Childcare

We chose to send Evan to daycare starting from his first birthday for three days a week. He was walking, full of energy, and ready to conquer daycare.

Note on Admissions: Age requirements vary significantly by school. Some centers take infants (6 weeks, while others require children to be 1+ or 18+ months). Additionally, several schools listed below offer programs through kindergarten. Always verify current age minimums and grade availability with the school.

There were a few considerations for us:

Cost ~$1,000 – ~$1500 per month
Korean language – we wanted him to learn Korean to be able to converse with his grandparents
Socialization – we think he had enough of us 🙂 The socialization also comes with constant sickness in the beginning. Evan was “sick” for 3 months straight with a runny nose, slight cough, and random fevers.

Here are a few daycare options I’m aware of:

Bilingual/Korean-Speaking Programs

N.E.W. Christian Academy / NEWCA (Palisades Park) — Christian
Rainbow School (Ridgefield) — Christian; not affiliated with the Catholic Church
Bright Learning Center (영재 팰팍 유치원 – Palisades Park) — Christian
Kiddie College (Palisades Park) — Affiliated with Somahng Church
Truelight Academy (Paramus) — Affiliated with Pilgrim Church
Grace Treehouse (Teaneck) — Affiliated with Grace Community Chapel

English-Speaking & Montessori Programs

The Goddard School (Edgewater, Paramus, and Fort Lee)
The Learning Experience (Edgewater & various Bergen County locations)
Bright Horizons (Various locations)
Spring Montessori School (Tenafly)
Apple Montessori Schools (Cliffside Park, Edgewater, Guttenberg)

Nannies & In-Home Care

Care.com: Website for background-checked nannies and sitters.
Sittercity: Website for local childcare.
Facebook Groups: “Bergen County Nanny & Sitter Connection”