The Best Daycare Centers in Long Key, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Long Key. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Long Key
The Children's School of Islamorada
Independent
The Children's School of Islamorada is a highly-regarded early childhood education center serving the Florida Keys community. With a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, they focus on whole-child development. Their certified teachers implement a comprehensive curriculum that includes literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional learning. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. They emphasize environmental education and incorporate the unique Keys environment into their programming, serving families throughout the Upper Keys including Long Key.
Daycare Services:
Treasure Harbor Montessori
Independent
Treasure Harbor Montessori offers authentic Montessori education for children 18 months through elementary years. Their AMI-trained guides provide individualized learning in carefully prepared environments that encourage independence and natural curiosity. The curriculum covers practical life skills, sensorial development, language, mathematics, cultural studies, and peace education. The school features beautiful natural light classrooms, outdoor learning gardens, and a peaceful waterfront setting. They maintain small class sizes and focus on developing capable, confident learners while serving families throughout the Upper Keys region.
Daycare Services:
Island Montessori School
Independent
Island Montessori School provides comprehensive Montessori education from infancy through elementary grades. As an American Montessori Society member school, they offer developmentally appropriate programs with certified Montessori teachers. Their infant and toddler programs focus on nurturing independence in safe, stimulating environments, while preschool and elementary programs emphasize hands-on learning and academic excellence. The campus includes multiple buildings with age-specific classrooms, outdoor play areas, and enrichment programs in art, music, and Spanish. They serve families across the Florida Keys with transportation options available for Long Key residents.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Long Key, FL
What are the primary types of licensed childcare available in Long Key, Florida?
In Long Key, Florida, parents typically have access to two main types of licensed childcare: family daycare homes and childcare centers. Family daycare homes are smaller, home-based operations licensed for a limited number of children, often offering a more intimate, family-like setting. Given Long Key's smaller, residential nature, these are common. Childcare centers are larger facilities, though options within the immediate Long Key area may be limited, often requiring families to look toward nearby larger communities like Marathon or Islamorada. All providers must be licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), which ensures they meet health, safety, and staff qualification standards. You can verify a provider's license and inspection history on the DCF website.
How do waitlists for daycare typically work in the Long Key area, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to the limited number of childcare providers in a small community like Long Key, waitlists are common and can be lengthy. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally 6 to 12 months before you need care, especially for infant spots, which are the most scarce. When contacting a provider, ask specific questions: your position on the list, if there's a fee to join, how often they update families, and if the list is prioritized for residents of the Florida Keys. Be prepared to get on multiple lists, including those in neighboring towns. Proactive and persistent follow-up is key.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for a toddler in Long Key, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
The cost of childcare in the Florida Keys, including Long Key, is significantly higher than the Florida state average due to the high cost of living and operational expenses. For full-time toddler care, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,800 per month. Infant care is even more expensive. For financial assistance, Florida's School Readiness Program is the primary resource, which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance. You apply through the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe (ELCMDM), which serves Monroe County. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or flexible payment plans.
What specific questions should I ask a daycare provider in Long Key regarding hurricane preparedness and closures?
Given Long Key's location in a hurricane-prone region, this is a critical line of questioning. You should ask: 1) What is the facility's specific hurricane evacuation and shelter-in-place plan? 2) How and when will parents be notified of an emergency closure or evacuation? 3) Are staff trained in emergency procedures, and are supplies (water, food, generators) maintained on-site? 4) What is the policy for tuition or fees during mandatory evacuation days when the center is closed? 5) How quickly does the center typically reopen after a storm passes and the roads are cleared? A reputable provider will have a detailed, written plan they can share with you.
Are there any unique outdoor or educational programs offered by daycares in Long Key that take advantage of the local environment?
Many childcare providers in the Florida Keys incorporate the unique coastal environment into their curriculum. When touring facilities in or near Long Key, ask about "nature-based" or "coastal learning" programs. These may include supervised, age-appropriate activities like beachcombing for shells (with a focus on safety and conservation), learning about local marine life and mangroves, simple water safety lessons, and projects using natural materials. Some providers may partner with local organizations like the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for educational resources. This experiential learning is a significant benefit of childcare in this area, fostering an early appreciation for the local ecosystem.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Long Key: