Licensed Daycare in Essex Fells, New Jersey
6 licensed daycares in Essex Fells, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official New Jersey licensing records.
Essex Fells listings updated August 2026 from official New Jersey records.
Daycare in Essex Fells: what parents should know
Families in Essex Fells can choose from 6 licensed childcare providers, with Family Daycare the most common type (about 50% 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.
About 50% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
In total, Essex Fells providers are approved for approximately 392 child slots — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Essex Fells childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Essex Fells
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 Essex Fells 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
- 65 kids
What will daycare actually cost you in Essex Fells?
Estimate your monthly cost by age and program type, then see which subsidies and tax credits you may qualify for.
ZIP codes covered
Program types in Essex Fells
What to pack for the first day
Contains affiliate links
Dishwasher-safe ones survive daily bottle washing; paper labels peel within a week.
See this one on Amazon →
Ask the center first — many supply cots but require your own fitted sheet.
See this one on Amazon →
Two full changes per day for potty-training age, one for older kids.
Browse options on Amazon →
Most centers ask for one clearly named bottle a child can open alone.
Browse options on Amazon →
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 Essex Fells
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
No openings near Essex Fells? 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 Essex Fells? 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 Essex Fells licensed centers
Page 1 of 1Open a listing for the full state-registry record — capacity, age range, contact info, and license issue date.
Quick answers about subsidies, costs, and how to vet a provider in this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Essex Fells, New Jersey?
What's the average daycare cost in Essex Fells?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Essex Fells daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Essex Fells?
How do I verify a Essex Fells daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Essex Fells
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 Essex Fells
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Essex Fells, 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 6 Licensed Centers in Essex Fells
Free, no signup, verified directly with NJ Department of Children and Families — Office of Licensing.