The Best Daycare Centers in Ormond Beach, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ormond Beach. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ormond Beach
The Goddard School of Ormond Beach
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Ormond Beach 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 play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development, maintaining low student-teacher ratios. The school emphasizes communication with parents through daily reports and regular updates, creating a nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond.
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Primrose School of Ormond Beach
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Ormond Beach provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their research-based curriculum includes literacy, math, science, social studies, and character development. The school features secure facilities with dedicated infant rooms, interactive learning centers, and safe outdoor playgrounds. Their exclusive Harmony & Heart® program incorporates music, art, and movement. Teachers maintain detailed developmental milestones tracking and provide regular parent communication. The school emphasizes whole-child development with a focus on building independence, confidence, and essential academic foundations.
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Kiddie Academy of Daytona Beach
Kiddie Academy International
Located just minutes from Ormond Beach, Kiddie Academy of Daytona Beach offers Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character education, STEM learning, and literacy development. The academy features secure, modern facilities with age-appropriate learning environments, interactive technology, and safe outdoor play spaces. Their program includes nutritious meal plans, structured learning activities, and flexible scheduling options. Teachers are CPR/First Aid certified and participate in continuous professional development. The academy maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, and family engagement events, creating a comprehensive educational experience for children from infancy through school age.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ormond Beach, FL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Ormond Beach, FL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Ormond Beach, the cost for full-time daycare or preschool varies significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $175 to $250 per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, weekly rates typically range from $150 to $220. Accredited centers or those with specialized curricula (like Montessori) tend to be at the higher end. To help with these costs, Florida offers statewide assistance through the School Readiness Program, administered locally by the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia Counties. This program provides income-eligible families with subsidized childcare. Additionally, many local centers offer sibling discounts, and some may have private scholarship opportunities. It's highly recommended to contact the Early Learning Coalition directly to determine your eligibility and apply.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare center in Ormond Beach?
All childcare facilities in Ormond Beach must be licensed and regulated by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). The most reliable way to verify a center's standing is to use the DCF's "Child Care Facility Search" tool available on their official website. You can search by the facility's name or location to view its current license status, capacity, and any reported violations or complaints. The inspection reports detail findings from routine and incident-driven visits, including citations for non-compliance with state standards on health, safety, and staff qualifications. For a more local perspective, you can also call the DCF's Central Florida Communications Center. Always visit a center in person and ask the director for their most recent inspection report to discuss any items directly.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Ormond Beach, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care and highly-rated preschool programs in Ormond Beach. The demand often exceeds supply for children under two years old. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally 6 to 12 months before your needed start date, particularly if you require care for an infant. Some popular centers may have waitlists that extend over a year. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length, the deposit or fee to join it (which is often non-refundable), and how frequently they update families on their status. Considering a mix of larger centers, smaller home-based childcare (licensed Family Child Care Homes), and facilities in neighboring areas like Daytona Beach or Port Orange can increase your options.
What are some key factors to consider when choosing between a large daycare center and a smaller, home-based childcare in Ormond Beach?
Choosing between a center and a home-based program involves weighing several local factors. **Large Centers** in Ormond Beach (like those part of chains or church-affiliated programs) often offer structured curricula, multiple classrooms by age, and larger outdoor play areas. They typically have more staff, which can mean better coverage during absences, and they must adhere to strict DCF ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants). **Licensed Family Child Care Homes** offer a smaller, family-like setting, often with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They may offer more flexible hours and can be more affordable. However, they have smaller capacity (max of 10 children) and rely on a single provider or small team. In Ormond Beach, home-based providers must meet the same DCF health and safety licensing standards. Consider your child's temperament, your need for schedule flexibility, and visit both types to get a feel for the environment.
How does Florida's climate and location in Ormond Beach influence daycare policies and activities?
Ormond Beach's subtropical climate, with hot summers, mild winters, and the potential for severe weather, directly shapes daycare operations. First, **outdoor play** is a daily priority, but centers have strict policies for heat index warnings, applying sunscreen (with parental permission), and ensuring hydration. Many have shaded play areas. Second, **hurricane preparedness** is critical. All licensed facilities are required to have a detailed disaster plan approved by DCF. Parents should ask about evacuation routes, shelter-in-place procedures, and how they will communicate closures during storms. Third, **insect-borne illnesses** like those from mosquitoes are a consideration; centers should have policies on repellent and eliminating standing water. Finally, proximity to the beach means some programs may incorporate nature-based learning about local ecosystems, but field trips to the ocean require exceptionally high staff-to-child ratios and parental consent.
Nearby Cities
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