The Best Daycare Centers in Montverde, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Montverde. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Montverde
The Goddard School of Clermont
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Clermont offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on play-based learning and academic readiness. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development with low student-to-teacher ratios. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and nutritionally balanced meals. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, structured environment, and the genuine care shown by staff members.
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The Learning Experience - Clermont
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Clermont provides a proprietary curriculum called L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and social skills development. Their programs include early literacy initiatives, character development, and hands-on learning activities. The center maintains rigorous safety protocols including secure access, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Teachers receive specialized training in early childhood development and maintain CPR/first aid certifications. Parents highlight the center's clean facilities, engaging activities, and the visible progress children make in their development.
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Primrose School of Winter Garden
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Winter Garden operates with the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. Their curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science, and creative arts in a safe, nurturing environment. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, outdoor learning environments, and developmentally appropriate classrooms. All staff members are trained in early childhood education and maintain current certifications. The school receives consistent praise for its structured curriculum, experienced teachers, and the strong sense of community among families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Montverde, FL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Montverde, FL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Montverde, FL, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month, while preschool for toddlers and older children generally costs between $850 and $1,200 per month. These rates are influenced by factors such as the center's accreditation, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. Compared to larger Orlando suburbs, Montverde can be moderately priced. For financial assistance, Florida's School Readiness Program is the primary state-subsidized option, administered locally by the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County (which serves Lake County residents). Eligibility is based on family income, work/school status, and other factors. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or flexible payment plans. It's advisable to contact the Early Learning Coalition directly and inquire with individual providers about any private scholarships or sliding scale fees they might offer.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a childcare facility in Montverde?
All licensed childcare facilities in Montverde, FL, are regulated by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). The most reliable way to verify a facility's status and history is to use the DCF's "Child Care Facility Locator" tool online. You can search by provider name, city, or zip code (34756) to view the facility's license type (e.g., large family child care home, child care center), capacity, any active sanctions, and summaries of recent inspection reports. These reports detail compliance with critical standards like staff background checks, child-to-staff ratios, health and safety protocols, and physical environment. We strongly recommend reviewing these reports and looking for patterns of non-compliance. You can also call the DCF's Child Care Information Line for assistance.
Are there many in-home daycare options (family child care homes) in Montverde, and what should I look for when considering one?
Given Montverde's smaller, residential community, licensed family child care homes (FCCHs) are a popular and often sought-after option, offering a home-like environment with potentially smaller group sizes. To operate legally, a FCCH in Florida must be licensed if it cares for more than five children (including the provider's own) or receives state subsidy. When considering one, first verify its DCF license. Key things to look for include: a clear sick-child policy, a safe and child-proofed environment (ask about fenced yards and pool safety, which is crucial in Florida), the provider's training in CPR/First Aid, their daily schedule and educational philosophy, and references from other Montverde families. Due to high demand and limited spots, many quality FCCHs in the area have waitlists, so starting your search early is essential.
What is the average waitlist time for enrolling an infant in a daycare center in Montverde, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
For infant care (children under 1 year old) in Montverde, waitlist times can vary significantly but often range from 3 to 9 months, especially for highly-regarded centers. Some facilities may even have prenatal waitlists. To improve your chances, begin your search and tours during your second trimester. Be prepared to place a non-refundable deposit to hold a spot on multiple waitlists. When touring, express your specific interest and ask detailed questions to show you are a committed, engaged parent. Flexibility on your desired start date can also help. Don't limit your search to Montverde alone; consider expanding to nearby communities like Clermont or Winter Garden, but factor in the commute. Staying in regular, polite contact with the center director can also keep your family top of mind.
How do local daycare centers in Montverde handle Florida's severe weather, particularly thunderstorms and hurricane threats?
Childcare facilities in Montverde, FL, are required by DCF licensing to have a written emergency preparedness plan that specifically addresses severe weather, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Reputable centers will conduct regular drills with the children. During thunderstorm warnings, children are brought indoors away from windows. For hurricanes, centers closely follow directives from Lake County Emergency Management. They will communicate their closure policy well in advance—typically closing if a Hurricane Warning is issued for the area or if local schools close. Parents should inquire about the center's specific communication plan (e.g., text alerts, parent app), the location of their designated shelter area, and their policy on early pickup during watch/warning scenarios. Many centers are also equipped with backup generators to maintain power for critical systems.