The Best Daycare Centers in High Springs, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in High Springs. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in High Springs
Primrose School of Alachua
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Alachua offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and social studies through hands-on learning. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning spaces. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center provides nutritious meals and emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. Located just 15 minutes from High Springs, this center serves families throughout northern Alachua County with comprehensive early education programs.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Alachua
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location provides a research-based curriculum that supports social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. The center features separate learning environments for each age group, including dedicated infant rooms with individualized care plans. Safety protocols include secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive staff training. The teaching staff includes early childhood professionals with CPR and First Aid certification. The center offers flexible scheduling and serves children from 6 weeks to 12 years old. Their program includes phonics-based literacy instruction, STEM activities, and creative arts. Located in the Progress Park area, this center conveniently serves High Springs commuters.
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The Goddard School of Alachua
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Alachua implements the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that promotes play-based learning while developing academic and social skills. The school features modern classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish. All teachers are early childhood educated and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility maintains strict security measures including keypad entry and comprehensive background checks. Their STEAM-focused curriculum encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides regular progress updates to parents. Serving the greater Alachua County area, this school offers convenient access for High Springs families seeking high-quality early childhood education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in High Springs, FL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in High Springs, Florida, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In High Springs, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). This includes family daycare homes, large family childcare homes, and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for staff-to-child ratios, background screenings, health and safety protocols, staff training (including CPR and First Aid), and facility safety. To verify a provider's license and view any inspection reports or violations, you can use the DCF's official "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. This is a crucial first step for parents in the High Springs area to ensure they are considering a legally operating and monitored facility.
What is the typical cost range for full-time infant and toddler daycare in High Springs, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In High Springs and the surrounding Alachua County area, full-time daycare for infants can range from approximately $150 to $225 per week, while toddler care typically costs between $130 and $200 per week. These rates can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff qualifications. For financial assistance, Florida's School Readiness Program is a key resource. This state-funded program, administered locally by the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County, offers sliding-scale subsidies to eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance. Parents in High Springs should contact the Coalition directly to apply and determine eligibility.
How long are daycare waitlists typically in High Springs, and what strategies can I use to secure a spot for my child?
Waitlist times in High Springs can vary significantly. For popular centers and for infant rooms (which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios), waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long, especially for care starting in the late summer or fall. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers to get on several lists, and be sure to follow up with a call or email every 2-3 months to confirm your spot. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Alachua or Gainesville, though this will add commute time. Some smaller in-home providers in High Springs may have shorter wait times.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the High Springs area, given its proximity to natural springs and parks?
Yes, High Springs' location is ideal for nature-focused programming. While specific, dedicated "forest school" models are more common in larger metros, several local home-based providers and centers incorporate the natural environment into their daily routines. They may take regular trips to local gems like High Springs Nature Park, the Santa Fe River, or O'Leno State Park. When touring facilities, ask specifically about their outdoor play philosophy, frequency of nature walks, and if they have certifications like "Nature Explore Classroom" designations. This emphasis on outdoor learning is a distinctive benefit of childcare in this North Florida community.
What should I look for in a daycare to ensure it's prepared for North Florida's specific weather, like hurricanes, extreme heat, and severe thunderstorms?
Given High Springs' climate, this is a vital safety question. A quality provider should have a detailed, written emergency preparedness plan that addresses hurricane evacuations/sheltering, power outage protocols, and safe areas for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Ask about their backup power sources for critical systems, their policy on closures due to severe weather, and how they communicate with parents during such events. For extreme heat, ensure outdoor play areas have ample shade, water access is constant, and playtimes are scheduled for cooler parts of the day. Facilities should also have well-maintained HVAC systems to provide a cool, safe indoor environment during summer months.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near High Springs: