The Best Daycare Centers in Barberville, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Barberville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Barberville
Barberville Preschool & Learning Center
Independent
Barberville Preschool & Learning Center is a highly-regarded local facility serving the rural Barberville community with comprehensive early childhood education. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEAM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low teacher-to-child ratios, with lead teachers holding CDA credentials and ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms and a large natural outdoor play area that emphasizes nature exploration. What sets this center apart is their strong community focus, farm-to-table snack program using local produce, and flexible scheduling options tailored to rural families' needs.
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The Learning Tree Academy - DeLand
The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy in nearby DeLand serves families throughout Volusia County, including Barberville residents. This center offers a comprehensive educational program featuring the Creative Curriculum system with integrated technology and hands-on learning experiences. Their state-approved Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program emphasizes kindergarten readiness with literacy-focused instruction. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, secure entry systems, and modern classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards. Staff qualifications include bachelor's degrees in early childhood education for lead teachers and ongoing CPR/first aid certification. The center is distinguished by their parent communication app with daily updates and photos, plus enrichment programs including music, Spanish, and yoga.
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Discovery Point Child Development Center - DeLand
Discovery Point Child Development Centers
Discovery Point in DeLand is a well-established childcare provider serving the greater Barberville area with nationally-recognized early childhood programs. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones through structured learning centers and project-based activities. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and USDA-approved meal programs. Qualified teachers implement age-appropriate literacy and math readiness activities, with specialized infant care programs that include individualized feeding and sleeping schedules. The center stands out for their extensive outdoor learning environment with nature exploration areas, plus their comprehensive transportation services for school-age children attending local elementary schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Barberville, FL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Barberville, Florida, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Barberville, Florida, all childcare facilities, including family daycare homes and centers, must be licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Licensing ensures they meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and staff training. To verify a facility's status, you can use the DCF's "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. Simply enter the provider's name or location. It's crucial to check for any recent violations or complaints. Given Barberville's more rural setting in Volusia County, some licensed family homes may be popular options, so always confirm their license is current and in good standing.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Barberville, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Barberville area, full-time daycare costs can vary. For an infant, you might expect an average of $150 to $200 per week at a licensed center, while family daycare homes may range from $120 to $170 weekly. For toddlers, costs are typically slightly lower. These rates are generally below the state average for urban areas but are a significant consideration for local families. For financial assistance, Florida's School Readiness Program is the primary resource, administered locally by the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia Counties. Eligibility is based on family income, work, or school attendance. You can apply through their website or office in Daytona Beach, which serves Volusia County residents.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care in Barberville to accommodate non-traditional work schedules?
Due to Barberville's smaller, rural community size, finding daycare with extended hours (e.g., past 6 PM) or weekend care can be challenging. Most licensed family homes and centers operate on a standard weekday schedule. Your best bet is to inquire directly with providers in nearby towns like DeLand or Pierson, which may have more flexible options. Some in-home providers in the area might offer personalized arrangements for shift workers, but these are not common. It's advisable to plan ahead, be clear about your schedule needs during tours, and potentially join local parent groups on social media to ask for specific recommendations.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Barberville area, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists in the Barberville and surrounding Volusia County area can vary significantly. For highly sought-after centers or popular in-home providers, waitlists of 3 to 6 months, especially for infant spots, are not uncommon. Given the limited number of facilities in the immediate Barberville area, many parents expand their search to DeLand or other neighboring communities, where competition can be higher. It is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 months before your needed start date, and even earlier if you require care for an infant under 12 months old. Contacting providers directly to ask about their current list length is the most reliable approach.
What unique factors should I consider when choosing a daycare in a rural area like Barberville, such as transportation or emergency preparedness?
Choosing daycare in rural Barberville involves considering factors like transportation and emergency protocols. Many providers do not offer transportation, so you'll need to assess your commute to facilities that may be several miles away. Importantly, inquire about their emergency plans for events like hurricanes, wildfires (given the surrounding wooded areas), or power outages. Ask if they have generators, evacuation plans, and how they communicate during such events. Also, consider the setting; some homes or centers may have more outdoor/nature-based play areas, which is a benefit, but ensure the property is securely fenced and safe from rural hazards like nearby ponds or unfarmed land.