includes nature exploration areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing professional development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Wharton, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Wharton, NJ?
In Wharton and the surrounding Morris County area, full-time daycare costs are generally in line with New Jersey's higher-than-average childcare expenses. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month at a licensed center. For a toddler (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. Home-based daycare programs (family childcare) in Wharton may be slightly less expensive, often ranging from $900 to $1,300 monthly. These costs reflect the state's strict staff-to-child ratios and licensing requirements. It's important to ask what is included in tuition, such as meals, formula, diapers, and enrichment activities, as these can affect the overall value.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Wharton is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare providers in New Jersey are regulated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can verify a facility's license, view inspection reports, and check for any violations through the NJ DCF Child Care Search website. When touring a facility in Wharton, look for the license displayed publicly. During the tour, ask about staff qualifications (NJ requires lead teachers to have a Child Development Associate credential or higher), observe the staff-to-child ratios in action, check for cleanliness and safety measures (secured entrances, outlet covers, fenced outdoor play areas), and assess the overall atmosphere—are children engaged and happy? Also, inquire about their emergency procedures and communication policies with parents.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Wharton, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in Wharton and the broader region, due to high demand and limited capacity dictated by state ratios. For infant care (the most competitive), it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. For toddler and preschool programs, a 3-6 month lead time is recommended. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in Wharton's residential neighborhoods, as they may have more immediate availability.
What are some of the key differences between a daycare center and a family childcare home in Wharton?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and structure. Daycare centers in Wharton (like The Learning Experience or Goddard School franchises, or local independents) are typically in commercial buildings, have multiple classrooms divided by age, and employ a larger staff. They often follow a structured curriculum, may have more amenities (like dedicated playgrounds or gyms), and offer more consistent coverage if a staff member is absent. Licensed family childcare homes operate out of a provider's residence in Wharton neighborhoods. They offer a mixed-age, home-like environment with fewer children, which can mean more flexible hours and potentially lower costs. The provider is often the sole or primary caregiver, which can foster strong bonds but may mean less backup coverage. Both types are licensed by the state, but their inspection schedules and some regulations differ.
What resources or programs are available in Wharton to help offset the high cost of childcare?
New Jersey offers several assistance programs. The primary resource is the state's Child Care Subsidy Program (often called "child care assistance" or "welfare"), administered through the Morris County Board of Social Services, which helps eligible low- and moderate-income families. You can apply online via NJFamilyCare.org. Additionally, many Wharton daycare centers offer sibling discounts. It's also worth inquiring if your employer participates in a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which allows you to use pre-tax dollars for childcare. For long-term planning, New Jersey's "Child and Dependent Care Credit" on your state income tax return can provide some relief. For direct local support, you can contact the United Way of Northern New Jersey's 2-1-1 helpline or the Morris County Chamber of Commerce for potential referrals to community-based programs.