
Compare 87 daycare centers in Sarasota. Average rating: 4.32/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Sarasota has 87 licensed daycares with 681 parent reviews averaging 4.32/5.34 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 53% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around the 34231 zip code, averaging 4.67 stars across 12 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.
4672 Mcintosh Lane, Sarasota, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children
Capokids receives universal 5/5 star ratings from parents who praise the caring staff, family-like environment, and unique capoeira-based program. Parents consistently report their children love attending, show increased confidence, and develop strong friendships while learning Brazilian culture and physical activity alongside academics.
800 Mcintosh Road, Sarasota, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 44 children
Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Preschool is a religious facility in Sarasota, Florida, with a 4.9/5 Google rating based on parent reviews. Parents consistently praise the Bible-based curriculum, welcoming and family-oriented community, and caring staff. The facility operates as part of a larger church and school system with strong Christian values emphasized throughout.
2935 E. Hillview St., Sarasota, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 32 children
Bright Start Child Development Center in Sarasota receives consistently excellent reviews with parents praising the caring, attentive staff led by Ms. Agata. Parents highlight the warm environment, strong communication, cleanliness, and structured curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten. Multiple families note significant improvements in their children's development and emotional well-being after switching from other daycares.
5615 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 45 children
St. Boniface Preschool in Sarasota is a religious facility with a 4.8/5 Google rating. However, the recent reviews provided are not about the daycare itself, but rather about candlelight concert events held at the facility. These concert reviews consistently praise the music quality, venue atmosphere, and overall experience.
2240 Proctor Road, Sarasota, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 80 children
CapoKids is a highly-rated preschool and VPK program in Sarasota that combines traditional curriculum with capoeira martial arts, yoga, and cultural activities. Parents consistently praise the staff's dedication, the program's effectiveness in building children's confidence and social skills, and the unique blend of physical activity with academics. The school creates a welcoming, family-like environment where children thrive both emotionally and academically.
374 Scott Ave, Sarasota, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 104 children
Parents consistently praise Little Peoples Place for exceptional staff care, educational focus, and family-like environment. The owner, Ms. Debbie, and her team are described as loving, nurturing educators who treat children as individuals and go above and beyond expectations. Multiple families have returned or recommended the facility based on their positive experiences.
3813 Alden Way, Sarasota, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 42 children
Angels Child Development Center in Sarasota receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the professional, caring staff, welcoming environment, and strong child development outcomes, with many noting their children are happy and eager to attend.
5651 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 100 children
Good Shepherd Lutheran School receives uniformly positive feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring, creative teachers, strong kindergarten preparation, family events, and safe learning environment. Many parents report their children look forward to attending and have enrolled multiple children at the facility.
4875 Swift Rd, Sarasota, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 75 children
Wooden Shoes Child Care Center in Sarasota receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring and attentive staff, strong owner involvement, engaging curriculum, and clean facility that has positively impacted their children's development and happiness.
2500 10th St, Sarasota, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 73 children
The Renaissance Preschool in Sarasota receives consistently positive feedback from parents, with all reviews rating the facility 5/5 stars. Parents praise the attentive and caring staff, clean environment, structured curriculum with hands-on learning, and strong communication from leadership. Children show measurable academic and social development, with parents reporting high satisfaction and willingness to recommend the center.
Based on 64 daycares with Google ratings in Sarasota
Top qualities mentioned across 681 reviews, analyzed by AI
Average ratings by facility type in Sarasota, based on parent reviews
Sarasota zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34231 | 12 | 4.67 | 6 | |
| 34239 | 8 | 4.61 | 5 | |
| 34232 | 7 | 4.59 | 5 | |
| 34243 | 7 | 4.32 | 2 | |
| 34233 | 7 | 4.28 | 4 | |
| 34237 | 12 | 3.98 | 2 | |
| 34234 | 11 | 3.81 | 1 | |
| 34236 | 6 | 3.63 | 0 |
Capacity distribution of daycares in Sarasota (15–170 children)
Small
up to 30 children
11
Medium
31–75 children
44
Large
76–150 children
24
Very Large
150+ children
5
Highest rated daycares in Sarasota based on parent reviews
4672 Mcintosh Lane, Sarasota, FL
Capokids receives universal 5/5 star ratings from parents who praise the caring staff, family-like environment, and unique capoeira-based program. Parents consistently report their children love attending, show increased confidence, and develop strong friendships while learning Brazilian culture and physical activity alongside academics.
800 Mcintosh Road, Sarasota, FL
Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Preschool is a religious facility in Sarasota, Florida, with a 4.9/5 Google rating based on parent reviews. Parents consistently praise the Bible-based curriculum, welcoming and family-oriented community, and caring staff. The facility operates as part of a larger church and school system with strong Christian values emphasized throughout.
2935 E. Hillview St., Sarasota, FL
Bright Start Child Development Center in Sarasota receives consistently excellent reviews with parents praising the caring, attentive staff led by Ms. Agata. Parents highlight the warm environment, strong communication, cleanliness, and structured curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten. Multiple families note significant improvements in their children's development and emotional well-being after switching from other daycares.
5615 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL
St. Boniface Preschool in Sarasota is a religious facility with a 4.8/5 Google rating. However, the recent reviews provided are not about the daycare itself, but rather about candlelight concert events held at the facility. These concert reviews consistently praise the music quality, venue atmosphere, and overall experience.
2240 Proctor Road, Sarasota, FL
CapoKids is a highly-rated preschool and VPK program in Sarasota that combines traditional curriculum with capoeira martial arts, yoga, and cultural activities. Parents consistently praise the staff's dedication, the program's effectiveness in building children's confidence and social skills, and the unique blend of physical activity with academics. The school creates a welcoming, family-like environment where children thrive both emotionally and academically.
374 Scott Ave, Sarasota, FL
Parents consistently praise Little Peoples Place for exceptional staff care, educational focus, and family-like environment. The owner, Ms. Debbie, and her team are described as loving, nurturing educators who treat children as individuals and go above and beyond expectations. Multiple families have returned or recommended the facility based on their positive experiences.
Sarasota offers a robust selection of 87 childcare facilities, ranging from faith-based preschools to independent centers, ensuring parents have diverse options for their children's early education. Many families highlight the importance of a clean, safe environment where kids feel excited to attend, making the search for the right fit both meaningful and manageable. Whether you prefer a neighborhood close to the water or a quiet residential area, this directory helps you navigate the local landscape with confidence.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Sarasota have an average rating of 4.32 out of 5 across 64 rated facilities, with 53% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.49 stars. Our analysis covers 681 parent reviews. Parents in Sarasota most frequently praise daycares for clean facility, children excited to attend, and safe environment.
When choosing a daycare in Sarasota, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
Showing 87 results
Shining Stars Learning Center receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the staff's genuine care, nurturing environment, and rigorous academic curriculum. Parents report their children develop advanced academic skills, transition smoothly to kindergarten and elementary school, and genuinely enjoy attending. The facility is described as a top choice in the Sarasota area.
Parents praise The Gan at Temple Sinai as a warm, welcoming early education center within a vibrant Jewish community. The facility is noted for its beautiful property, inclusive atmosphere, and strong support system for families. Children thrive in this caring environment that emphasizes Jewish values and education.
Parents praise the Selby Preschool program at this facility for fostering children's growth and interests, with consistently positive feedback about the beautiful campus, safe environment, and excellent staff. Communication with parents through the Dojo app and daily activity photos is highlighted as a strength. Children are reported to be happy and eager to attend daily.
Parents consistently praise Lakeside Academy for its caring staff, particularly director Ms. Jackie, and its strong academic curriculum that prepares children well for kindergarten. Children reportedly enjoy attending daily and show advanced development across academic, social, and emotional domains. The facility is described as a nurturing community that balances structured learning with play and fun activities.
NEW COLLEGE CHILD CENTER in Sarasota receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising staff care and educational activities. However, one negative review indicates management changes led to concerns about hygiene, excessive screen time, and unclear policies in the toddler class.
Albatross Learning Centers in Sarasota receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight the caring and dedicated staff, engaging daily activities, and clean facilities. Parents report their children are happy, learning, and developing well, with some noting improvements in behavior and health compared to other daycares.
One parent highlights the center's thoughtful and caring staff, noting that children are only sent home when health criteria are met. In contrast, another review criticizes the facility for frequently sending children home for minor symptoms like coughs, citing a lack of consideration for parents' work obligations.
One parent reports that the center is thoughtful and caring, keeping children home only when specific health criteria are met, while another criticizes the strict policy of sending children home for minor symptoms like a cough or sniffle. A third inquiry was made regarding a staff member's name but contained no feedback on the service.
Circle of Friends Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, nurturing teaching staff and strong developmental focus. Parents report their children thrived academically and socially, with many noting children exceeded kindergarten readiness and excelled in elementary school. The facility is described as well-organized with a family-like community atmosphere.
KinderHouse Preschool in Sarasota receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring and dedicated staff, clean facilities, and quality education. One parent reported concerns about behavior changes, sugary snacks, and a physical incident with their child that led them to withdraw.
First Presbyterian Preschool is a religious facility in Sarasota with a 4.2/5 Google rating. Parents praise the preschool as top-notch and describe the church community as warm, welcoming, and accepting. The facility is noted for its strong ministerial staff and community atmosphere.
Several parents highlight the loving, family-like atmosphere and enthusiastic teachers, noting that children enjoy attending daily. Conversely, one review warns of a significant decline in cleanliness and professionalism, citing rude communication from the owner.
One parent describes a highly positive experience with patient teachers and a safe, organized environment that supported their grandson's gifted academic development. In contrast, a separate review highlights significant communication failures and administrative neglect regarding a refund and schedule changes during the pandemic.
One parent highlights the center's loving teachers and organized environment, while another shares a detailed account of her grandson's exceptional academic success under their care. However, a separate reviewer reports significant issues with staff professionalism and communication regarding refunds and hours at a different location.
Little Disciples Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the creative curriculum, caring staff, and positive school culture. However, one parent reported a negative experience involving the abrupt removal of their child, citing concerns about lack of support for children needing additional attention.
The reviews appear to be mismatched with the daycare listing. Most reviews reference Suncoast Technical College/Career Center programs, not a preschool. The few relevant comments praise staff helpfulness and clean facilities.
One parent describes the facility as excellent and wishes they had another infant to enroll, while another simply notes it was a good time.
Reviewers highlight a structured, creative curriculum and a close-knit family atmosphere where teachers model good manners. Parents appreciate the engaging arts and performance opportunities offered within a small-class setting.
Parents overwhelmingly praise Easter Seals Southwest Florida for its warm, caring atmosphere and well-equipped teaching staff. The facility is described as clean and special, with passionate individuals providing valuable community resources. Most reviews highlight positive experiences, though a couple of reviews are unclear or difficult to interpret.
Parents consistently praise Sandman Preschool & Academy for its friendly, caring staff and family-owned atmosphere. Children show enthusiasm for attending, with reported developmental progress in speech, learning, and social skills. The facility is noted for excellent pricing and flexible scheduling options.
Bright Beginnings Preschool receives mostly positive reviews praising staff care, communication, and curriculum, with parents noting their children thrive academically and emotionally. However, several recent reviews raise serious concerns about facility cleanliness, maintenance, and a disease outbreak in the infant room that resulted in job loss for one parent.
Note: Reviews provided are for The Pines of Sarasota skilled nursing and memory care facility, not a child care center. Reviews consistently praise exceptional care, compassionate staff, cleanliness, and strong communication with families. Multiple reviewers highlight outstanding physical therapy services and support during end-of-life care.
Koala Early Education Center receives highly polarized reviews. While many parents praise the caring staff, educational curriculum, cleanliness, and bilingual environment, others report poor communication, lack of supervision, billing issues, and unprofessional administration.
Play & Grow Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from most parents, who praise the caring staff, hands-on teaching, strong communication, and bilingual curriculum. However, a small number of negative reviews cite concerns about refund policies and staff rudeness. The majority of parents report their children thrive and love attending.
One parent highlights significant skill improvement in their baby and expresses strong appreciation for the director and staff. A second review offers a brief positive note regarding their grandson's attendance, though it provides no specific details about the care quality.
One parent describes a positive experience with caring staff and strong communication, while another notes a professional, clean, and affordable environment. Conversely, a separate review details severe allegations of negligence, physical harm, and discriminatory treatment of a disabled child, citing ongoing investigations and legal action.
Some parents highlight the facility as a professional, clean, and affordable option with caring staff who communicate regularly and support learning. In contrast, one review details severe allegations of neglect, physical injury, and discriminatory treatment of a disabled child, citing ongoing legal investigations.
A few parents highlight the staff's professionalism and genuine care for children, including those with special needs like premature infants. However, others report significant issues with administrative communication, including unreturned calls, hanging up, and poor handling of enrollment inquiries.
One parent highlights the staff's caring nature and the facility's exceptional cleanliness, noting that their grandson enjoyed the program. No negative aspects were reported in this single review.
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