The Best Daycare Centers in NASA, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in NASA. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in NASA
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Melbourne serves the NASA area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their play-based curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios, making it particularly popular among NASA families seeking structured educational programming.
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The Learning Experience - Titusville
The Learning Experience
Located just minutes from the Kennedy Space Center, The Learning Experience in Titusville offers a proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that includes early literacy, mathematics, and social skills development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive camera monitoring. Their phonics-based programming and foreign language introduction (Spanish) provide strong academic foundations. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, age-specific playgrounds, and nutritionally balanced meal programs. Many NASA employees choose this center for its flexible scheduling and emphasis on STEM-inspired learning activities.
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Childtime of Merritt Island
Childtime Learning Centers
Childtime of Merritt Island serves the NASA community with a research-based curriculum that focuses on developmental milestones and school readiness. Their Emergent Curriculum adapts to children's interests while ensuring coverage of essential early learning domains. The center features secure electronic entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Classrooms are organized into learning centers that encourage exploration and independent thinking. The facility offers extended hours to accommodate NASA work schedules and provides real-time updates through a parent communication app. Their playground includes shaded areas and age-appropriate equipment designed for Florida's climate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in NASA, FL
What are the typical costs for full-time infant daycare in NASA, Florida, and are there any local subsidy programs or employer assistance for aerospace industry families?
In NASA, Florida, which is part of the larger Space Coast region including Titusville and Cocoa, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $180 to $250 per week. Costs can be slightly higher for centers with advanced educational curricula or extended hours to accommodate shift work common at the Kennedy Space Center. Florida offers the School Readiness Program, a state-subsidized childcare assistance program for eligible families based on income and work/education requirements. Additionally, many contractors and companies associated with NASA and the aerospace industry, such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, or SpaceX, may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or have partnerships with specific local childcare providers. It's advisable to check with your HR department for any employer-specific childcare benefits or referral services.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers near the Kennedy Space Center, and what strategies can parents use to secure a spot sooner?
Due to high demand from families employed in the aerospace and defense sectors, waitlists for licensed daycare centers in the NASA, FL area (particularly in Titusville, Merritt Island, and Cocoa) can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months, especially for infant and toddler rooms. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy, get on multiple lists even if you're considering a center, and follow up with a polite phone call every 4-6 weeks to show continued interest. Also, explore licensed family childcare homes in neighborhoods like Port St. John or Sharpes, as they may have shorter waitlists and offer more flexible hours for non-traditional work schedules. Many centers prioritize siblings of current enrollees, so if you already have one child in a program, inquire about sibling priority.
What are Florida's specific licensing requirements for daycare providers, and how can I verify a center's compliance and inspection history in Brevard County?
All childcare facilities in Florida, including those in Brevard County where NASA is located, must be licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Key requirements include background screenings for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for 2-year-olds), annual training in topics like CPR and safe sleep, and compliance with health and safety standards. To verify a provider's license, compliance history, and view recent inspection reports, parents can use the DCF's public website called "Florida's Child Care Facility Locator." Simply enter the provider's name or zip code (e.g., 32899 for the Kennedy Space Center area) to access detailed reports, any cited deficiencies, and the facility's license status. This is a crucial step for ensuring your child's safety.
Are there daycare centers or programs in the NASA area that specialize in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) early learning to align with the local community's focus?
Yes, reflecting the community's strong ties to aerospace and technology, several daycare centers and preschools in the Titusville and Space Coast area incorporate STEM into their curriculum. Look for programs accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or those using curricula like HighScope or Creative Curriculum with a STEM enhancement. Some centers may have partnerships with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex or the Astronaut Memorial Foundation for educational resources. Additionally, the Brevard Public Schools' Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program at certain locations may offer STEM-focused voluntary pre-K. When touring, ask specifically about hands-on activities like simple robotics kits, planetarium projects, or nature and engineering exploration.
What options exist for backup or emergency childcare for parents working at the Kennedy Space Center who have irregular hours or mission-critical deadlines?
For aerospace professionals in NASA, FL with unpredictable schedules, several options exist. Some larger daycare centers in Brevard County offer extended hours from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM or later, and a few may provide occasional "drop-in" care for enrolled families, subject to availability. A more reliable solution is to utilize local backup care services. National networks like Bright Horizons have partnerships with many aerospace contractors and may offer subsidized backup care slots at affiliated centers or via in-home care vouchers. Additionally, explore licensed family childcare homes, which often provide more flexible hour arrangements. It's also worth inquiring within your company's employee resource groups for informal nanny shares or babysitting networks with other space industry families.