The Best Daycare Centers in Georgetown, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Georgetown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Georgetown
The Learning Experience at Nocatee
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience at Nocatee offers a comprehensive early education curriculum with proprietary programs including phonics, foreign language, manners, and philanthropy. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and CCTV monitoring. Highly qualified teachers implement age-appropriate learning activities with low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor and outdoor play areas, and nutritional meal programs. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean environment, and strong educational foundation provided.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Nocatee
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Nocatee follows the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, blending purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, math, and science skills. The secure facility features age-specific learning environments, outdoor playgrounds, and a commercial kitchen providing healthy meals. Staff members hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains excellent safety records and strong parent communication through regular updates and family engagement events.
Daycare Services:
Goddard School of Ponte Vedra
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Ponte Vedra provides play-based learning through the F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program, focusing on academic, social, emotional, and physical development. Certified teachers create individualized learning plans with STEAM activities and literacy development. The secure facility includes bright classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols. The school emphasizes health and wellness with nutritious snacks and physical activities. Parents appreciate the professional staff, engaging curriculum, and strong focus on preparing children for kindergarten success.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Georgetown, FL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Georgetown, Florida?
In Georgetown and the surrounding Putnam County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $130 and $180 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home family childcare homes may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $110 to $150 per week. These costs are generally more affordable than in larger Florida metropolitan areas, but availability can be limited. It's important to note that many facilities in Georgetown require payment weekly or bi-weekly, and most do not include the cost of formula, baby food, or diapers in their weekly rate. We recommend contacting providers directly for their most current pricing and to inquire about any potential registration or supply fees.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Georgetown is properly licensed and check their inspection history?
All childcare facilities in Florida, including those in Georgetown, must be licensed or registered with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can verify a provider's status and review their history online through the DCF's "Child Care Facility Search" tool. Simply enter the provider's name or location to access their license type, capacity, and any reported violations from state inspections. For an in-home family daycare, ensure they are either a licensed family daycare home or a registered family daycare home. You can also contact the local DCF Child Care Resource and Referral agency for the North Central Florida region for assistance. Always visit the facility in person and ask to see their current license during your tour.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for families in Georgetown, FL?
Yes, eligible families in Georgetown can apply for financial assistance through the School Readiness Program, which is administered by the Early Learning Coalition of North Florida. This state-funded program provides subsidized childcare for working families or those in approved education/training programs, with fees based on a sliding scale according to income and family size. Additionally, the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program is accessible through the same coalition. Given the rural nature of Putnam County, these subsidies can be crucial for accessing available childcare slots. We recommend contacting the Early Learning Coalition directly to check eligibility, apply, and get a list of participating providers in the Georgetown area, as not all daycares accept vouchers.
What is the average waitlist time for daycare centers in Georgetown, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Georgetown, waitlists for infant and toddler rooms at licensed centers can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months. Popular providers may have even longer waits. To improve your chances, start your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy if you know you will need care. Get on multiple waitlists, even at facilities in nearby towns like Palatka or Interlachen. Follow up with providers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Be flexible with your start date if possible. Also, consider licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter waitlists and offer a more home-like setting, which is common in rural areas like ours.
What are some key questions to ask during a tour of a daycare in Georgetown, specific to our local environment?
When touring a daycare in Georgetown, beyond standard questions, ask about local-specific factors. First, inquire about their hurricane and severe weather preparedness plan, including evacuation procedures and communication with parents. Second, ask about their policy for local agricultural or prescribed burning smoke, which can affect outdoor playtime. Third, given the rural setting, ask about their transportation policies if your child will need to be picked up from a local pre-K program. Fourth, clarify their hours of operation to ensure they align with common local work schedules, especially for shift workers at nearby agricultural or manufacturing employers. Finally, ask about their community involvement—do they take children on local outings to places like the Ravine Gardens State Park or the Putnam County Library? This can indicate how they utilize the unique resources of our area.
Childcare Insights for Georgetown
Finding reliable weekend childcare can feel like searching for a hidden treasure, especially here in our close-knit Georgetown community. As parents, we know that life doesn’t adhere to a Monday-through-Friday schedule. Whether it’s a shift at the hospital, an important weekend commitment, or simply needing a few hours to recharge, knowing your children are in safe, engaging hands is paramount. For families in Georgetown, Florida, navigating the landscape of weekend daycare options requires a local touch and some proactive planning.
Unlike larger metropolitan areas, Georgetown’s childcare scene is more intimate, which means dedicated weekend-only centers are rare. However, this does not mean options are unavailable. Your best approach is to look at local licensed home daycare providers and some established daycare centers in the broader Sanford/Seminole County area that may offer occasional or regular weekend care. Many in-home providers, often run by caregivers who are also parents themselves, may have more flexible hours to accommodate weekend needs. It’s worth driving through our neighborhoods and noting signs for registered family childcare homes, as these smaller settings can sometimes offer the personalized, flexible scheduling that weekends demand.
When you begin your search, start with your local network. Talk to other parents at community spots like the Georgetown Park or after school activities. Personal recommendations are gold in a community like ours. You can also contact the Early Learning Coalition of Seminole County; they maintain resources and referrals for licensed providers throughout the county, which includes our Georgetown area. Be prepared to call and ask very specific questions: “Do you offer weekend care?” “What are your hours on Saturdays and Sundays?” “Is it drop-in or must it be pre-scheduled weekly?” Clarity from the start will save you time.
Considering our location, also think about logistics. Georgetown offers a peaceful, residential setting, so you’ll likely be driving to a provider’s home or a center in a neighboring area. Factor in travel time to places like Sanford or Lake Mary when evaluating if a potential weekend daycare is truly “near you.” Visit any potential location, even for a weekend hour, to get a feel for the environment and how the children are engaged. A good weekend program in our area should understand the need for a mix of active play—perhaps taking advantage of Florida’s beautiful weather in a secure yard—and calming activities.
Finally, building a relationship with a caregiver is key. In a smaller community, trust is everything. A provider who understands the rhythms of Georgetown family life can be an incredible partner. While it may take a bit more effort to find that perfect weekend fit here compared to a bigger city, the reward is a childcare solution that feels less like a service and more like an extension of your own family’s support system. Your peace of mind, knowing your child is happy and safe just a short drive away, is worth the search.