The Best Daycare Centers in Clarksville, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Clarksville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Clarksville
Clarksville Head Start Center
Early Education and Care, Inc.
Clarksville Head Start Center provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services for low-income families in the rural Clarksville area. The center follows the Head Start curriculum framework focusing on school readiness, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. All teachers meet Head Start program qualification standards with ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and provides nutritious meals and snacks. What makes this center stand out is its family-centered approach, offering parent education, health screenings, and social services support alongside educational programming.
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Kid's World Learning Center
Independent
Located just 8 miles from Clarksville in Chipley, Kid's World Learning Center offers a comprehensive educational program serving children from 6 weeks to 12 years. The center utilizes the Creative Curriculum with emphasis on hands-on learning, literacy development, and STEM activities. All lead teachers hold early childhood credentials with low student-teacher ratios maintained throughout all age groups. The facility features secure entry systems, multiple playgrounds divided by age, and modern classrooms with developmentally appropriate learning centers. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, experienced staff, and engaging learning environment that prepares children for kindergarten success.
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First United Methodist Church Preschool
First United Methodist Church of Chipley
First United Methodist Church Preschool, located in nearby Chipley just 7 miles from Clarksville, provides a nurturing Christian-based early childhood education program. The center focuses on whole-child development through a play-based learning approach that incorporates literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills. Certified teachers with extensive early childhood experience create individualized learning plans for each child. The program includes Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) with a strong emphasis on kindergarten readiness. The facility offers secure classrooms, an enclosed playground, and regular chapel services. The center is particularly noted for its small class sizes, experienced teaching staff, and strong parent-teacher partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Clarksville, FL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Clarksville, Florida, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Florida, all childcare facilities, including those in Clarksville, must be licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). This includes family daycare homes, large family childcare homes, and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background screenings, and training. To verify a facility's license and view any inspection reports or violations, you can use the DCF's official "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. It's highly recommended to check this database for any Clarksville provider you are considering, as it provides the most current compliance information.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Clarksville, FL?
The cost of childcare in Clarksville and the surrounding rural areas of Florida is generally lower than in major metropolitan areas like Miami or Orlando, but it still represents a significant expense. For full-time care, parents can expect to pay an average of approximately $600 to $850 per month for an infant or toddler at a licensed center. Family daycare homes may be slightly less expensive. Costs can vary based on the program's hours, curriculum, and amenities. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, enrichment activities). Florida also offers financial assistance programs like the School Readiness Program for eligible families, which can be applied for through the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Clarksville, and how far in advance should I start looking?
While Clarksville is a smaller, rural community, quality licensed daycare slots can still be limited, especially for infants, who require lower staff-to-child ratios. It is not uncommon for the most sought-after centers or highly-regarded home providers to have waitlists. To secure a spot, parents should ideally begin their search and make inquiries at least 6 to 9 months before their needed start date, particularly for infant care. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist status, the estimated wait time, and if a deposit is required to hold a future spot.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in a small town like Clarksville, FL?
Given its rural setting, Clarksville parents typically have a few key options. Licensed Family Childcare Homes are very common, offering a home-like setting with a smaller group of children. There may also be smaller, locally-owned Childcare Centers. Due to the area's size, large corporate chain centers are less likely. Another important resource is the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program, which provides free, part-day educational programming for 4-year-olds, often housed within local childcare centers or faith-based organizations. For school-age children, after-school care may be provided through the local school or community programs. Networking with other parents in the community is often the best way to learn about available in-home providers.
What local resources or organizations in Clarksville can help me find and evaluate childcare?
The primary resource for parents in Clarksville is the **Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida (ELCNWFL)**. While not based in Clarksville, this coalition serves the region and is the administrator for Florida's School Readiness and VPK programs. Their website and resource referral specialists can help you search for licensed providers in your specific zip code. Additionally, you can contact the **Florida DCF Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R)** network. For hyper-local insights, consider checking with the **Clarksville Community Center** or local churches, as they may host programs or have bulletin boards with provider information. Always complement these resources with in-person tours and references from other local families.
Nearby Cities
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