The Best Daycare Centers in Atlantic Beach, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Atlantic Beach. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Atlantic Beach
The Goddard School of Atlantic Beach
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Atlantic Beach offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with interactive technology. They emphasize STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and character development while providing nutritious meals and comprehensive safety protocols including secure check-in/out systems.
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Primrose School of Jacksonville Beach
Primrose Schools
Located just minutes from Atlantic Beach, Primrose School of Jacksonville Beach provides the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their curriculum focuses on whole-child development with dedicated programs for literacy, math, science, and social skills. The school features secure facilities with coded entry, outdoor learning environments, and dedicated art and music rooms. All lead teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains excellent health and safety standards with comprehensive security systems and regular safety drills.
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The Learning Experience - Jacksonville Beach
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Jacksonville Beach serves Atlantic Beach families with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates technology, phonics, and foreign language. The center specializes in early childhood development with programs like Music with Mozart®, Manners Matters®, and philanthropy curriculum. Their state-of-the-art facility includes secure entry systems, age-segregated playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms. The center employs certified early childhood educators who participate in continuous training and maintain CPR/first aid certification. They offer flexible scheduling and comprehensive enrichment programs including soccer, yoga, and dance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Atlantic Beach, FL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Atlantic Beach, FL?
In Atlantic Beach and the greater Jacksonville area, daycare costs are influenced by the type of facility and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, full-time infant care (6 weeks to 1 year) typically ranges from **$1,100 to $1,400 per month**. Toddler care (1-3 years) is slightly less, averaging **$950 to $1,250 per month**. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, ranging from **$700 to $1,000 monthly**. These rates are competitive with the Florida average but can be higher than in some inland communities due to Atlantic Beach's coastal location. It's important to ask what is included in tuition (e.g., meals, formula, diapers, enrichment programs) as this can affect the overall value.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Atlantic Beach, and how can I secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-rated daycare centers and preschools in Atlantic Beach can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It's common to encounter waitlists of **6 to 12 months**, and sometimes longer for coveted programs. To improve your chances, we recommend starting your search and making inquiries **during your second trimester of pregnancy**. When touring facilities, ask directly about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to join? Is it a rolling list or by anticipated start date? Get on multiple lists, and maintain communication every few months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to neighboring communities like Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and San Pablo for more options.
What specific Florida state licensing requirements and safety regulations should I verify when choosing a daycare in Atlantic Beach?
All childcare facilities in Atlantic Beach must be licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Key requirements you should verify include: **Staff-to-child ratios** (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for 2-year-olds, 1:11 for 4-year-olds), comprehensive **background screenings** for all employees, and mandated **training** in CPR, First Aid, and child development. Facilities must also have emergency evacuation plans, especially relevant for hurricane preparedness in our coastal community. You can and should review a facility's **DCF licensing history and any inspection reports** online through the DCF website to check for compliance issues or complaints before enrolling your child.
Are there any unique childcare options or programs in Atlantic Beach that take advantage of the coastal environment?
Yes, several Atlantic Beach childcare providers incorporate the local coastal lifestyle into their programs. Look for centers that offer **"nature-based" or outdoor-focused curricula**, which may include regular visits to nearby parks, the beach (for supervised, age-appropriate activities like sand play or nature walks), and lessons on local marine life and conservation. Some preschools participate in community events like the annual **"Keep Atlantic Beach Beautiful"** clean-up. Additionally, due to the climate, many facilities have shaded outdoor play areas designed for year-round use, and swimming lessons are often available as an optional enrichment activity through partnerships with local aquatic centers.
What resources are available for finding and vetting daycare providers specifically in Atlantic Beach, FL?
Parents in Atlantic Beach have several local resources. Start with the **Florida DCF Child Care Facility Search** tool to find licensed providers by zip code (32233, 32266). The **Early Learning Coalition of Duval** (ELC) is a crucial resource; they administer the School Readiness and VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) programs and can provide referrals. For community-based insights, join local parent groups on social media, such as "Atlantic Beach Moms" or "Jacksonville Moms Blog." Finally, don't underestimate the value of **word-of-mouth recommendations** from neighbors at community hubs like the Atlantic Beach Town Center or the Recreation Department, which also offers its own preschool and camp programs.
Nearby Cities
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