The Best Daycare Centers in Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Santa Rosa Beach. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Santa Rosa Beach
The Learning Center at St. Simon
St. Simon's on the Sound
The Learning Center at St. Simon is a highly-regarded Christian-based childcare facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a developmentally appropriate curriculum that includes literacy, math, science, and social studies, with dedicated outdoor learning environments and playgrounds. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios with qualified early childhood educators, and emphasizes character development alongside academic preparation. Their secure facility includes keypad entry systems and comprehensive safety protocols, with nutritious meals and snacks provided daily.
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Little Sprouts Academy
Independent
Little Sprouts Academy provides a nurturing educational environment with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Montessori and Reggio Emilia influences. The center features certified early childhood teachers with specialized training in developmental milestones and age-appropriate curriculum implementation. Their facility includes modern classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. The academy emphasizes individualized learning plans, regular parent communication through digital platforms, and comprehensive safety measures including secured entry systems and regular emergency drills.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Santa Rosa Beach is part of a nationally recognized early childhood education system offering F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. The school features state-certified teachers with ongoing professional development, purpose-built classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, and extensive outdoor play spaces. Their comprehensive curriculum includes STEAM activities, language development, and character education, supported by secure facilities with surveillance systems, strict pick-up protocols, and health screening procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Santa Rosa Beach, FL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, and are there any local resources to help with affordability?
In Santa Rosa Beach, full-time daycare for an infant or toddler typically ranges from $800 to $1,200+ per month, while preschool programs for ages 3-5 can range from $600 to $1,000 per month. Costs vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum (e.g., Montessori, faith-based), and age of the child. The high demand and seasonal tourism workforce can influence pricing. For financial assistance, Florida's School Readiness Program, administered locally by the Early Learning Coalition of Walton County, offers income-based subsidies. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or flexible payment plans. It's advisable to contact the coalition directly and inquire with individual providers about any available aid.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Santa Rosa Beach, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to high demand and limited year-round facilities in Santa Rosa Beach, waitlists for reputable, licensed daycare centers can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 12 months, especially for infant care. To improve your chances, it's recommended to get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. Be proactive by touring facilities, completing all pre-registration paperwork, and maintaining regular (quarterly) contact with the center's director to express continued interest. Also, consider exploring licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times and offer a more intimate setting, or expanding your search to nearby communities like Blue Mountain Beach or Seagrove.
What specific licensing and safety regulations should I verify for a childcare provider in Santa Rosa Beach, and how can I check a facility's compliance history?
All childcare providers in Santa Rosa Beach must be licensed or registered with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Key regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:11 for 4-year-olds), background screenings for all employees, annual training in topics like CPR and safe sleep, and regular facility inspections. You can and should verify a provider's compliance history online through the DCF's "Child Care Facility Search" tool. This public database shows inspection reports, any cited deficiencies, and the facility's license status. During a tour, don't hesitate to ask the director for their most recent inspection report and to see their license.
Are there childcare options in Santa Rosa Beach that accommodate the schedules of parents working in the local tourism and hospitality industry, which often include weekends and evenings?
Yes, but they require specific research. Traditional daycare centers in Santa Rosa Beach typically operate Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For parents in hospitality, retail, or service industries with non-standard hours, your best options are licensed family childcare homes, which may offer more flexible hours, or seeking a private nanny or nanny-share arrangement. Some larger resorts or employer groups in the area may also have partnerships with or referrals to flexible caregivers. It's crucial to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront during interviews and ensure any caregiver is comfortable and prepared for early morning, late evening, or occasional weekend care.
What are the key differences between a daycare center and a VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) program in Santa Rosa Beach, and can my child attend both?
In Florida, VPK is a free, state-funded program designed to prepare 4-year-olds for kindergarten. In Santa Rosa Beach, VPK is typically offered as a 3-hour daily program (either during the school year or summer) at public schools, private childcare centers, and faith-based schools. A full-day daycare center provides wraparound care for a wider age range (infants through school-age) for the entire workday, for a fee. Many local daycare centers are also approved VPK providers, allowing your child to attend the free VPK instructional hours and then stay for extended "wrap-around" care at the same facility for an additional cost. This integrated option is very popular for working parents. Be sure to check the VPK provider's kindergarten readiness assessment scores, which are published by the Early Learning Coalition.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Santa Rosa Beach: