The Best Daycare Centers in Midway, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Midway. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Midway
The Goddard School of Tallahassee
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Tallahassee offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with advanced learning materials. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development, and the school maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Parents praise the school's communication, cleanliness, and the genuine care shown by staff.
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Creative Learning Academy
Independent
Creative Learning Academy provides a nurturing environment with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes whole-child development. Their program includes Montessori-inspired activities, early literacy development, and hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, outdoor learning environments, and developmentally appropriate classrooms. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and receive continuous training in child development best practices. The academy is noted for its small class sizes, individualized attention, and strong parent-teacher partnerships that support each child's unique learning journey.
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Primrose School of Northeast Tallahassee
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Northeast Tallahassee follows the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers. Their curriculum includes character development, literacy, mathematics, and science programs designed to build foundational skills. The school features state-of-the-art security systems, nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site, and well-equipped classrooms and playgrounds. All teachers are trained in Primrose's proprietary curriculum and child development principles. The school is particularly praised for its structured yet engaging environment, excellent communication with parents, and comprehensive safety protocols that give families peace of mind.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Midway, FL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Midway, Florida?
In Midway, Florida, the cost of full-time daycare can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed childcare center, parents can expect to pay between $800 to $1,200 per month for infant care, and slightly less, around $700 to $1,000 per month, for toddlers. In-home family daycare providers in the area often offer more affordable rates, typically ranging from $600 to $900 per month. These costs are influenced by factors such as staff-to-child ratios, curriculum offerings, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Midway, being in Gadsden County, may have access to state assistance programs like the School Readiness Program, which can help eligible families offset these costs based on income and need.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare center in Midway?
All childcare providers in Midway must be licensed and regulated by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can verify a provider's license and view their full inspection history, including any violations, through the DCF's official Child Care Facility Search website. Simply enter the provider's name or location. We recommend looking for facilities with an "Active" license status and reviewing their last several inspection reports. Pay close attention to any cited Class I (high-risk) violations. You can also contact the local DCF Child Care Licensing Office for the Northwest Region for additional guidance. Always visit a facility in person to see if their practices match their official record.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Midway, and how can I secure a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for many licensed daycare centers in and around Midway, particularly for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. Popular centers may have waitlists several months long. To improve your chances, start your search and make inquiries at least 6-9 months before you need care. When contacting centers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to join? How often do they update the list? Do they give preference to siblings or local residents? It's also highly advisable to tour multiple options, including both centers and licensed family daycare homes in residential areas of Midway, as smaller home-based providers may have more immediate availability.
What are the state-mandated staff-to-child ratios I should expect in a Florida daycare, and how do they apply in Midway?
Florida law sets strict maximum staff-to-child ratios that all licensed providers in Midway must follow. For infants (0-12 months), the ratio is 1 caregiver for every 4 infants. For toddlers (1-year-olds), it's 1:6, and for 2-year-olds, it's 1:11. For 3-year-olds, it's 1:15, and for 4-year-olds, it's 1:20. High-quality centers in Midway often maintain ratios better than these minimums to provide more individualized attention. During your tours, ask about their typical ratios and observe group sizes. Remember, family daycare homes have different capacity limits but must still adhere to ratio rules based on the ages of all children present.
What childcare options are available for parents with non-traditional or shift-work schedules in Midway?
Finding childcare for evenings, overnight, or weekends can be challenging in Midway, as most traditional centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best options are to seek out licensed family daycare homes, as some providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers common in the region. Additionally, you can explore registered in-home caregivers or nanny shares by networking with other local parents. For reliable resources, contact the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, which serves Gadsden County. They can provide referrals to providers who offer flexible care and information about whether your schedule qualifies for any extended-hours subsidy programs.
Childcare Insights for Midway
Finding a nurturing and reliable childcare environment is one of the most important decisions a family can make. For parents in Midway, Florida, the search for "church daycare near me" often represents a desire for a setting that offers more than just supervision—it speaks to a hope for a community-oriented, values-based foundation for your child’s early years. The good news is that Midway and the surrounding Gadsden County area are home to several church-affiliated childcare centers and preschools that can provide this unique blend of care, early education, and spiritual warmth.
When beginning your search in Midway, it’s helpful to understand what a church daycare typically offers. These programs often integrate a gentle, age-appropriate moral framework into daily activities, which can include simple songs, stories, and lessons about kindness and sharing. For many families, this aligns closely with the values taught at home. Operationally, many are licensed childcare facilities that follow state standards for safety, curriculum, and staff qualifications, providing the same structured learning and developmental focus as other centers, but within a faith-based context. A key first step is to identify the churches in Midway and nearby communities like Quincy or Havana that host licensed daycare or preschool programs. A simple drive through town, combined with targeted online searches for "Midway FL preschool" or "Gadsden County church daycare," can yield your initial list.
Given Midway’s more rural character, considering logistics is crucial. You’ll want to inquire about operating hours to ensure they align with your work schedule, especially if you commute to Tallahassee. Ask about their policies for school closures on religious holidays and how that might impact your childcare needs. Visiting the facility is non-negotiable. Schedule a tour to observe the classrooms, meet the caregivers, and get a feel for the daily rhythm. Notice if the children seem engaged and happy. Use this time to ask specific questions about their educational philosophy, teacher-to-child ratios, safety protocols, and how their faith-based principles are woven into the day. Don’t hesitate to ask for references from other Midway parents.
Finally, trust your instincts as a parent. The right church daycare in Midway should feel like an extension of your family’s community—a place where your child is known, safe, and encouraged to grow. It’s worth taking the time to connect with the director and teachers, ensuring there’s a genuine sense of partnership. While the decision is significant, knowing that there are local options dedicated to providing compassionate care in a structured, faith-friendly environment can bring great peace of mind. Your search for a "church daycare near me" in Midway, FL, is ultimately a search for a trusted partner in these foundational years, and with careful consideration, you can find a wonderful fit for your family right here in our community.