Kids Guide | NJ Childcare | New Jersey Child Care, Nanny Services, Child Care Providers, After School Child Care

New Jersey's guide to places, events and services for children, teens and families
Pick up a copy of the Kids Guide FREE at libraries, stores, schools, real estate and professional offices in northcentral New Jersey and
at tourist info centers throughout the state for a complete calendar and guide to children and family events, programs and services!

See the Kids' Guide 2010 School Guide for additional child care options.

Child Care/Nanny Services | Child Care Providers | Special Needs Child Care | After School Care | Child Care Services

child care/nanny services

Child Care Connection
Mercer County, 609-989-7770. A child care resource and referral agency that provides child care consultations and referrals, builds child care supply, provides training and education, and offers technical assistance to child care organizations, and administers several child care subsidy programs.

EurAuPair
800-901-2002.

In A Pinch, Inc.
PO Box 419, Mt. Freedom, NJ 07970, 800-989-0327. 9am-3pm/24 hrs. on call coordinators available. In A Pinch is a temporary childcare referral agency specializing in emergency and sick childcare. Founded in 1990, licensed and insured. On-call coordinators are available 24 hrs. to meet your childcare needs. Major credit cards accepted. Call for a free brochure.

Programs for Parents, Inc.
973-744-4677. Free child care counseling and referrals, child care center checklist and child development newsletter.

child care providers

A Child's Place
302 South Branch Rd., Hillsborough, 908-369-8890.

Berkeley Heights YMCA
550 Springfield Ave., Berkeley Heights, 908-464-8373. Tiny Tots is a year-round program for ages 312-5 yrs. and offers many activities including arts, gym, outdoor play, story time, group games, math, reading, writing and swim lessons at the Summit YMCA. Full and part day. Y Cares financial assistance available.

Cradles to Crayons Learning Center, Inc.
649 Central Ave., Westfield, 908-518-0900. Open 7am-7pm. Quality care for ages birth full-day kindergarten by trained, screened and certified teachers. Full and part-time sessions are offered year 'round in an educational learning environment. Curriculum includes computer, arts/crafts, science/math/writing, readiness skills, outside play, language arts, music and movement. Internet camera system. Half-day session offered to 3-5 year olds.

Early Childhood Center at Temple Emanu-El
264 W. Northfield Rd., Livingston, 973-992-6174. Director: Ellen Levitt. Ages: 6 wks.-Pre-K. Enrollment: 50. Reform Judaism.
The Early Childhood Center provides a loving and caring environment where teaching enhances development and learning through developmentally appropriate practices. We are committed to the development of the whole child: their intellectual, social, emotional and physical needs. We believe that hands-on activities and child initiated learning is most valuable. Children develop at their own pace and utilize their own unique style. Our goal is to guide children through their journey as life-long learners, while promoting their self-confidence.

The Early School of Temple B'nai Abraham
300 E. Northfield Rd., P.O. Box 46, Livingston, 973-994-7016. See display ad and listing under Preschools.

Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA
Grand Street & Union Ave., Scotch Plains, 908-322-7600; infants, toddlers, preschoolers and prekindergarteners. A state licensed, early childhood educational year-round program available 6:45am-6pm. Ongoing registration; call for openings.

JCC Blaustein Early Childhood Center
Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, 775 Talamini Rd. (conveniently located off Rt. 202-206), Bridgewater, 908-725-6994 x208. Email: LLippitt@ssbjcc.org. See display ad and listing under Preschools.
Tuesday JCC Family Summer Nights
5:30-7:30pm, swim in the outdoor pool, snack bar open. Open to all.
Jul 6
     DJ.
Jul 13
     Bingo Night.
Jul 20
     Tye Dye.
Aug 3
     DJ.
Aug 10
     Ice Cream Sundaes.
Special Events
Jun 21
     Golf Outing, Raritan Valley Country Club, 10:30am.
Jun 26
     Camplified Summer Concert, the best bands you've never heard before, time TBA.
Sep 19
     JCC Open House, 1-4pm. Special one-day savings on JCC Membership, Camp, Preschool.
Oct 25
     Texas Hold 'em, 7pm.

JCC of Central New Jersey
1391 Martine Avenue Scotch Plains, 908-889-8800 Contact: Robin Brous ext. 204. See complete listing under Preschools.

JCC MetroWest
Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC, Ross Family Campus 760 Northfield Ave., West Orange, 973-530-3400. Lautenberg Family JCC, Aidekman Family Campus 901 Rt. 10E, Whippany, 973-428-9300. See complete listings under Preschools & Kindergarten.

KinderCare Learning Center
1000 Courtyard Dr., Hillsborough, 908-704-8686. See listing under 2010 School Guide.

The Learning Circle YMCA (TLC)
95 Morris Ave., Summit, 908-273-7040. TLC offers early education and care for 6 wks. through all-day kindergarten, after-school programs for kindergarten through 5th grade and short-term child care such as school holiday programs. Y Cares financial assistance available.

The F.M. Kirby Children's Center
of the Madison Area YMCA, 54 East St., Madison, 973-377-4945. Childcare for infants through school age children.

Little Tots Academy
30-34 Okner Parkway, Livingston, 973-597-0778. Child care available for ages 6 wks.-6 yrs. from 7:30am-6pm. Open 12 months. Half-day preschool 9am-1pm. Warm and nurturing environment in our new expanded facility; creative teaching with licensed instructors. Spanish, tumbling, creative dancing and computers offered at no extra charge. Optional hot lunch program.

Millicent Fenwick Day Care Center
140 Mt. Airy Rd., Basking Ridge, 908-766-7898 ext. 530.

Morris Center YMCA RF Blake Childcare Center
65 Horsehill Rd., Cedar Knolls, 973-984-2255. On-site infant through kindergarten care. Off-site afterschool care for the Morris Plains school district.

Nicholas Montessori School
817 Chimney Rock Rd., Martinsville, 732-748-9330. See ad and listing under Preschools.

Noah's Ark Child Care
836 Mountain Ave., Westfield, 908-232-7011; 618 Central Ave., Westfield, 908-232-0175. Infants to full day kindergarten. 6:30am-7pm. Certified teachers. See display ad and listing under Preschools.

The Nursery at OLS School
162 Academy St., South Orange, 973-763-4040.

Precious People Early Learning Center
132 South Ave. E., Westfield, 908-233-2330. See ad and listing under Preschools.

Rainbow Academy
· 1823 Rt. 88, Brick, 732-202-1635
· 560 South Ave. E., Cranford, 908-653-1231
· 314 Rt. 31, Flemington, 908-237-0078
· 23 Gills Ln., Iselin, 732-404-1010
· 51 Island Rd., Mahwah, 201-529-0066
· 2317 Hwy. 34, Manasquan, 866-470-0262
· 2878 Route 27N, North Brunswick, 732-422-2255
· 600 Roosevelt Ave., Piscataway, 732-699-1700
· 201 Route 17N, Rutherford, 201-372-0049
· 2 Broad St., Summit, 908-598-8383
· 24 S. Jefferson Rd., Whippany, 973-386-5520
· 458 Amboy Ave., Woodbridge, 732-726-3646
Rainbow Academy is the solution for working parents. Offering a "home away from home" with nurturing educators and stimulating early learning programs for InfantsKindergarten. Parents enjoy peace of mind viewing their child via a secure internet connection. Take a virtual tour of our centers at www.RainbowAcademy.com or schedule a tour to see for yourself what makes us so special!

Raritan Valley Community College Childcare Center
Rt. 28 & Lamington Rd., North Branch, 908-231-8807. Ages 3 mos. through 5 yrs.

The Small Society Academy
20 Bay St., Stirling, 908-647-3838. See listing under Preschools.

Somerset Valley YMCA
· Bridgewater Family YMCA, 601 Garretson Rd., Bridgewater, 908-526-0688.
· Hillsborough Family YMCA, 19 E. Mountain Rd., Hillsborough, 908-369-0490.
· Somerville Family YMCA, 2 Green St., Somerville, 908-722-4567.
Child care for ages 6 weeks through Kindergarten and after school.

Westfield Area Y
· Westfield 220 Clark St.; 422 E. Broad St.; 170 Elm St., Westfield, 908-233-2700.
· Y Child Care in Garwood 211 Center St., Garwood, 908-301-1616.
· YMCA Preschool at the Cranford Community Center 220 Walnut Ave., Cranford, 908-233-2700.
Childcare services include full day childcare, half day preschool, Kindergarten and before and after school care for elementary and middle school children.

Zadie's Nurturing Den
1 Walnut St.; Summit, 908-277-8584.; 141 S. Harrison St., East Orange. Open 24 hrs. 7 days. A unique family day care program dedicated to providing a warm "home-like" environment for children ages 6 weeks to kindergarten. Our services are geared towards the needs of working parents in a new state-of-the-art facility offering the finest in safety, security and services for your child.

special needs child care

ARC
Provides services to people of all ages with developmental disabilities, some free, some on a sliding fee scale. Early intervention program helps parents identify developmental delays in infant children.
· Essex County 973-535-1181
· Hunterdon County 908-730-7827
1322 Rt. 31 Suite 5, Annandale
· Middlesex County 732-821-1199
219 Black Horse Lane, Suite 1, North Brunswick.
· Morris County 973-765-9661
P.O. Box 134, Convent Station, NJ 07961 Developmental Day Care
Arc Training and Conference Center, Campus of College of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station, 973-765-9661.
· Somerset County 908-725-8544
· Union County 973-315-0000
ARC Bright Beginnings Child Development Center, 135 Dermody St. in Cranford, serves infants to 5 yrs.; ARC Kohler School, 1137 Globe Ave. in Mountainside, serves ages 3-9 yrs.

Jerry Davis Early Childhood Center
141 S. Main St., Manville, 908725-2266. Quality, affordable daycare and preschool services to children 18 mos. to 6 yrs.

after school child care
A variety of before and after-school child care and kindergarten wraparound programs are offered within elementary schools.
They are run by the independent school or public school district or by outside agencies contracted by the district. Check with your school for options.

The Connection for Women and Families
79 Maple St., Summit, 908-273-42424. The Connection's enrichment programs provide a safe, engaging environment that motivates and inspires learning beyond the school day. Developed in cooperation with the Summit Board of Education, the after school programs integrate homework assistance with fun activities.

Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA
1340 Martine Ave., Scotch Plains, 908-889-8880. September. to June program servicing Scotch Plains, Fanwood and Clark communities. Before and after school programs available.

JCC MetroWest Kids Club
Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC, Ross Family Campus, 760 Northfield Ave., West Orange, 973-530-3431. A safe and structured afterschool environment for children in grades K-7. Gym, swim, arts and crafts, cooking, volunteer opportunities, karaoke, dance dance revolution, homework support & tutoring, and fun with friends. Includes transportation from schools to the Cooperman JCC in West Orange.

"J" Crew After School Program
Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC, 775 Talamini Rd., Bridgewater, 908-725-6994, x227. Director: Ken Kaus, kkaus@ssbjcc.org. Homework help, swimming, sports, arts and crafts, fitness programs, cooking, computers, daily snack and more for grades K-4. High staff-to-child ratio. Register for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days a week. Busing available from select Bridgewater schools.

Jointure for Community Adult Education Enrichment Programs
908-722-0233. Before and after school enrichment programs in Bridgewater/Raritan, Bound Brook, Branchburg, Hillsborough Twp., Manville and Watchung schools.

Kid Zone at the JCC of Central New Jersey
1391 Martine Avenue Scotch Plains, 908-889-8800 Contact: MaryAnn Kukis ext. 254. The JCC of Central NJ's Kid Zone, a state-licensed, structured and fun after-school program, is open to children 3-13. Program includes use of the JCC, including pool, gymnasium, teaching kitchen and playground.

The F.M. Kirby Children's Center
of the Madison Area YMCA, 54 East St., Madison, 973-377-4945. Kindergarten wrap-around, before and after school care for 1st-6th grades.

Maplewood/South Orange After School Program
Civic House, 124 Dunnell Rd., Maplewood, 973-762-0183. After school care for students grades K-8 sponsored by Maplewood and So. Orange Recreation and South Mountain YMCA. Applications accepted in May for the following school year.

Somerset Hills YMCA Before & After School Care
908-766-7898, ext. 516. Before and after care for grades K-4 held in Bernardsville, Long Hill Township, Far Hills Country Day School and the Somerset Hills YMCA.

Somerset Valley YMCA
· Bridgewater Family YMCA, 601 Garretson Rd., Bridgewater, 908-526-0688.
· Hillsborough Family YMCA, 19 E. Mountain Rd., Hillsborough, 908-369-0490.
· Somerville Family YMCA, 2 Green St., Somerville, 908-722-4567.
After school program for grades K-6 and all day kindergarten program.

Student Activities Club (SAC)
East Hanover Recreation, Lurker Park, 5th St. off Eagle Rock Rd., East Hanover, 973-428-3095. Program for children in the East Hanover school system runs Mon.-Fri. from 3-6pm and features snacks, games, outdoor activities and certified teachers and counselors to help with homework.

Summit Area YMCA After School
Y Cares financial assistance available.
· The Learning Circle YMCA (TLC), 95 Morris Ave., Summit, 908-273-7040. Complements morning half-day and the kindergarten program in New Providence and Berkeley Heights public schools. Full- or part-week schedules and extended hours.
· Springfield YMCA, 100 S. Springfield Ave., Springfield, 973-467-0838. Afterschool for grades 1-6 and a Pre-K wraparound program for children at Walton School.
· Summit YMCA, 65 Maple St., Summit, 908-273-3330. Kindergarten wrap-around enrichment and afterschool programs for grades 1-5 from Summit public schools and Salt Brook School in New Providence.
· Berkeley Heights YMCA, 550 Springfield Ave., Berkeley Heights, 908-464-8373. Kindergarten wrap-around enrichment, extended care, afterschool for grades 1-5. Transportation from all Berkeley Heights elementary schools, Allen W. Roberts and Gillette School.

Sunrise/Sunset Child Care Program
Morris School District Community School, 973-292-2063. Before and after school supervision for Morris School District children in grades K-5.

The Westfield "Y"
220 Clark St., Westfield, 908-233-2700. Before/after school care for grades K-8; transportation to/from Westfield schools; daily, weekly or drop-in options.

child care services

baby safety

Royal Baby Safety Corp.
908-598-0500, Toll free 800-89-ROYAL. Let us help you babyproof your home. We've been providing the best safety products at competitive prices and helping parents install them in their homes since 1991. Call today for your free (in most cases), comprehensive, in-home, no obligation, safety evaluation. See our ad on page 15.

youth employment

Y.E.S. (Youth Employment Service) Office
Y.E.S., a United Way agency, assists young people ages 14-21 in finding temporary or full-time employment. Youths gain job experience while the free service offers a source of young workers to households and businesses.
· Berkeley Heights 908-508-9345
· New Providence 908-665-0661
· Summit 908-273-2030