Licensed Daycare in Elizabeth, New Jersey
24 licensed daycares in Elizabeth, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official New Jersey licensing records.
Elizabeth listings updated August 2026 from official New Jersey records.
Daycare in Elizabeth: what parents should know
Families in Elizabeth can choose from 24 licensed childcare providers, with Child Care Center the most common type (about 25% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current New Jersey license at indexing time, sourced from NJ Department of Children and Families — Office of Licensing.
For age coverage, 3 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5. 6 are Head Start programs, free for income-eligible families.
Licensed care in Elizabeth spans 3+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 13% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
In total, Elizabeth providers are approved for approximately 1,526 child slots — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Elizabeth childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Elizabeth
ChildCare Aware reports the New Jersey average full-time cost at $1,530/month for infant care and $1,100/month for preschool. City-level prices in Elizabeth vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.
The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. New Jersey families may also qualify for NJ Child Care Subsidy Program (DFD) (intake: (800) 332-9227).
Full New Jersey licensing & cost overviewQuick facts
- State regulator
- NJ Department of Children and Families — Office of Licensing
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:6
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg capacity
- 63 kids
What will daycare actually cost you in Elizabeth?
Estimate your monthly cost by age and program type, then see which subsidies and tax credits you may qualify for.
What to pack for the first day
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Dishwasher-safe ones survive daily bottle washing; paper labels peel within a week.
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Ask the center first — many supply cots but require your own fitted sheet.
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Two full changes per day for potty-training age, one for older kids.
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Most centers ask for one clearly named bottle a child can open alone.
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Needed if the center does not provide meals; look for one that fits an ice pack.
Browse options on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are the same for you. Full list by age in our daycare supply checklist.
Largest licensed centers in Elizabeth
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
No openings near Elizabeth? Widen the search
Waitlists are normal in high-demand areas. Centers one ZIP code over often have space, and part-time or in-home options may open sooner — start by checking nearby ZIP codes.
Found a center in Elizabeth? Here is what to pack
Bottles, name labels, nap bedding and spare clothes — our checklist by age covers what centers ask you to bring, and what they ask you not to send.
All Elizabeth licensed centers
Page 2 of 2Pick a provider above to see the full profile, including current license status, age range served, and phone number.
Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Elizabeth, New Jersey?
What's the average daycare cost in Elizabeth?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Elizabeth daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Elizabeth?
How do I verify a Elizabeth daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Elizabeth
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programNJ Child Care Subsidy Program (DFD) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(800) 332-9227 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with NJ Department of Children and Families — Office of Licensing.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Elizabeth
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Elizabeth, New Jersey are compiled from official NJ Department of Children and Families — Office of Licensing licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · August 2026 · methodology
Search 24 Licensed Centers in Elizabeth
Free, no signup, verified directly with NJ Department of Children and Families — Office of Licensing.