The Best Daycare Centers in Lakeshore, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lakeshore. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lakeshore
Primrose School of Panama City
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Panama City offers a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, social studies, and arts, with a strong focus on character development and life skills. Staff include degreed early childhood educators with CPR and First Aid certifications, and the facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parents praise the school for its structured environment, regular communication through the Primrose Schools app, and emphasis on social-emotional learning, making it a top choice for families in the Lakeshore area.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Panama City
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Panama City utilizes the F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program, which promotes play-based learning and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities tailored to each child's developmental stage. The school employs qualified teachers with early childhood education backgrounds and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Safety features include keypad entry, onsite security cameras, and rigorous cleanliness protocols. The curriculum includes language immersion options and focuses on kindergarten readiness, with parent involvement encouraged through daily reports and events. High parent satisfaction stems from its nurturing environment and comprehensive developmental tracking.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Lisenby Avenue
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Learning Center provides a research-based curriculum that supports cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through activities like phonics, math games, and creative arts. The center features certified teachers with ongoing professional development, and safety measures include secured perimeters, emergency preparedness drills, and allergy-aware meal plans. The facility offers spacious indoor and outdoor play areas, and programs are designed to align with state early learning standards. Parents value the consistent communication via the KinderCare app, flexible scheduling options, and the center's commitment to inclusivity and diversity, making it a reliable option for Lakeshore families.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lakeshore, FL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare centers in Lakeshore, Florida, and how can I verify a provider's compliance?
In Florida, all childcare facilities, including those in Lakeshore, must be licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Licensing ensures they meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios. For example, for toddlers (1-year-olds), the ratio is 1 staff member to 6 children. You can verify a provider's license, view inspection reports, and check for any disciplinary history through the DCF's official "Child Care Facility Search" website. It's highly recommended to use this free tool and even visit the facility in person to observe the environment and ask for their latest 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 Lakeshore, FL?
The cost of childcare in Lakeshore is generally in line with the broader Palm Beach County area. For full-time care (5 days a week), parents can expect to pay an average of $180 to $250 per week for a toddler, and often $200 to $280+ per week for infant care, which is typically more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratios. Prices vary based on the type of center (corporate chain, faith-based, or in-home licensed family daycare), the programs offered, and the facility's amenities. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum materials) and if there are additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pick-ups.
Are there any local or state-funded programs in Lakeshore to help lower-income families afford quality childcare?
Yes, Florida offers the School Readiness Program, which provides financial assistance to eligible low-income families for childcare so parents can work or attend school. The program is administered locally by the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, which serves Lakeshore families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. Additionally, Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program offers free, part-time pre-K education for all 4-year-olds, which can be taken at many licensed daycare centers as a wrap-around service to full-day care. Contacting the Early Learning Coalition directly is the best first step to determine eligibility and apply.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Lakeshore, and what can I do to secure a spot?
For popular and highly-rated centers in the Lakeshore area, especially for infant rooms which have the most limited capacity, waitlists of 6 to 12 months are not uncommon. It is advisable to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. When contacting a center, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be on the list (some are non-refundable), how often you should check in, and if they offer priority to siblings of current students. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in residential areas, which may have shorter wait times and offer a smaller group setting.
Given Florida's weather, what safety protocols should I look for in a Lakeshore daycare regarding hurricanes and extreme heat?
This is a crucial local consideration. A reputable daycare in Lakeshore should have a detailed, written emergency preparedness plan for hurricanes, including evacuation routes, parent notification procedures, and a plan for early closure. Ask if they are a designated special needs shelter or have a generator. For extreme heat, which is common for much of the year, ensure the center has shaded outdoor play areas, enforces hydration breaks, limits vigorous outdoor activity during peak heat hours, and maintains air-conditioned indoor spaces. Their playground equipment should be checked for hot surfaces, and policies should be in place for applying sunscreen (often requiring parent-provided, labeled sunscreen).
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Lakeshore: