Licensed Daycare in New Jersey
Find the right daycare in New Jersey in under 5 minutes. 3,783 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against NJ Department of Children and Families — Office of Licensing. Free, 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.