The Best Daycare Centers in Marathon Shores, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Marathon Shores. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Marathon Shores
The Montessori School of Key West
Independent
This authentic Montessori school serves families throughout the Florida Keys with a comprehensive child-centered approach. The facility features certified Montessori teachers with specialized training in the Montessori method, offering individualized learning plans for each child. The campus includes thoughtfully prepared classrooms with authentic Montessori materials, beautiful outdoor learning environments, and dedicated spaces for practical life activities. They emphasize independence, respect, and natural development through hands-on learning experiences. The school maintains excellent teacher-to-student ratios and has a strong reputation for academic preparation and social-emotional development.
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Marathon Child Care Center
Independent
Located just minutes from Marathon Shores, this well-established center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. The facility features secure, age-appropriate classrooms, a large shaded playground, and dedicated infant and toddler wings. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with CPR and First Aid training, and the center maintains excellent safety protocols including secure entry systems. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program and have strong parent communication systems including daily reports and regular conferences.
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The Learning Academy
Independent
Serving families throughout the Upper Keys including Marathon Shores, The Learning Academy offers a structured yet nurturing environment with a research-based curriculum that focuses on whole-child development. The center features state-certified teachers, low student-teacher ratios, and comprehensive security systems including coded entry and surveillance. Their educational approach balances academic readiness with social skills development through thematic units, hands-on learning centers, and outdoor exploration. The facility includes modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for music, movement, and art. They provide detailed progress reports and maintain strong partnerships with local elementary schools for smooth transitions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Marathon Shores, FL
What are the typical hours of operation for daycare centers in Marathon Shores, and are there options for parents with non-traditional work schedules in the Keys?
Most licensed daycare centers and home-based providers in Marathon Shores and the Middle Keys operate on a fairly standard schedule, typically from around 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Given the local economy's reliance on tourism, hospitality, and healthcare—which often involve shift work—some providers may offer limited extended hours. However, options for overnight, weekend, or very early/late care are extremely limited in Marathon Shores itself. Parents with non-traditional schedules often need to explore arrangements with licensed family childcare homes that may offer more flexibility, or create a patchwork solution using a combination of a daycare center and a private nanny or babysitter. It's crucial to discuss your specific schedule needs during your initial tours and inquiries, as waitlists can be long and flexibility is a prized commodity.
How much does full-time infant or toddler daycare cost in Marathon Shores, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
Childcare costs in Marathon Shores are influenced by its island location and higher cost of living. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay between $225 to $300 per week for full-time care for an infant or toddler. Licensed family daycare homes may be slightly less, ranging from $180 to $250 per week. Financial assistance is primarily available through the statewide **School Readiness Program** administered by the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe Counties. Eligibility is based on family income, work/school training requirements, and other factors. Given Monroe County's high income threshold for cost of living, some families who wouldn't qualify elsewhere may be eligible here. It's highly recommended to contact the Coalition directly to apply, as funds are limited and waiting lists exist.
Given Marathon Shores' location, what safety protocols are specifically in place at daycares for hurricanes and severe weather?
This is a critical consideration for all childcare providers in the Florida Keys. Florida licensing requires all childcare facilities to have a written emergency preparedness plan. In Marathon Shores, this plan must be exceptionally detailed for hurricanes. Reputable centers will have clear policies on closure procedures, evacuation routes (especially important if the facility is in an evacuation zone), and parent notification systems. You should ask providers directly about their specific plans: When do they close based on county orders? Do they have a generator for power outages? Where is their designated evacuation location, and how are children transported? Many centers practice hurricane drills with the children. Always ensure your own family evacuation plan is coordinated with the daycare's procedures.
Are there many licensed childcare options directly in Marathon Shores, or will I need to look in Marathon or other nearby keys?
Marathon Shores is a smaller, primarily residential community. While there are licensed family daycare homes operating within the area, there are very few, if any, large daycare centers located specifically within Marathon Shores' boundaries. Most parents expand their search to the greater Marathon area (roughly from Key Colony Beach to the west side of the Seven Mile Bridge), where you'll find several licensed centers and more home-based providers. The commute within Marathon is generally short. It's advisable to use the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) childcare provider search tool, filtering by zip code (33052), to see all licensed options in the immediate and surrounding area. Be prepared for potential waitlists, especially for infant care.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family daycare home in Marathon Shores, and how do I verify their licensing?
In Marathon Shores, your main options are a **Licensed Childcare Center**, which operates in a commercial facility with multiple staff and classrooms, and a **Licensed Family Daycare Home**, which provides care in the provider's residence for a smaller group of children (up to 10, depending on license type). Centers often offer more structured educational programs and larger peer groups, while homes may provide a more intimate, family-like setting with mixed ages. Both are regulated by the Florida DCF. To verify any provider's license, history, and any compliance issues, you must visit the official **Florida DCF Child Care Facility Search** website. You can search by name, location, or license number. Always review their inspection reports ("Visits and Incidents") and ensure their license is current. Never use an unlicensed provider for regular care.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Marathon Shores: