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Licensed Daycare in Clifton, New Jersey

24 licensed daycares in Clifton, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official New Jersey licensing records.

24
Licensed Centers
3
Infant Care
$1,530/mo
New Jersey avg infant
1:4
State infant ratio

Clifton listings updated May 2026 from official New Jersey records.

Daycare in Clifton: what parents should know

Our directory lists 24 licensed childcare providers in Clifton, New Jersey. 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 centers in Clifton report infant care (roughly 13% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early), and 3 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5. 3 are Head Start programs, free for income-eligible families.

Licensed care in Clifton spans 4+ 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, Clifton providers are approved for approximately 1,523 child slots — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.

Clifton childcare by the numbers

24
Licensed providers
1,523
Licensed child seats
3
Family child care homes
4+
ZIP codes covered

Childcare costs in Clifton

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 Clifton 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 overview

Quick 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

Largest licensed centers in Clifton

By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.

Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Clifton, New Jersey?
Our directory lists 24 licensed childcare centers in Clifton, New Jersey, sourced from NJ Department of Children and Families — Office of Licensing. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.
What's the average daycare cost in Clifton?
Statewide averages in New Jersey run roughly $1530/month for infants and $1100/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Clifton daycares?
All licensed New Jersey centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Clifton typically operate below these ceilings.
Are subsidies available for daycare in Clifton?
New Jersey families can apply for NJ Child Care Subsidy Program (DFD) (intake: (800) 332-9227). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.
How do I verify a Clifton daycare's license?
Look up the provider directly in the official NJ Department of Children and Families — Office of Licensing search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.

Where to get childcare help in Clifton

Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.

Local CCR&R agency

Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.

1-800-424-2246 · Find yours
Dial 2-1-1

United Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.

Call 211 · 211.org
Head Start (free)

Free early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.

Find a program
State subsidy

NJ Child Care Subsidy Program (DFD) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.

(800) 332-9227 · How to apply
Quality ratings

Check NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.

Find quality care
Verify a license

Confirm any provider's current license & inspection record with NJ Department of Children and Families — Office of Licensing.

Official license search

How this data is sourced. Listings for Clifton, 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 · May 2026 · methodology

Search 24 Licensed Centers in Clifton

Free, no signup, verified directly with NJ Department of Children and Families — Office of Licensing.

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