Where Every
Child Thrives.
A child who is safe, happy and loved is free to enjoy discovery. We offer nurturing early childhood education for infants through kindergarten.
Our Programs
A Program for Every
Stage of Childhood
From your baby's first months to kindergarten graduation — we celebrate every milestone with individualized attention and genuine care.
Infants
Where it all Begins!
Gentle, attentive care during the most critical developmental window. Our infant caregivers hug, hold, rock, and sing — building the foundation of trust and curiosity.
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Waddlers
The Start to Adventure!
First steps, first words, first discoveries. Our waddler program channels boundless energy into purposeful exploration in a safe, stimulating environment.
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Toddlers
Investigating & Exploring
Hands-on sensory play, language development, and social skills bloom here. Every day is a new investigation into the wonderful world around them.
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Pre-School
Growing & Developing
Structured yet playful learning that nurtures creativity, pre-literacy skills, and emotional intelligence. Children grow as thinkers and as friends.
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Pre-Kindergarten
Learning with Passion
Academic readiness meets joyful discovery. Pre-K students build reading readiness, number sense, and the confidence to tackle challenges head-on.
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Kindergarten
Participation in Learning
Our kindergarten graduates leave ready for elementary school — with strong reading, math, and social foundations built on a love of learning.
Learn MoreWhy Choose Us
A Child Who Feels
Safe is Free to Learn
Our goal is to create a place that engages each child at each stage of life — where safety, love, and education are inseparable.
"A child who is safe, happy and loved is free to enjoy discovery."
— Our Philosophy
Safe & Secure
Licensed and inspected facility with secure entry, background-checked staff, and age-appropriate safety standards throughout.
Loved & Nurtured
Every child is treated as an individual. Our staff-to-child ratios ensure each child receives the personal attention they deserve.
Curious & Learning
Activity-based, hands-on curriculum that meets children where they are and builds a genuine love of discovery.
Community-Rooted
Serving Matawan, Aberdeen, and Holmdel families since 2003. We know our families by name and grow alongside them.
Ready to See It for Yourself?
Schedule a personal tour of our Matawan campus — no obligation.
Our Team
Educators Who
Truly Care
meet the family
Margaret Collins
Director & Lead Educator
M.Ed. Early Childhood
Over 18 years shaping young minds in New Jersey. Margaret founded the academy on the belief that every child deserves a second home.
Diana Okonkwo
Infant & Toddler Specialist
CDA Certified
Diana brings warmth, patience, and evidence-based infant care practices to our youngest learners every single day.
James Ferreira
Pre-K & Kindergarten Lead
B.S. Elementary Education
James makes learning irresistible. His classroom is alive with science experiments, storytelling, and the joy of discovery.
Priya Nair
Preschool Educator
CDA + CPR Certified
Priya specializes in language development and creative arts, helping preschoolers find their voice and express their unique perspective.
Parent Stories
What Families
Are Saying
Don't take our word for it — hear from the Matawan families who trust us every day.
"HomeAway Academy has been a blessing for our family. Our daughter started as an infant and is now thriving in Pre-K. The teachers know her by name and celebrate every milestone with us."
Rebecca Thornton
Parent of Lily, age 4
"As a working parent, I needed somewhere I could trust completely. The staff here is incredible — responsive, caring, and genuinely invested in every child's development."
Marcus Webb
Parent of Noah, age 2
"Our son was shy and nervous his first week. Within a month he was running in every morning. That transformation says everything about the environment they've created."
Sunita Patel
Parent of Arjun, age 3
"The curriculum is thoughtful and age-appropriate. My daughter came home counting and reading sight words before kindergarten — completely exceeded our expectations."
Christine Morales
Parent of Sofia, age 5
"HomeAway transformed our family's mornings. We went from tearful drop-offs to our son running to hug his teacher."
David & Anita Reyes
Parents of Marco, Toddler Program · Matawan, NJ
Admissions
Start Your Child's
Journey With Us
Enrollment is open year-round. Schedule a tour, ask questions, or request information — we'd love to meet your family.
Request Information
We'll get back to you within one business day.
Get in Touch Directly
Call Us
530-321-1570Hours
Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Common Questions
We are open year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, accommodating diverse family schedules.
Start by scheduling a tour, then complete our enrollment application. Our director will guide you through the process and answer all your questions.
Yes. Home Away From Home Academy is fully licensed and regularly inspected by the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency.
We maintain a 6:1 ratio or better across all age groups, ensuring each child receives individualized attention every day.
Find Us
Visit Our Matawan Campus
Home Away From Home Academy
1182 State Route 34
Matawan, NJ 07747