The Best Daycare Centers in Boca Raton, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Boca Raton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Boca Raton
The Learning Experience - Boca Raton
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Boca Raton offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that focuses on both academic and social development. The center features state-of-the-art facilities with secure entry systems, CCTV monitoring, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Highly qualified teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and receive ongoing professional development. The program includes enrichment activities like music, dance, and philanthropy lessons. Parents praise the center's communication through daily reports and the staff's dedication to creating a nurturing, educational environment.
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The Goddard School of Boca Raton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
While located in nearby Coral Springs, The Goddard School serves families throughout the Boca Raton area with its F.L.EX.® Learning Program that balances academic learning with creative play. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and modern classrooms designed for optimal learning. Certified teachers implement play-based learning approaches that focus on literacy, STEM, and social-emotional development. The center offers extended hours and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently highlight the school's excellent communication, experienced staff, and well-rounded curriculum that prepares children for elementary school.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Boca Raton
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Boca Raton provides premium early education with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes emergent learning and project-based activities. The center features secure facilities with strict access controls, emergency preparedness protocols, and hygienic environments. Highly qualified educators with degrees in early childhood education create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed developmental portfolios. The World at Their Fingertips curriculum incorporates literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. Parents appreciate the center's strong emphasis on safety, experienced leadership team, and the comprehensive approach to child development that includes character education and community awareness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Boca Raton, FL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Boca Raton, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Boca Raton, full-time daycare or preschool costs can vary significantly based on the type of center, age of the child, and included amenities. On average, parents can expect to pay between $1,200 to $2,200 per month for an infant or toddler at a licensed center. Premium preschools or those with specialized curricula (like Montessori or language immersion) may charge upwards of $1,800 to $2,500 monthly. For financial assistance, Florida’s School Readiness Program, administered locally by the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, offers income-based subsidies. Additionally, some centers offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's advisable to contact the Early Learning Coalition directly and inquire with individual centers about any private scholarships or payment plans they might offer.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Boca Raton, and when should I start my search?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Boca Raton can be extensive, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. For popular programs affiliated with synagogues, community centers, or top-rated private schools, it's not uncommon for parents to put their child on a waitlist before they are even born. To secure a spot, it is strongly recommended to begin your search and tours during your first or early second trimester of pregnancy. When touring, ask specifically about the current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often they update waitlist status.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family daycare home in Boca Raton, and how do I verify their licensing?
Both are regulated by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), but they operate differently. A licensed **childcare center** is a facility in a commercial or institutional building, often caring for larger groups of children with multiple staff and structured classrooms. A licensed **family daycare home** operates out of the provider's residence, caring for a smaller, mixed-age group (up to 10 children, including the provider's own) in a more home-like setting. To verify licensing for any provider in Boca Raton, you can use the DCF's "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. This portal shows the facility's license status, capacity, any regulatory actions or violations, and inspection reports. Always cross-reference this official information with in-person tours and references.
Are there daycare or preschool options in Boca Raton that offer extended hours to accommodate common work schedules in the area?
Yes, recognizing the demands of Boca Raton's professional community, many childcare centers offer extended hours beyond the typical 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM window. Several centers, particularly larger chains or those located near major employment hubs like the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC) or Florida Atlantic University, may open as early as 6:30 AM and close as late as 6:30 or 7:00 PM. Some also offer "date night" services on weekends for an additional fee. When researching, be sure to ask specifically about their earliest drop-off and latest pick-up times, any associated late fees, and whether they offer backup or occasional extended care for parents with fluctuating schedules.
What special considerations should I look for in a Boca Raton daycare regarding hurricane preparedness and seasonal weather?
Given Florida's climate, this is a critical safety question. A reputable Boca Raton daycare should have a detailed, written emergency preparedness plan that specifically addresses hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, and extreme heat. Key things to ask about include: their protocol for early closure and parent notification during storm warnings, the location and supplies of their designated shelter area (which should be a hardened, windowless space), backup power for critical systems, and plans for post-storm reopening. Additionally, inquire about their outdoor play policy during high heat—they should have shaded areas, ensure hydration, and limit strenuous activity during peak heat hours. The center's plan should be compliant with guidelines from the Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management.
Nearby Cities
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