The Best Daycare Centers in Sorrento, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sorrento. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sorrento
Mount Dora Children's Academy
Mount Dora Children's Academy
Mount Dora Children's Academy is a highly-regarded early learning center serving the Sorrento area with comprehensive educational programs. They feature a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social development. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and employs certified early childhood educators. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and modern learning materials. They offer full-day programs with nutritious meals and snacks included, plus specialized VPK preparation. The academy is known for its strong parent communication through daily reports and regular progress updates.
Daycare Services:
Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Mount Dora
Kids 'R' Kids International
Kids 'R' Kids of Mount Dora provides premium childcare services to Sorrento families with their advanced curriculum and secure facility. Their educational approach combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation, including STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities. The center features secured entry systems, live-streaming cameras for parent viewing, and sanitization protocols. Certified teachers implement age-appropriate lesson plans with focus on kindergarten readiness. The facility includes multiple playgrounds, interactive learning centers, and dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas.
Daycare Services:
First Baptist Church of Eustis Child Development Center
First Baptist Church of Eustis
This established child development center serves Sorrento families with a faith-based educational approach combined with strong academic foundations. Their curriculum focuses on whole-child development including spiritual, social, emotional, and cognitive growth. The center maintains small class sizes with experienced, CPR-certified teachers who receive ongoing professional development. Facilities include secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers for different developmental stages. They offer comprehensive VPK programs with emphasis on literacy and math readiness, plus extended care options for working families.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sorrento, FL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Sorrento, FL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Sorrento and the surrounding Lake County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week, while preschool for toddlers and older children can range from $140 to $190 per week. These costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas like Orlando but can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, Florida's School Readiness Program is a key resource, administered locally by the Early Learning Coalition of Lake County. This program provides income-eligible families with subsidized childcare. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's advisable to contact the Early Learning Coalition directly or inquire with individual providers about available aid and enrollment procedures.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a childcare provider in Sorrento?
All licensed childcare facilities in Sorrento, FL, are regulated by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can easily verify a provider's license and view their compliance history online through the DCF's "Child Care Facility Search" tool. This public database allows you to search by provider name, city, or zip code (32776 for Sorrento) and view critical details such as license status, capacity, any substantiated complaints, and results of recent inspections. It's highly recommended to review this information for any provider you are considering. Additionally, you can contact the DCF's Child Care Information Line for further assistance. Always ensure the facility displays its current license visibly on-site.
Are there many in-home daycare options (Family Child Care Homes) in Sorrento, and what should I look for when choosing one?
Sorrento's more rural setting means in-home Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs) are a common and valued childcare option, often offering a smaller, home-like environment. To find licensed FCCHs, use the Florida DCF search tool and filter for "Family Day Care Home." When evaluating one, ensure they are licensed (either registered or licensed, with licensed homes allowing for more children) and ask about their emergency plans, especially for weather events common to Central Florida. Inquire about their daily schedule, meal provisions, and backyard play area safety. Given the community's size, personal referrals from other Sorrento parents can be invaluable. Always schedule a visit to observe the environment, check for safety measures like covered outlets and secured gates, and assess your comfort level with the provider.
What is the current waitlist situation for daycare centers in Sorrento, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to Sorrento's growth and limited number of dedicated childcare centers, waitlists are common, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 3 to 6 months or longer. We strongly recommend beginning your search at least 6-9 months before your needed start date, particularly for infant care. For preschool-age children, starting 4-6 months in advance is advisable. When contacting centers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot, and how often the list is updated. Being flexible with your start date can sometimes improve your chances. Exploring options in nearby communities like Mount Dora or Eustis may also provide alternatives if local waitlists are prohibitive.
What are some unique programs or features offered by childcare providers in the Sorrento area that cater to the local community?
Childcare providers in Sorrento often incorporate elements that reflect the area's semi-rural, agricultural, and natural environment. Some centers may have "farm-to-table" or gardening programs where children help grow vegetables, connecting them to the local farming community. Others might emphasize outdoor exploration and nature-based learning, taking advantage of Florida's climate and nearby natural spaces. Given the presence of many families with ties to agriculture or equestrian activities, some programs may incorporate animal education. Furthermore, with Sorrento being part of Lake County, several providers participate in the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program, a free pre-K program for all 4-year-olds in Florida, which is a significant local benefit. Always ask providers about their unique curricular focuses and how they engage with the local community.