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.
Childcare Insights for Deland
As a parent in Deland, Florida, the search for quality childcare often begins with the practical question of cost. Understanding daycare prices near you is more than just comparing numbers; it’s about finding the right balance of care, education, and budget for your family. In our community, daycare costs can vary significantly based on several key factors, and having a clear picture of the local landscape can help you navigate this important decision with confidence.
First, it’s helpful to know the general range you might encounter in the Deland area. For full-time, center-based care for an infant, you can typically expect weekly rates to fall between $180 and $250. For toddlers and preschoolers, prices often range from $150 to $220 per week. These figures are averages, and you'll find exceptions both above and below. The type of facility greatly influences price. Larger, nationally accredited childcare centers often command higher rates due to structured curricula, larger facilities, and more staff. In contrast, licensed home-based daycares in Deland neighborhoods can sometimes offer a more affordable and intimate setting, with weekly prices potentially being $20 to $50 less. These home providers often provide great flexibility and a family-like atmosphere, which is a wonderful fit for many children.
Beyond the type of care, the age of your child is the most significant price determinant. Infant care is almost universally the most expensive due to the required lower staff-to-child ratios and more intensive needs. You’ll usually see a noticeable drop in cost as your child transitions to a toddler room and again when they enter a preschool or VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) program. Florida’s free VPK program is a crucial benefit for eligible four-year-olds, which can substantially reduce your childcare expenses for that pivotal pre-kindergarten year. Many Deland daycares offer wraparound care for VPK students, so be sure to ask about those specific rates.
When evaluating prices, always look at what is included. Some centers in Deland have an all-inclusive tuition covering meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Others might list a lower base rate but add fees for lunch, registration, or special activities. Don’t hesitate to ask for a detailed breakdown. Furthermore, explore financial support options. Many Florida families qualify for assistance through the School Readiness program, which can help subsidize costs based on income and need. It’s also worth inquiring at individual centers about sibling discounts, which are commonly offered and can provide meaningful savings.
Ultimately, while cost is a major factor, the best value lies in a place where your child feels safe, engaged, and happy. We recommend scheduling tours at a few places in Deland that fit your budget range. Observe the cleanliness, ask about staff qualifications and turnover, and trust your gut feeling about the environment. Seeing the daily rhythm and interacting with the caregivers will tell you far more than a price tag alone. Finding the right daycare is an investment in your child’s daily world and your own peace of mind, and taking the time to research your local Deland options carefully is the first step toward that goal.