The Best Daycare Centers in Miami Gardens, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Miami Gardens. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Miami Gardens
Bright Horizons at Florida International University
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
As part of the nationally recognized Bright Horizons network, this center serves the Miami Gardens area through its FIU campus location. The facility offers a comprehensive educational curriculum focused on developmental milestones with highly qualified early childhood educators. Features include age-appropriate learning environments, secure facilities with controlled access, nutritious meal programs, and extensive outdoor play spaces. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and emphasizes social-emotional development alongside academic readiness. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum integrates literacy, math, science, and creative arts through hands-on learning experiences.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - North Miami Beach
The Learning Experience
This highly-rated Learning Experience location serves the Miami Gardens community with their proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that includes early literacy, mathematics, and character development programs. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and surveillance cameras, along with certified early childhood teachers. Their programs include phonics-based reading readiness, foreign language exposure, and motor skills development. The facility offers bright, clean classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and a focus on preparing children for elementary school success through structured yet engaging learning activities.
Daycare Services:
La Petite Academy of Miramar
La Petite Academy
This established La Petite Academy location serves families in the greater Miami Gardens area with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes school readiness and whole-child development. The center features dedicated learning centers for different age groups, secure facilities with electronic entry systems, and nutritious meals included in tuition. Their Grow Fit program promotes healthy lifestyles through physical activity and proper nutrition. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and the center maintains strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. The curriculum integrates STEM activities, literacy development, and social skills building in a nurturing environment.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Miami Gardens, FL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare centers in Miami Gardens, and how can I verify a provider's license?
In Miami Gardens, as part of Florida, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). This includes family daycare homes, large family childcare homes, and childcare centers. Licensing ensures the facility meets minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background screenings, and staff training. You can verify a provider's license, view inspection reports, and check for any disciplinary history using the DCF's official "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. It's highly recommended to choose a licensed provider, as they are regularly monitored. Additionally, some centers may pursue voluntary accreditation from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) for higher standards.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Miami Gardens, FL?
The cost of daycare in Miami Gardens varies based on the child's age, the type of facility, and the programs offered. On average, parents can expect to pay between $800 to $1,200 per month for full-time infant care at a licensed center. Toddler care typically ranges from $700 to $1,000 monthly. Family daycare homes may be slightly less expensive. These costs are generally in line with the broader Miami-Dade County area. It's important to inquire about what's included in the tuition, such as meals, diapers, and educational curriculum. Florida also offers financial assistance programs like the School Readiness Program for eligible families, which can significantly offset costs.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Miami Gardens, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many sought-after daycare centers and preschools in Miami Gardens, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is advisable to begin your search and tour facilities at least 6 to 12 months before you need care. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. When contacting centers, ask directly about their current waitlist status, any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot, and their estimated timeline. Starting early provides more options and reduces last-minute stress. Exploring a mix of centers and licensed family homes can also increase your chances of securing a spot sooner.
What resources are available in Miami Gardens to help me find and compare local childcare options?
Miami Gardens parents have several valuable local resources. The primary resource is the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe (ELCMDM), which manages the School Readiness Program and offers a searchable database of licensed providers. You can also contact the Children's Services Council of Miami-Dade County for guidance. For direct searching, use the Florida DCF facility lookup tool. Additionally, local parenting groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Miami Gardens Parents") can provide personal recommendations and insights into the community's experiences with specific daycares. The City of Miami Gardens website or community centers may also have listings or referral information.
How do Miami Gardens daycare centers typically handle emergency preparedness for hurricanes and severe weather common to South Florida?
Licensed childcare providers in Miami Gardens are required by Florida DCF regulations to have a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan. This plan must include procedures for evacuation, shelter-in-place, communication with parents, and reunification. Given the region's vulnerability to hurricanes, reputable centers will have generators, stocked emergency supplies (food, water, first-aid), and clear protocols for early closure or evacuation to a pre-designated safe location. When touring a center, ask to see their emergency plan, inquire about how they communicate during storms (e.g., text alerts, app notifications), and whether they have conducted recent drills. This is a critical factor for safety in the local context.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Miami Gardens: