The Best Daycare Centers in Lawtey, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lawtey. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lawtey
The Goddard School of Gainesville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Gainesville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curricula with low student-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. The center maintains rigorous health and safety protocols with comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Kiddie Academy of Gainesville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Gainesville provides comprehensive educational childcare with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated age-based learning environments, and outdoor play areas. Their highly trained staff includes educators with early childhood credentials who implement structured learning activities while promoting social-emotional development. The academy offers nutritious meal programs, regular parent communication through mobile apps, and development tracking. They maintain excellent staff-to-child ratios and comprehensive safety protocols.
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Starke KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Starke KinderCare offers a nationally recognized early childhood education program with research-based curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. Their experienced teaching staff holds early childhood credentials and receives ongoing professional development. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry, age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different developmental stages. Their approach balances academic readiness with social-emotional learning through structured activities and play. The center maintains strong parent partnerships with regular communication and family engagement events. Safety protocols include comprehensive background checks, regular safety drills, and strict health and hygiene practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lawtey, FL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lawtey, Florida, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Lawtey, as in all of Florida, childcare facilities must be licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). This includes family daycare homes (serving up to 10 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures compliance with standards for staff-to-child ratios, background screenings, health and safety protocols, and staff training. To verify the license and inspection history of any provider in Lawtey, you can use the DCF's "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. This public database shows the facility's license status, capacity, any recent violations, and inspection reports. It's a crucial first step for parents to ensure they are considering a legally operating and monitored program.
How much does full-time daycare typically cost for an infant or toddler in Lawtey, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Lawtey and the surrounding Bradford County area, full-time daycare costs are generally more affordable than in larger Florida metros, but can still vary. For an infant, you might expect to pay between $120 to $160 per week, while toddler care may range from $110 to $140 per week. These are estimates, and prices depend on the type of facility and services offered. For financial assistance, Florida's School Readiness Program is a key resource. This state-funded program helps eligible low-income working families pay for childcare. Applications are handled locally through the Early Learning Coalition of North Florida, which serves Bradford County. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
Are there many options for childcare in Lawtey, or will I likely need to look in nearby towns like Starke?
Lawtey is a small city, so dedicated childcare centers are limited. You will likely find a small number of licensed family daycare homes within the city limits. For more options, including larger childcare centers and preschool programs, many Lawtey parents look to the nearby city of Starke (about 10 minutes away), which has a greater selection. Some facilities in Starke may even offer transportation from Lawtey for school-age children. It's advisable to expand your search to include Starke and check with providers about their enrollment policies for families residing in Lawtey. Networking with other local parents can also provide leads on trusted in-home providers.
What is the typical waitlist situation for daycares in the Lawtey area, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers in Lawtey itself, quality spots, especially for infants, can fill up quickly and may have waitlists. For the broader Bradford County area, including Starke, popular centers may also have waitlists of several months. It is highly recommended that parents begin their search and contact providers at least 3-6 months before their needed start date. If you are expecting a baby, starting your research during the second trimester is wise. When contacting providers, always ask specifically about their current availability for your child's age group and the estimated waitlist time. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists can increase your chances of securing a spot.
Beyond basic care, what types of early learning or preschool programs are available for 3- and 4-year-olds in Lawtey?
For early education, Lawtey families have a few key options. The most accessible is the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program, a free state-funded program for all 4-year-olds in Florida. In Lawtey, VPK is typically offered through local private childcare providers or the public school system, often as a part-day program. You would need to apply for a VPK Certificate of Eligibility from the Early Learning Coalition. For 3-year-olds, structured preschool programs are less common within Lawtey itself, but some family daycare homes or centers in Starke may offer preschool curricula. Another excellent resource is the Lawtey Head Start program, which provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, and nutrition services to income-eligible families with children ages 3-5.