The Best Daycare Centers in Apollo Beach, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Apollo Beach. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Apollo Beach
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Riverview serves Apollo Beach families with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms with STEAM learning centers. The curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and character development, with optional enrichment programs in yoga, music, and foreign languages. Parents appreciate the daily communication through the proprietary mobile app and the nutritious meal program.
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Sunshine Academy Early Learning Center
Sunshine Academy
Sunshine Academy serves Apollo Beach and surrounding communities with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes whole-child development. Their Frog Street curriculum for infants through Pre-K focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional skills. The center features secure keypad entry, CCTV monitoring, and certified staff with ongoing professional development. Classrooms are organized into learning centers that encourage exploration and independent thinking. The facility includes shaded outdoor play areas, a dedicated music room, and computer labs for school-age children. Parents consistently praise the experienced teaching staff and the center's commitment to creating a nurturing, educational environment.
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Primrose School of Riverview
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Riverview provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their exclusive curriculum includes character development, literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The school serves Apollo Beach families with secure facilities featuring coded entry systems, regular safety drills, and health screening protocols. Classrooms are equipped with modern learning materials and technology, while outdoor spaces include age-appropriate playgrounds and nature exploration areas. The school emphasizes parent partnership through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, and family events. Their Balanced Menus® provide nutritious meals and snacks, accommodating various dietary needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Apollo Beach, FL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Apollo Beach, FL?
In Apollo Beach, the cost of full-time childcare varies significantly based on the child's age, the type of facility, and the programs offered. For an infant (under 1 year), you can expect to pay between $1,100 to $1,400 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $900 to $1,200 per month. Home-based family childcare is often slightly less expensive, ranging from $750 to $1,000 monthly. These rates are generally in line with the Tampa Bay area average. It's important to ask what is included in tuition, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials, as this can affect the overall value.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Apollo Beach, and how can I secure a spot?
Yes, due to high demand and limited center-based options in Apollo Beach, waitlists are common, especially for infant rooms and highly-rated preschools. It is not unusual for popular centers to have a 6 to 12-month waitlist. To secure a spot, parents are advised to begin their search and get on multiple lists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before their needed start date. When contacting a center, ask about their specific waitlist policy, any associated fees (which are typically non-refundable and range from $50-$150), and how often you should check in to maintain your position. Also, consider exploring licensed family daycare homes in the community, which may have more immediate availability.
What Florida state licensing requirements should I verify when choosing a daycare in Apollo Beach?
Every childcare provider in Florida must be licensed or registered with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Key requirements you can verify include: proper staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for 2-year-olds, 1:11 for 4-year-olds), background screenings for all employees, annual training in topics like CPR/First Aid and safe sleep practices for infants, and compliance with health and safety standards for the facility. You can view a provider's licensing history, including any violations, through the DCF's public website. Always visit a center in person and ask to see their current license. In Apollo Beach, many providers also voluntarily pursue national accreditations (like NAEYC or APPLE), which indicate higher quality standards.
What are some unique childcare options or programs available in the Apollo Beach area?
Apollo Beach offers several unique programs that leverage its coastal community setting. Some centers incorporate nature-based learning, with outdoor classrooms and activities that teach about the local marine environment. Given the proximity to the Tampa Bay Electric Manatee Viewing Center, some preschools may have thematic units on local wildlife. Additionally, several providers offer "school readiness" VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) programs, which are free for all 4-year-olds in Florida and are crucial for kindergarten preparation. For school-age children, many local centers and the Apollo Beach Recreation Center provide before-and-after-school care with transportation to and from local elementary schools like Apollo Beach Elementary.
How does the hurricane season in Florida impact daycare operations and preparedness in Apollo Beach?
Hurricane preparedness is a critical part of childcare operations in Apollo Beach. Licensed centers are required by the state to have a detailed disaster plan that includes evacuation routes, communication protocols, and supply kits. Parents should ask a prospective daycare about their specific policies for closures, early dismissals, and post-storm reopening. Typically, centers will close if Hillsborough County Public Schools close or if a mandatory evacuation is ordered for the area. It's essential for parents to understand the provider's notification system (e.g., text alerts, app notifications) and to ensure their own emergency contact information is always up-to-date. Some centers may also provide guidance on preparing a "go-bag" for your child.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Apollo Beach: