The Best Daycare Centers in Plantation, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Plantation. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Plantation
The Goddard School of Plantation
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Plantation offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure keypad entry, age-appropriate playgrounds, and classrooms equipped with modern learning materials. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides regular progress reports to parents.
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Bright Horizons at Plantation
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Plantation provides a research-based curriculum called The World at Their Fingertips, which emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including coded entry and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their Emergent Curriculum adapts to children's interests while meeting developmental milestones. The facility includes dedicated art studios, music rooms, and outdoor learning environments. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in continuous training. The center offers enrichment programs in Spanish, yoga, and gardening, along with nutritious meals prepared on-site.
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La Petite Academy of Sunrise
La Petite Academy
Located just minutes from Plantation, La Petite Academy of Sunrise serves families throughout western Broward County with their proprietary Links to Learning curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. The program focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, creative arts, and physical development through hands-on learning experiences. The center maintains enhanced safety protocols including secured entry systems, regular health screenings, and comprehensive emergency preparedness plans. Classroom environments are designed to encourage exploration and independence with learning centers for different developmental domains. The staff includes certified early childhood educators with an average of 8 years of experience, and the center offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Plantation, FL
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Plantation, FL, and what factors influence the price?
In Plantation, FL, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,600 per month. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, averaging between $950 and $1,400 per month. Several key factors influence these prices: the type of facility (corporate chain vs. family-owned center vs. licensed home daycare), the staff-to-child ratio, the inclusion of educational curricula (like Montessori or VPK preparation), and extra amenities such as webcam access, organic meals, or extended hours. Centers in newer developments or those with exceptional state ratings often command higher fees. It's also important to note that prices in Plantation are generally consistent with the broader Broward County average but can be higher than in some neighboring inland communities.
How do I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare center in Plantation?
All childcare facilities in Plantation 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 official "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. You can search by the facility's name or location to view its current license status, capacity, and any reported violations or complaints. The report will detail the nature of any non-compliance and whether it has been corrected. We strongly recommend visiting the center in person and asking the director to see their most recent DFC inspection report, which they are required to have on-site. This due diligence is crucial for ensuring your child's safety in a regulated environment.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Plantation, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for high-demand daycare centers in Plantation, especially for infant rooms and highly-rated preschool programs. For infant care, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler and preschool spots, starting your search 6 to 9 months in advance is a prudent strategy. The most sought-after centers, often those with national accreditation (like NAEYC) or located near major employment hubs like Sawgrass Corporate Parkway, tend to have the longest lists. When touring, always ask about the specific waitlist policy, including any deposit required to hold a spot and how often you should check in to maintain your position.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Plantation?
Plantation offers several options for parents not needing traditional full-time, Monday-Friday care. Many centers offer part-time schedules, such as 2 or 3 days a week, though these spots can be limited. Another popular option is utilizing licensed family daycare homes, which often provide more schedule flexibility. Additionally, several preschools in the area offer half-day programs (typically 9 AM - 12 PM) for children aged 2-5. For more sporadic or emergency care, there are drop-in daycare facilities in the wider Broward area, though none are currently located directly within Plantation city limits. Always confirm that any part-time program is still licensed by DCF and adheres to Florida's early learning standards.
Does the City of Plantation offer any public preschool or early learning programs, such as Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)?
The City of Plantation itself does not directly operate daycare centers, but it is a key location for Florida's free Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program. Numerous private daycare centers and preschools within Plantation are approved VPK providers. This state-funded program provides 540 instructional hours per year for all 4-year-olds in Florida, regardless of family income. Parents in Plantation can choose from a variety of VPK providers, each with its own educational approach (play-based, academic, faith-based, etc.). To find a provider, use the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County's website to search for approved programs in the 33317, 33322, 33324, and other Plantation zip codes. Registration typically opens in the spring for the fall semester.