The Best Daycare Centers in Englewood, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Englewood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Englewood
The Learning Center at Englewood
The Learning Center
The Learning Center at Englewood is a highly-regarded private Christian preschool and childcare center offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a research-based curriculum that includes STEAM activities, literacy development, and hands-on learning experiences. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios with degreed early childhood educators and provides secure, age-appropriate learning environments. Their facilities include modern classrooms, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and a focus on character development. The center is known for its strong parent communication system and nutritional meal program.
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Primrose School of Venice
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Venice is a nationally accredited early education center serving the Englewood area with their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum. This research-based approach combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and outdoor exploration areas. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on activities. The center maintains rigorous safety protocols, comprehensive staff training, and strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family events.
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The Goddard School of North Port
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of North Port provides high-quality early childhood education to families in the Englewood region with their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program. This play-based curriculum focuses on academic, social, cognitive, and physical development through structured learning centers and STEAM activities. The school features secure facilities with surveillance systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms equipped with the latest educational technology. Their teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes individualized learning plans, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent-teacher communication through their proprietary mobile app.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Englewood, FL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Englewood, FL?
In Englewood, Florida, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants (under 1 year), you can expect to pay between $175 to $250 per week at licensed childcare centers. For toddlers (1-3 years), weekly rates typically range from $150 to $225. In-home family daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, often between $125 to $200 per week. These costs are generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas like Sarasota or Tampa but have been increasing. It's important to note that many facilities in Englewood require annual registration fees ($50-$150) and may have additional costs for meals, supplies, or extracurricular activities. We recommend contacting providers directly for the most current pricing.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Englewood is properly licensed and what are the local inspection records like?
All childcare facilities in Englewood must be licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can verify a provider's license and view their inspection history online through the DCF Child Care Facility Search tool. Simply enter the provider's name or location. In Englewood, routine inspections check for compliance with standards on staff-to-child ratios, background screenings, health and safety practices, and physical environment. Most reputable centers in the area maintain good records, but it's crucial for parents to review any cited violations. You can also contact the DCF Child Care Information Line for Southwest Florida at 1-866-357-3239. Additionally, the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County can provide information on providers participating in quality improvement programs like Florida's Gold Seal Quality Care program.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Englewood, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant care spots in Englewood, especially at highly-rated centers. Due to lower staff-to-child ratios required for infants, availability is often limited. 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 needed start date. Some popular centers in areas like Englewood's historic district or near major routes like State Road 776 may have waitlists exceeding 6 months. For toddler and preschool programs, waitlists tend to be shorter, but it's still wise to inquire 3-4 months in advance. When touring facilities, always ask about their specific waitlist policy, any associated fees to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in Englewood, especially for seasonal residents or flexible needs?
Englewood offers several options for part-time and flexible childcare, which is beneficial for seasonal "snowbird" families or parents with irregular schedules. Some licensed childcare centers offer part-time schedules (e.g., 2-3 days per week), though these spots are limited and may cost more per day than a full-time weekly rate. Additionally, there are registered family daycare homes that often provide more schedule flexibility. For occasional drop-in care, options are more scarce, but some centers may accommodate based on daily availability. A valuable local resource is the Englewood Sports Complex, which sometimes hosts parent's day out programs or seasonal camps. For reliable drop-in care, many Englewood parents use vetted babysitting services or seek referrals through local community groups like the "Englewood, FL Word of Mouth" Facebook page.
What financial assistance programs are available to help Englewood families afford quality childcare?
Several state and local programs can help eligible Englewood families with childcare costs. The primary resource is the School Readiness Program administered by the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County (ELC). This program provides subsidized childcare for working families meeting certain income and need requirements. You can apply online or at their Sarasota office. Florida also offers the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program, which provides free, part-time pre-K for all 4-year-olds, available at many private daycare centers and public schools in Englewood. Some local churches and community organizations may offer limited scholarships or sliding scale fees. For military families, Child Care Aware of America offers fee assistance. We recommend contacting the ELC directly at (941) 954-4830 to determine your eligibility and get a list of participating providers in the Englewood area.
Childcare Insights for Englewood
Finding quality childcare that also has an immediate opening can feel like searching for a seashell in a specific shade of pink—it requires patience, a keen eye, and knowing where to look. For parents in Englewood, Florida, navigating this search comes with its own unique local considerations, from our coastal lifestyle to the seasonal ebb and flow of population. The good news is that with a proactive and informed approach, you can discover wonderful daycare options right here in our community that are ready to welcome your child.
Start your search by embracing both modern and traditional methods. Online platforms like Care.com and local Facebook groups, such as "Englewood, FL Community" or "Englewood Florida Moms," are invaluable. Parents often share real-time experiences and post about openings they’ve encountered. However, in a close-knit area like Englewood, never underestimate the power of personal connections. A conversation at Lemon Bay Park or a question to fellow parents at the Englewood Farmers Market can yield leads that aren’t advertised online. Many of the best in-home daycares, which are popular here for their family-like settings, operate primarily through word-of-mouth referrals.
When you have a list of potential daycares near you with openings, your next step is to evaluate them with our local context in mind. Florida’s sun is glorious but intense, so inquire about outdoor play schedules and sun safety protocols. Do they have shaded areas and follow a "sun-safe" policy? Given our proximity to water, ask about their policies on field trips or even water play activities. It’s also wise to consider the provider’s hurricane preparedness plan—a practical necessity for any Florida childcare program. During your visit, look for a clean, organized environment and observe how the caregivers interact with the children. Are they engaged and responsive? Trust your instincts; you know your child best.
Finally, be prepared to act with a sense of urgency when you find a good fit, as openings in Englewood can fill quickly, especially as our seasonal resident population returns. Have your documents ready, including your child’s immunization records and any required state forms. Don’t hesitate to ask about the enrollment process and secure the spot with a deposit if you are confident. Remember, finding a daycare is not just about filling an immediate need; it’s about finding a partner in your child’s early development. The right place in Englewood will not only provide care but will also embrace the relaxed, community-oriented spirit that makes our town special. With diligent searching and these local tips in mind, you can find a nurturing and available daycare where your little one will thrive.