Licensed Daycare in New Jersey
Search 3,783 verified daycare and childcare centers across New Jersey, sourced directly from NJ Department of Children and Families — Office of Licensing . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.
New Jersey Childcare Licensing
In New Jersey, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the NJ Department of Children and Families — Office of Licensing. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:6 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
Verify a license at NJ Department of Children and Families — Office of LicensingWhat's distinctive about New Jersey: New Jersey's Abbott District preschools (free pre-K in 35 high-poverty districts) consistently outperform national averages — apply if you live in one. Standard daycare runs $1,500+/mo.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- NJ Department of Children and Families — Office of Licensing
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:6
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg infant cost
- $1,530/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $1,100/mo
Top Cities for Daycare in New Jersey
View all cities →New Jersey Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
New Jersey families can apply for NJ Child Care Subsidy Program (DFD) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (800) 332-9227
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Daycare in New Jersey — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in New Jersey is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in New Jersey?
How much does daycare cost in New Jersey?
Are subsidies available for childcare in New Jersey?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a New Jersey daycare?
Search 3,783 Licensed New Jersey Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.