The Best Daycare Centers in Florence, AZ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Florence. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Florence
The Learning Experience - Queen Creek
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in nearby Queen Creek serves Florence families with a comprehensive early childhood education program featuring their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum. The center emphasizes both academic and social development through structured learning activities, character development programs, and enrichment classes including yoga, manners, and foreign language. Features include secure entry systems, certified early childhood educators, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritionally balanced meals. Their "Phonics & Literacy" program helps children develop strong reading foundations, while regular parent communication through mobile apps keeps families informed about daily activities and developmental progress.
Daycare Services:
Sunrise Preschools - San Tan Valley
Sunrise Preschools
Sunrise Preschools in San Tan Valley provides high-quality childcare serving the Florence area with a research-based curriculum that focuses on school readiness. The center features low student-teacher ratios, state-certified educators, and comprehensive safety protocols including secured entry systems and regular safety drills. Their program includes STEAM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning components. The facility offers modern classrooms, age-appropriate outdoor play areas, and nutritional meal programs. Parents appreciate the consistent communication and detailed progress reports that track developmental milestones across cognitive, physical, and social domains.
Daycare Services:
Little Sunshine's Playhouse and Preschool - Queen Creek
Little Sunshine's Playhouse
Little Sunshine's Playhouse in Queen Creek serves Florence families with a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach that emphasizes child-directed learning and creative expression. The center features beautiful, nature-inspired environments with ample natural light, living plants, and custom-designed learning spaces. Their proprietary Creatively Shine™ curriculum integrates literacy, mathematics, science, and arts while promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The facility includes secure access systems, webcam monitoring for parents, USDA-approved meal programs, and highly qualified teachers with ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes holistic development through music, movement, and hands-on exploration in thoughtfully designed learning studios.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Florence, AZ
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Florence, AZ, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Florence, Arizona, all childcare facilities caring for four or more children unrelated to the provider must be licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Office of Child Care Licensure. This includes family childcare homes, group homes, and childcare centers. Licensing ensures facilities meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the "Child Care Facility Search" tool on the ADHS website. It's highly recommended to choose a licensed provider for the added layer of oversight and protection.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Florence, AZ?
The cost of daycare in Florence is generally more affordable than in larger metropolitan areas like Phoenix or Tucson, but it varies by type of care. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay an average of $700 to $900 per month for full-time infant or toddler care. Licensed family childcare homes may range from $600 to $800 monthly. Factors influencing cost include the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, enrichment activities). For financial assistance, Arizona offers the Department of Economic Security (DES) Child Care Assistance program for qualifying families.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Florence, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Florence's smaller size and limited number of dedicated childcare centers compared to larger cities, popular and highly-rated facilities often have waitlists, especially for infant care. It is strongly advised to begin your search and make inquiries at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date. For infants, starting your search during pregnancy is common. When contacting centers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often they update parents on position, and estimated timelines. Exploring licensed family childcare homes can also provide more immediate availability and a smaller setting.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Florence, AZ?
Parents in Florence typically have three main licensed options: Childcare Centers, Family Childcare Homes, and Group Homes. Centers are formal facilities, often with structured preschool curricula and multiple classrooms. Family Childcare Homes operate out of a provider's residence, offering a home-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be great for siblings. Group Homes are similar but care for more children. Given Florence's community-oriented feel, family homes are a prevalent and valued option. There are also faith-based programs and part-time preschools. For school-age children, the Florence Unified School District and local organizations may offer before/after-school programs.
How does the desert climate and rural setting of Florence, AZ, impact daycare facilities and their policies?
Daycares in Florence must have specific policies to address the local environment. For the extreme heat, which is prevalent for much of the year, facilities should have strict outdoor play schedules—typically in the very early morning or late afternoon—and ensure ample shade and hydration. During monsoon season (roughly June-September), policies for high winds, dust storms, and lightning are crucial. Parents should ask about air conditioning, sun protection protocols, and emergency plans for weather-related events. Furthermore, given the more rural setting, some facilities may incorporate nature-based learning but also need clear safety protocols regarding local wildlife (e.g., insects, reptiles). Transportation policies for field trips will also account for longer travel distances to attractions.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Florence: