Best After School Programs in New Jersey

One parent highlights the center's flexible scheduling options as a key benefit. The few reviews so far mention this positive aspect without noting any drawbacks.

Happy Day Child Care Center receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, professional staff and quality educational programming. Parents consistently highlight the facility's nutritious home-cooked meals, creative activities, and children's academic and social development. Multiple families report children were eager to attend and felt safe and loved.

Reviewers describe the facility as a welcoming, community-oriented resource with excellent amenities including gyms and pools. One parent notes that while the staff and programs are positive, helpfulness varies among employees and availability for after-care spots is limited.

Parents consistently praise East Hanover Afterschool Childcare for its caring, experienced staff and family-owned atmosphere. Children reportedly come home happy and well-prepared for school, with staff showing genuine passion for child development and education. The facility maintains low teacher turnover and strong curriculum standards that impress local schools.

Work Family Connection's before and after school program at Spruce Run School in Clinton, NJ receives consistently positive feedback from parents. All reviews rate the program 5/5 stars, with parents praising the caring and professional staff, engaging activities, homework assistance, and safe environment. Parents report their children enjoy attending and feel comfortable in the program's care.

Work Family Connection's Quakertown before and after school program receives consistently high praise from parents. Parents highlight the caring and professional staff, engaging activities, homework assistance, and safe environment. Children reportedly enjoy attending and parents feel confident in the program's care.

Parents consistently praise Work Family Connection's before and after school program for its caring, professional staff and engaging activities. Children reportedly enjoy attending, complete homework with staff support, and feel safe and included. The program is described as a reliable solution for working parents.

Parents consistently praise Bloomingdale Day Care for its caring staff, strong teacher-student relationships, and supportive learning environment. The facility is noted for excellent daily communication with parents through updates and photos, secure facilities, and a curriculum focused on child development and kindergarten readiness. One reviewer mentioned that while their experience was positive, there is always room for improvement.

Sowing Seed School receives consistently high praise from parents who emphasize the caring, nurturing environment and strong teacher-child relationships. Parents highlight significant developmental progress, diverse learning activities, and a family-like community atmosphere that extends support to both children and parents.

UVSO Lincoln After School Program receives mixed reviews. Most parents praise the teaching staff as wonderful, friendly, and effective, with children showing academic progress and enthusiasm. However, some parents report serious concerns including health clearance policy disputes, unprofessional staff behavior, and traffic/safety issues during pickup and drop-off.

UNITY After School Program in Prospect Park is praised by most parents as a welcoming and caring environment. The facility offers ESL classes for parents while children are supervised, creating a community atmosphere where families feel comfortable and supported. One parent noted limited help with emotional support, while another gave a neutral assessment.

The Children's Home Society of NJ receives predominantly positive reviews praising their adoption and family services. Parents highlight the compassionate, patient, and expert guidance provided by staff members throughout the adoption process and family support services. One negative review provides no specific details.

UVSO After School Program in Newark receives mixed reviews with an overall 4.5/5 rating. Most parents praise the caring, friendly staff and children's academic progress and excitement about attending. However, some parents report significant issues with unprofessional staff behavior, administrative inflexibility on health requirements, and parking/safety concerns during drop-off and pick-up.

The Children's Home Society of NJ appears to be primarily an adoption and family services agency rather than a traditional afterschool program. Parents consistently praise the organization's compassionate staff, particularly Valerie and Dana, for their expert guidance and support through the adoption process. One parent expressed dissatisfaction, though no specific details were provided.

East Orange YMCA-Bowser After School Program receives consistently positive feedback from parents, with particular praise for swimming instruction, staff professionalism, and safe environment. Parents highlight quality programming including summer camps, basketball, and therapeutic activities. Multiple reviewers commend specific staff members for their patience and expertise.

Parents consistently praise the East Orange YMCA After School Enrichment Program for its excellent staff, professional instructors, and quality programming in swimming, basketball, and summer camps. Reviewers highlight the welcoming atmosphere, safe environment, and individual attention given to children of all abilities. One parent noted the facility could benefit from upgrades for better accommodation.

Feedback for this program is mixed, with some parents praising the staff's care and their children's enjoyment, while others describe the environment as toxic and the leadership as unprofessional. Specific complaints include allegations of bullying, verbal abuse, and retaliation against families, alongside reports of rude and money-driven management.

Feedback for this center is divided between parents who appreciate the staff's care and the enjoyable summer camp experience, and others who report severe issues including toxic environments, staff misconduct, and unprofessional leadership. While some families highly recommend the program, specific complaints highlight verbal abuse, bullying encouragement, and financial prioritization over child welfare.

Some parents describe the program as caring and highly recommended, noting that staff create memorable experiences for children. Conversely, other reviews allege a toxic environment characterized by unprofessional conduct, including the use of coarse language, bullying encouragement, and retaliation against complaining families, with one parent citing a rude and money-driven director.

Feedback for Roxbury Day Care Center presents sharply contrasting experiences, with some parents praising the staff's care and the enjoyment of summer camp programs. Conversely, other reviewers describe a toxic environment characterized by unprofessional leadership, abusive staff behavior, and a lack of genuine concern for children's well-being.

A small number of parents highlight the program's enjoyable summer camp experience and staff dedication to children's well-being. Conversely, other reviewers report severe concerns regarding a toxic environment, including staff misconduct, verbal abuse, and unprofessional management.

Parents consistently praise Ironbound After-School Program as an exceptional community organization in Newark. Staff are described as helpful, kind, and pleasant, with the facility noted as clean. The program is commended for providing excellent multilingual services (English, Spanish, Portuguese) and comprehensive support to families and children.

A few parents describe the program positively, noting friendly staff and inclusive treatment of children, while one reviewer feels the teaching quality needs improvement. Another former attendee offered only a brief, non-evaluative comment about their past experience.

The Connection receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its after-school program, gymnastics classes, and diverse offerings including swimming, dance, yoga, and ESL instruction. Parents praise the warm, friendly staff, clean facilities, and strong sense of community. One parent expressed frustration with the inflexible makeup class policy despite the program's high cost.

Parents describe the program as offering excellent, patient, and knowledgeable mentors who set a high tone for early learning. Reviewers highlight loving teachers and a well-structured curriculum that successfully fosters a love for school and maximizes instruction time.

One parent rates the Lawrence, NJ center highly, describing the staff as great and very professional. The feedback highlights a strong positive experience with the childcare provided.