The Best Daycare Centers in Highland City, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Highland City. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Highland City
The Goddard School of Lakeland
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Lakeland offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with interactive technology. They emphasize STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and character development while providing nutritious meals and regular parent communication through their proprietary mobile app.
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Primrose School of Lakeland at Christina
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Lakeland provides Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from degreed early childhood educators. Their approach focuses on developing the whole child through character development, literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The secure campus features monitored access, outdoor learning environments, and dedicated music and art studios. They maintain rigorous health and safety protocols including comprehensive background checks for staff and regular facility sanitization. Parent engagement is supported through daily activity reports and regular developmental updates.
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The Learning Experience - Lakeland
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Lakeland offers their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and social skills development. Their programs include early literacy instruction, foreign language exposure, and character values like philanthropy and community awareness. The center features secure keypad entry, indoor and outdoor play areas, and dedicated learning centers for different developmental stages. Their highly qualified staff maintains required Florida childcare credentials and participates in ongoing professional development. They provide regular parent communication and developmental progress tracking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Highland City, FL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare centers in Highland City, FL, and how can I verify a provider's compliance?
In Highland City, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). This includes meeting strict standards for staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:11 for 4-year-olds), background screenings for all employees, health and safety inspections, and age-appropriate curriculum. You can verify a provider's license, view inspection reports, and check for any disciplinary history for free through the DCF's official "Child Care Facility Search" website. It's highly recommended to use this tool and even ask the center director for their most recent inspection summary, which they are required to have on-site.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Highland City, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Highland City and greater Lakeland area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $150 to $200 per week. Costs can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum (like Montessori), and age of the child. For financial assistance, Polk County residents can apply for the School Readiness Program, which is administered by the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County. This state-funded program helps eligible working families pay for childcare. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or scholarships.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Highland City, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to high demand and limited infant slots (because of stricter staff-to-child ratios), waitlists for well-regarded daycare centers in Highland City can be significant. It's not uncommon for popular centers to have a 6 to 12-month waitlist for infant rooms. We strongly recommend starting your search and getting on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. When touring, ask specifically about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often do they update you? What is the typical current wait time? Exploring smaller licensed family childcare homes in residential areas of Highland City can also be a good alternative with potentially shorter waits.
Are there any daycare centers in Highland City that offer extended hours for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Yes, while standard hours are typically 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, several providers in the area cater to parents with shift work. Some larger chain centers and certain independent facilities may offer extended hours from as early as 5:30 AM to as late as 7:00 PM. It's crucial to inquire directly, as these spots are often limited. Additionally, licensed family childcare homes can sometimes offer more flexible or customized hours. For true overnight or 24-hour care, options are extremely limited in Highland City, and you may need to look toward larger neighboring cities like Lakeland.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to the Highland City and Central Florida environment?
Beyond general cleanliness and staff interaction, focus on local environmental factors. First, ask about their outdoor play policy during hot summer months and hurricane season. Do they have shaded areas, use sunscreen protocols, and have safe indoor gross motor spaces for excessive heat or storm days? Second, inquire about their preparedness for common Florida issues: What is their protocol for fire ant mounds on the playground? How do they handle frequent afternoon thunderstorms? Finally, given our proximity to lakes, check that outdoor play areas are fully fenced and secure. A great center will have clear, detailed answers for these regional concerns.
Childcare Insights for Highland City
As the school year winds down, many parents in our community begin the important search for reliable summer childcare. Finding the right "summer childcare near me" in Highland City, Florida, involves balancing safety, enrichment, and convenience, all while ensuring your children have a fun and memorable break. The good news is that our area offers several wonderful options, each with its own unique approach to keeping kids engaged during the long, warm Florida summer.
One of the first considerations for Highland City families is the type of program that best fits your child's age and interests. Many local daycare centers transition into full-day summer camps, offering structured activities that often include water play to beat the heat, themed arts and crafts, and indoor games for those afternoon thunderstorms common to our Florida summers. These programs provide consistency in a familiar environment, which can be especially comforting for younger children. For school-aged kids, you might explore specialized camps in nearby Lakeland or Bartow, focusing on everything from sports and science to drama and dance. The commute is often short, and these programs can turn the summer into a period of exciting discovery.
When evaluating options, it’s wise to start your search early, as popular programs in our community can fill up quickly. A great first step is to ask for recommendations from fellow parents at your child’s school or within your neighborhood networks here in Highland City. Personal referrals often lead to the most trusted and well-regarded programs. Once you have a shortlist, don't hesitate to schedule a visit. Observing a summer session in action allows you to see the staff-to-child ratio, gauge the safety of the facilities, and feel the overall atmosphere. Be sure to ask specific questions about their daily schedule, how they handle sunscreen and hydration in the Florida sun, and their protocols for field trips or swimming activities.
Another fantastic local resource is the Polk County Parks and Recreation department, which frequently operates affordable and active summer day camps at parks and community centers in and around our area. These camps often emphasize outdoor play and recreation, perfect for burning off that boundless summer energy. For parents with flexible or work-from-home schedules, a hybrid approach might also work well. You could consider a part-time camp or daycare program a few days a week, supplemented with care from a trusted local babysitter or playdates with neighbors. This can offer a nice balance of structured activity and relaxed downtime.
Ultimately, securing summer childcare in Highland City is about finding a place where your child feels happy and secure, and where you feel confident in their care. By focusing on programs that prioritize active engagement, safety under the sun, and a touch of that special summer magic, you can transform the challenge of childcare into an opportunity for your child’s growth and joy. Taking the time to explore what’s available right here in our community will help ensure your family has a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable summer season.