The Best Daycare Centers in Longwood, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Longwood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Longwood
The Goddard School of Longwood
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Longwood offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, and live streaming cameras for parent monitoring. Their comprehensive curriculum includes STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and character development programs. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art and music rooms, and modern classrooms with advanced learning materials. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, individualized attention, and the developmental progress children make.
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Primrose School of Longwood
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Longwood provides the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum focuses on developing character, creativity, and critical thinking skills through hands-on activities. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios, with all lead teachers holding early childhood education credentials. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The campus features bright, spacious classrooms, multiple outdoor learning environments, and dedicated spaces for music and movement. The school is particularly noted for its strong literacy program and healthy meal options prepared in their on-site kitchen.
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Kiddie Academy of Altamonte Springs
Kiddie Academy International
Located just minutes from Longwood, Kiddie Academy of Altamonte Springs serves the broader Seminole County area with their Life Essentials® curriculum that promotes social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. The academy features degreed early childhood educators and maintains small class sizes for personalized attention. Their technology-enhanced classrooms include interactive whiteboards and developmentally appropriate learning stations. The facility includes secure entry systems, air purification systems, and age-separated playgrounds with safety surfaces. The program emphasizes character education, community awareness, and hands-on learning experiences. Parents consistently highlight the academy's strong communication, experienced staff, and the noticeable academic readiness children develop.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Longwood, FL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Longwood, FL?
In Longwood, the cost of childcare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants (under 1 year), full-time care at a licensed center typically ranges from **$1,100 to $1,400 per month**. For toddlers (1-3 years), you can expect to pay between **$950 and $1,250 per month**. Home-based family childcare is often slightly less expensive, averaging $800-$1,100 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum (e.g., Montessori, faith-based), and included amenities (meals, webcams). It's important to note that costs in Seminole County, which includes Longwood, are generally on par with or slightly below the Orlando metro area average. Many facilities offer sibling discounts, and financial assistance may be available through the Early Learning Coalition of Seminole.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Longwood, and how can I secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Longwood can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It's not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of **6 to 12 months** for infants. For toddler and preschool-age children, waitlists may be shorter, around 2-6 months. To secure a spot, start your search during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists, which often requires a non-refundable application or waitlist fee ($25-$100). Stay proactive by checking in every 2-3 months to confirm your interest. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in neighborhoods like Sweetwater or Springs Landing, which may have more immediate availability and offer a smaller setting.
What are the key Florida state licensing requirements I should verify when touring a daycare in Longwood?
All childcare facilities in Longwood must be licensed and regularly inspected by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Key requirements to ask about and verify include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (1:4 for infants 0-1, 1:6 for 1-year-olds, 1:11 for 2-year-olds, 1:15 for 3-year-olds), **background screenings** for all employees, and **minimum training** (40 hours for child care personnel, plus CPR/First Aid). Centers must also have an approved health and safety plan. You can view a facility's licensing history, inspection reports, and any violations online through the DCF Child Care Facility Search tool. Look for centers that exceed these minimums, as this often indicates a higher quality of care.
Are there any unique local programs or resources for finding and vetting childcare in Seminole County/Longwood?
Yes, parents in Longwood have access to several valuable local resources. The **Early Learning Coalition of Seminole (ELC Seminole)** is the primary resource. They administer the School Readiness and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) funding programs and maintain a searchable database of licensed providers. For vetting, always check the **Florida DCF website** for inspection reports. Additionally, the **Seminole County Public Schools** website lists district-approved VPK providers. Local parenting groups on Facebook (e.g., "Longwood, FL Moms") are excellent for getting personal recommendations and experiences. For specialized care, the **Seminole County Special Needs PTA** can offer guidance on inclusive programs.
What options do I have for drop-in, part-time, or emergency childcare in the Longwood area?
While most traditional daycare centers in Longwood require full-time or set weekly schedules, there are options for flexible care. Some larger childcare chains may offer part-time packages (2-3 days per week). For true drop-in or emergency care, your best bets are specialized facilities. **Nanny-share networks** organized through local parent groups can provide flexible in-home solutions. Additionally, several **national drop-in childcare centers** operate in nearby Altamonte Springs and Lake Mary, such as The Kid's Club or some gyms with childcare services. For occasional date-night care, services like **Care.com** or local babysitting agencies can connect you with screened sitters. Always confirm that any flexible provider is properly licensed or insured for the service they are offering.
Nearby Cities
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