The Best Daycare Centers in Deland, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Deland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Deland
The Sunshine House of DeLand
The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy
The Sunshine House of DeLand is a highly-regarded early learning center offering comprehensive educational programs for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Their research-based curriculum focuses on school readiness through age-appropriate activities in literacy, math, science, and social development. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry, certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, and regular parent communication through digital updates. Their program includes nutritious meals, outdoor play areas, and specialized learning centers that promote cognitive, social, and physical development. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and has established strong relationships with local elementary schools for smooth transitions.
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Creative World School - Orange City
Creative World School
Creative World School in nearby Orange City serves the DeLand area with their innovative inquiry-based curriculum that encourages children's natural curiosity. The center features state-of-the-art facilities including STEM labs, interactive smart boards, and extensive outdoor learning environments. Their certified teachers implement a research-backed approach that blends play-based learning with academic preparation. The school offers comprehensive safety protocols including secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and health screening procedures. Their program includes enrichment activities in music, movement, and Spanish, along with a strong focus on literacy development and social-emotional learning.
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The Learning Experience - Deltona
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Deltona serves families throughout Volusia County including DeLand with their nationally recognized early education program. Their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, and social skills development through hands-on learning experiences. The center features bright, modern classrooms, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their program includes specialized enrichment in philanthropy, manners, and foreign language exposure. The highly qualified teaching staff maintains low student-teacher ratios and receives ongoing professional development. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through their mobile app and the center's focus on character development alongside academic preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Deland, FL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Deland, Florida?
In Deland, the cost of full-time childcare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants and toddlers, you can expect to pay between $175 to $225 per week at a licensed daycare center. Preschool programs for children aged 3-5 typically range from $150 to $190 per week. In-home family childcare homes may offer slightly lower rates, often between $130 to $180 per week. These costs are generally lower than the state average for Florida, reflecting Deland's more affordable cost of living compared to larger metro areas. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Financial assistance may be available through the School Readiness Program administered by the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia Counties.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Deland?
All childcare facilities in Deland must be licensed or registered with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can verify a provider's status and review their compliance history online through the DCF Child Care Facility Search tool. Simply enter the provider's name or location. This report will show their license status, capacity, any serious violations (like ratio or supervision issues), and the dates of their last inspections. For an additional layer of local insight, you can contact the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia Counties, which oversees quality improvement and school readiness funds for the area. They can often provide context on a provider's participation in voluntary quality rating programs like Florida's Gold Seal Quality Care program.
Are there long waitlists for infant care at daycare centers in Deland, and how can I plan ahead?
Yes, due to stricter staff-to-child ratios for infants, spots in licensed infant rooms (for babies under 1 year) are often the most limited in Deland. It is very common for reputable centers to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months. To plan ahead, we recommend beginning your search and making inquiries during your second trimester of pregnancy. When touring facilities, ask specifically about their waitlist process: Is there a deposit? How often should you check in? Are you on a list for a specific start date or a general list? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes, which may have more immediate availability and offer a smaller, home-like setting for your infant.
What are some local resources in Deland for finding and comparing childcare options?
Parents in Deland have several excellent local resources. Your first stop should be the **Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia Counties**. Their "Parent Services" team offers a free referral service, helping you find licensed providers that match your needs for location, hours, and child's age. You can access this via their website or by calling (386) 323-2400. Additionally, the **Volusia County Community Information** line (211) can provide referrals. For community-based insights, local Facebook groups like "Deland Moms" or "West Volusia Moms" are invaluable for getting personal recommendations and hearing about experiences with specific providers from other parents in your neighborhood.
What should I look for in a daycare that accommodates the schedule of a parent working or studying at Stetson University or in the local healthcare sector?
Given Deland's anchors like Stetson University and AdventHealth DeLand, many parents need flexible or extended hours. When searching, specifically ask about operating hours, early drop-off, and late pick-up options. Some centers near the university or hospital may open as early as 6:30 AM and close at 6:00 PM. Inquire about their policy for occasional late pick-ups and associated fees. Also, ask if they offer care during university breaks (like spring break) if their schedule typically aligns with an academic calendar. For healthcare workers with rotating shifts, a few licensed family childcare homes in the area may offer more personalized, non-traditional hour arrangements. Always confirm that their licensed hours of operation officially cover your needed times.