The Best Daycare Centers in Noma, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Noma. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Noma
The Goddard School of Niceville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Niceville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development, with daily communication to parents through the proprietary mobile app.
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The Learning Experience - Crestview
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Crestview provides a comprehensive early education curriculum with proprietary programs including L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) and phonics-based reading preparation. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, certified early childhood educators, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Their approach combines academic preparation with character development through Manners Matter® and philanthropy programs. Facilities include interactive whiteboards, dedicated playgrounds, and nutritionally balanced meal programs.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Fort Walton Beach
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Fort Walton Beach offers Life Essentials® curriculum that promotes social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development through hands-on learning experiences. The academy employs degreed early childhood educators who implement age-appropriate lesson plans aligned with state early learning standards. Security features include electronic entry systems, surveillance cameras, and strict pickup authorization protocols. The program emphasizes STEM learning, literacy development, and healthy lifestyle habits through structured activities and nutritious meals prepared on-site.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Noma, FL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Noma, Florida, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Noma, as in all of Florida, daycare facilities must be licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). This includes meeting strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, background checks for all employees, health and safety inspections, and staff training in CPR and first aid. To verify a facility's compliance, you can use the DCF's "Child Care Facility Search" tool online, which shows the license status, any recent inspections, and any substantiated complaints. Given Noma's rural setting in Holmes County, it's especially important to confirm licensing, as options may be more limited and home-based programs are common. Always ask to see the facility's current license during your visit.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Noma, FL?
In the Noma area, childcare costs are generally lower than the Florida state average due to the rural nature of Holmes County. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately $100 to $150 per week for a toddler at a licensed family childcare home. Center-based care is less common locally but may range from $120 to $180 per week. Infant care typically costs 10-20% more. These rates are significantly more affordable than urban areas in Florida, but availability can be very limited. It's crucial to budget for any registration fees and to inquire if the provider participates in the School Readiness program, which offers financial assistance to eligible families in Florida.
Are there any state or local programs in Noma that help with childcare costs for working families?
Yes, the primary resource is Florida's **School Readiness (SR) Program**, which provides financial assistance for childcare to eligible low-income working families or those in education/training programs. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. In Holmes County, which includes Noma, the program is administered by the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida. You can apply through their office in nearby Chipley. Additionally, all Florida children are eligible for the **Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)** program the year they turn 4, which provides free, part-day educational instruction. Many local home-based providers and centers in the area may offer wraparound care for VPK hours.
How far in advance should I put my child on a waitlist for daycare in Noma, and what are my options if nothing is available?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small community like Noma, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists **at least 6 to 9 months before you need care**, especially for infant spots. Many reputable home-based providers may only have a handful of slots. If you find all local options have waitlists, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Bonifay (the Holmes County seat) or Graceville. Another option is to explore legally operating **informal family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) care**. If you go this route, you can still utilize the School Readiness program if the caregiver passes a background check and meets basic health and safety requirements through the "Licensed Exempt" provider process.
What are some key questions to ask a potential daycare provider in Noma, given its rural setting?
Beyond standard questions about curriculum and daily schedules, parents in Noma should ask location-specific questions: * **Emergency Preparedness:** "What is your plan for severe weather (like tornadoes or hurricanes) and for medical emergencies, considering the distance to the nearest hospital in Bonifay or Marianna?" * **Transportation & Field Trips:** "Do you provide any transportation, and if so, what are the safety protocols for rural roads? Are there any regular outings, and where do you go?" * **Outdoor Play & Safety:** "Can you describe your outdoor play area? How is it secured from wildlife or stray animals common in rural areas?" * **Staffing Consistency:** "How long has your current staff been here? What is your backup plan if the primary caregiver is sick?" (This is critical for small in-home operations). * **Communication:** "How will you communicate with me during the day, considering that cell phone service can be spotty in some parts of Holmes County?"