The Best Daycare Centers in Williston, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Williston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Williston
Sunshine State Early Learning Center
Independent
Sunshine State Early Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They follow a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, focusing on social-emotional development and kindergarten readiness. The center features certified early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios, secure entry systems, and modern learning environments with both indoor and outdoor play areas. Their curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, and creative arts, with nutritious meals provided daily. Parents consistently praise the center's caring staff, clean facilities, and excellent communication about child development progress.
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Little Explorers Learning Academy
Independent
Little Explorers Learning Academy provides a nurturing environment with a strong emphasis on individualized learning and developmental milestones. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired activities with traditional early childhood education, focusing on hands-on learning and exploration. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure access controls. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing training in child development best practices. The academy offers flexible scheduling options and maintains excellent parent-teacher communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Growing Minds Child Development Center
Regional Childcare Management
Growing Minds Child Development Center has served the Williston community for over a decade with a focus on whole-child development and school readiness. Their research-based curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills through thematic units and project-based learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with specialized training in early childhood development, modern security systems, and well-maintained facilities with dedicated learning centers for different age groups. They provide balanced nutrition programs and maintain strong partnerships with local elementary schools to ensure smooth transitions. Parent satisfaction highlights include the center's structured daily routines, engaging educational activities, and experienced teaching staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Williston, FL
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Williston, FL, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Williston, FL, the cost of full-time daycare can vary significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $150 to $200 per week at a licensed center, while toddler care often ranges from $130 to $175 per week. Home-based family childcare may be slightly less expensive. These costs are generally lower than in larger Florida metros like Gainesville or Ocala. For financial assistance, Florida's School Readiness Program is the primary state-subsidized option, administered locally by the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County (which serves Levy County, where Williston is located). Eligibility is based on family income, work/school requirements, and other factors. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Williston?
All childcare facilities in Williston must be licensed or registered with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and review their history is to use the DCF's "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. You can search by provider name, city (Williston), or zip code. This public portal shows the facility's license status, capacity, any serious violations from background screenings, and the results of their most recent licensing inspections, including any cited deficiencies. It's highly recommended to review this information and also contact the DCF Child Care Information line for the North Central region for any specific concerns. Always visit a facility in person to complement this official data.
Are there many daycare centers with extended hours or weekend care in Williston to accommodate non-traditional work schedules?
Options for extended-hour or weekend care in Williston are limited due to its smaller, rural community size. Most licensed centers operate on a fairly standard schedule, typically from around 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. A few licensed family childcare homes may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers common in local industries like healthcare, retail, or agriculture. It is crucial to inquire directly with each provider about their specific hours and potential for early drop-off or late pickup, sometimes for an additional fee. For reliable overnight or weekend care, parents often need to arrange private in-home care or nanny shares with other local families, as institutional options are scarce.
What is the current waitlist situation for infant daycare spots in Williston, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to a lower number of facilities and stricter infant-to-caregiver ratios mandated by Florida law, infant daycare spots (for children under 1 year old) in Williston are in high demand and often have significant waitlists. It is common for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. Therefore, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often is the list updated? Do they give priority to siblings of current enrollees? Being proactive and persistent is key in securing a spot in this tight local market.
What types of preschool or VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) programs are integrated into daycare centers in Williston?
Many licensed daycare centers in Williston offer the state-funded Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program for 4-year-olds (and some 5-year-olds with birthdays before Sept. 1). This is a free program designed to prepare children for kindergarten. In Williston, VPK is typically offered as a part-day (3 hours) program embedded within a full-day childcare schedule, which is essential for working parents. You must register your child through the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. Local providers like the Williston Child Development Center and various church-affiliated preschools often host VPK classrooms. It's important to enroll early, as these spots are also limited and may have their own registration deadlines ahead of the school year.