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Okay, I've posted this twice already and I'm being a pain, but between my two other posts I averaged about 90 peeks at the thread, yet NO ONE has any info to offer?!?!?! We're in Jersey, I find it odd that nobody has anything to say! So please, please, pleeeease, if there's anyone out there with info on good daycares in the Randolph area (Randolph, Denville, Rockaway, Morris Plains, even down to Parsippany)...please give me some info!!
My daughter is in day care at Kiddie Academy in Rockaway. She seems to really like it. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. I know that The Montasurri ( Not spelled correctly or even close) is in Randolph. I have heard great things just know that it is expensive as well. There is also a new day care opening no 46 in Denville right next to the Wendy's this fall forgot the name though.
Hey pixie, i'm not familiar with that area so I can't offer you any suggestions but just wanted to let you know that I feel your pain. It is next to impossible to get information on potential daycares! There's so much out there on schools but nothing on where we send our littlest and most defenseless children. Good luck in your search!
the best advise I could give you is to call around and make appointments to go see the school (without your kid), maybe even drop by unanounced (tho many do not allow/like this) Stick around for an hour or so peeking into the classroom/area/different areas. Get a good feel for how they treat the kids and how the kids treat each other (tell tale sign) Baically, you need somewhere safe that will protect your child until you can pick them up. Then, its just a matter of what you get on top of that for the money. Ive been to schools that charge $400/week. Ive been to some that charge $100/week. The BIGGEST differences are always the facility, amenities, number of caregivers/teachers and types of "lesson plan". All 20 or so were clean and safe, with a focus on the kids and their welfare.
Good luck, hope you find someplace you and your child will love.
I know there is one right off I-80 at Green Pond Rd in rockaway called Little Learner Academy or similar. I know the family that runs that from years ago. Its in a new building there.
I'm also not familiar with the area but do to some unusual circumstances I can provide this information about some of the chain centers:
Kindercare - expensive but an excellent program.
Goddard - Also excellent and they weren't as expensive as I expected. I probably liked them best.
YMCA - Offers a good program and is most affordable compared to the above.
Now, that said, make appointments and visit, try to do this toward the end of the day so you can hijack some parents in the parking lot on the way out. Ask them what they think. You'd be surprised that even though they send their kids, they may have some info. For example, I love where my daughter goes but I was very disappointed with the 2 year old room and I have told prospective parents this. Then as others recommended, try to stop by again unannounced but just keep in mind when nap time is.
Please remember that the chains can be different from one another as night and day. Also, Goddard schools are franchised so one may be great and the one in the next town is awful.
Cheers,
Shannon
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