The Best Daycare Centers in Debary, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Debary. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Debary
Primrose School of Debary
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Debary offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their exclusive curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, social studies, and character development. Features include secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through an app, and comprehensive early learning programs from infants through school-age children.
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The Learning Experience - Deltona
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in nearby Deltona serves the Debary community with their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that incorporates phonics, foreign language, and philanthropy. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and surveillance cameras. Highly trained teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes indoor and outdoor play areas, dedicated learning centers, and offers enrichment programs like soccer, dance, and yoga. Parents receive daily updates and photos through the center's mobile app.
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Creative World School - Orange City
Creative World Schools
Creative World School in Orange City provides innovative early childhood education with their Curiosity Approach curriculum that emphasizes STEM learning and creative exploration. The center features secure facilities with biometric entry systems, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and extensive outdoor learning environments. Certified teachers implement project-based learning and maintain detailed developmental portfolios for each child. The school offers organic meal options, extended hours, and comprehensive safety protocols including regular drills and staff training in pediatric first aid/CPR.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Debary, FL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Debary, Florida?
In Debary, the cost of full-time childcare varies significantly by age and program type. For infants (under 1 year), you can expect to pay between $180 to $250 per week at a licensed daycare center. For toddlers (1-3 years), weekly rates typically range from $160 to $220. In-home family daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, often between $140 and $190 per week. These costs are generally in line with the Volusia County average. It's important to note that many facilities in Debary charge higher rates for infants due to the required lower staff-to-child ratios mandated by Florida law. Always ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a childcare facility in Debary?
All legally operating childcare facilities in Debary must be licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and history is to use the DCF's "Child Care Facility Search" tool available on their official website. You can search by facility name, city (Debary), or zip code. This public report will show the facility's license status (active, expired, etc.), capacity, any serious violations from recent inspections, and the date of their last visit. We recommend reviewing this for any provider you are seriously considering. You can also call the local DCF Child Care Information line for the Central Florida region for assistance.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Debary, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler rooms at highly-regarded daycare centers in Debary, especially for infants due to strict capacity limits. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before your desired start date. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year for infant spots. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), waitlists tend to be shorter, but starting your search 3-6 months in advance is still prudent. When touring facilities, always ask for their specific waitlist policy, including any non-refundable deposit required to hold a spot.
What are some of the key local factors or amenities that Debary childcare centers might offer?
Childcare providers in Debary often leverage the local environment and community resources. Many centers feature large, shaded outdoor play areas to accommodate Florida's sunny climate, with water play activities popular in the warmer months. Given Debary's proximity to the St. Johns River and several parks, some programs may incorporate nature-based learning. Additionally, with many families working in nearby Deltona, Sanford, or commuting to Orlando, you'll find centers offering extended hours (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM) to accommodate longer commutes. It's also common for centers to participate in Florida's Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program, a free benefit for all 4-year-olds, which is a significant local consideration.
What emergency preparedness standards should I expect from a Debary daycare, particularly for hurricanes?
Florida law requires all licensed childcare facilities to have a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan. In Debary, this is critically important for hurricanes and severe storms. A reputable center should readily provide details of their plan, which must include evacuation routes, designated shelter locations (often on-site for storms, or to a predetermined safe building for mandatory evacuations), and procedures for reuniting children with parents. They should have supplies like water, non-perishable food, generators, and first-aid kits to sustain operations for at least 72 hours. Always ask how they communicate during emergencies—expect a robust system using text alerts, phone calls, and/or a private social media group. Confirm they conduct regular drills with the children.