Children at daycare

48 Child Daycare & Preschools in Gainesville, Florida

Browse all 48 child daycare & preschools in Gainesville, Florida. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Gainesville

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.

  1. 1
    The Kidz House
    4.72 score
    4.9(20)

    4232 Nw 6th St, Bldg 2, Gainesville, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 37 children

    The Kidz House is a family-owned bilingual daycare in Gainesville that receives consistently high praise from parents. Parents highlight the caring, attentive staff, clean facilities, structured activities, and bilingual education as key strengths. Multiple families report their children were happy, well-adjusted, and sad to leave when transitioning to kindergarten or relocating.

    caring and attentive staffbilingual education (English and Spanish)clean facilities
  2. 2

    1823 Nw 5th Ave, Gainesville, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 115 children

    Open Arms Child Development Center in Gainesville receives consistently high praise from parents who describe the staff as caring, dedicated, and genuinely invested in each child's development and well-being. Parents appreciate the strong communication through the ProCare app, safe and nurturing environment, educational activities, and the family-like atmosphere. Multiple parents report long-term enrollment with their children thriving and excited to attend.

    Caring and dedicated staff with low turnoverexcellent communication with parents via ProCare app and weekly newsletterssafe and clean environmentstrong focus on child development and learning
  3. 3

    301 N Main St, Gainesville, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 148 children

    Holy Trinity Episcopal School receives universal praise from parents across all age groups (infants through VPK). Parents consistently highlight the caring, dedicated staff, strong educational foundation, and safe, nurturing environment that makes children thrive.

    Caring and devoted staffDirector Jason's attentiveness to familieshome-like classroom environmentsstrong VPK program with good kindergarten preparation
  4. 4

    4840 Nw 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children

    Imagine Learning Center in Gainesville receives universal praise from parents for its play-based, child-centered curriculum and warm, caring staff. Parents consistently report their children are excited to attend, feel safe and happy, and develop strong foundations for learning. The facility is described as clean, well-supervised, and thoughtfully designed for young children.

    play-based learning approachchild-centered curriculumwarm and caring teacherssafe and
  5. 5

    1121 Nw 6th St, Gainesville, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 62 children

    Parents consistently praise Persimmon Early Learning Academy for its nurturing, community-focused environment and highly engaged teachers. The school receives universal 5-star ratings, with particular recognition for VPK teacher Mr. Bob's project-based learning approach and the strong bonds formed between families. Parents report their children are academically prepared, emotionally supported, and genuinely excited to attend school.

    caring and attentive teachersstr
  6. 6

    2411 Nw 41st St, Gainesville, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 78 children

    Parents consistently praise Education Station and Preschool for exceptional care, personalized attention, and commitment to child development. Staff members are described as caring, family-oriented, and dedicated to helping each child succeed academically and socially. Multiple reviewers highlight the smooth transition to kindergarten and strong emotional bonds formed between staff and children.

    Excellent staffpersonalized learning approachhealthy meals and snacksstrong manners instruction
  7. 7

    419 Ne 1st St, Gainesville, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 152 children

    First United Methodist Preschool receives strong praise from parents and community members. The facility is highlighted for its inclusive, welcoming environment, quality educational programming, and community involvement. Parents appreciate the leadership, music program, and family-oriented activities.

    Inclusive and welcoming environmentnon-judgmental communityquality preschool program (FUMPers and VPK)strong pastoral leadership
  8. 8
    The Child'S Garden
    4.4 score
    4.5(20)

    3536 Nw 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 30 children

    Parents consistently praise The Child's Garden for its caring staff, strong communication through the Brightwheel app, and engaging educational activities. The facility is described as clean, organized, and well-managed by director Ms. Lulu, with small class sizes and abundant outdoor play time. Multiple families report significant improvements in their children's development and happiness since enrolling.

    Compassionate and attentive staffexcellent communication with parentsthoughtful curriculumengaging activities
  9. 9

    3111 Nw 31st Ave, Gainesville, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children

    Flowers Montessori School receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising its Montessori approach, academic rigor, and emphasis on social-emotional development. Parents consistently highlight the peaceful environment, caring staff, and holistic education that prepares children well for kindergarten and beyond. One parent reported poor communication.

    Academic preparation for kindergartensocial-emotional learningpeaceful and organized environment
  10. 10

    2022 Sw 122nd St, Gainesville, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 170 children

    The Academy Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring staff, safe environment, and strong educational programs. Parents consistently highlight excellent communication through apps and updates, as well as the facility's Christian values and preparation for kindergarten.

    Loving and compassionate staffsmall class sizeshigh safety standardsexcellent communication via app with photos/videos

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Gainesville based on parent reviews

The Kidz House

4.9(20)

4232 Nw 6th St, Bldg 2, Gainesville, FL

The Kidz House is a family-owned bilingual daycare in Gainesville that receives consistently high praise from parents. Parents highlight the caring, attentive staff, clean facilities, structured activities, and bilingual education as key strengths. Multiple families report their children were happy, well-adjusted, and sad to leave when transitioning to kindergarten or relocating.

caring and attentive staffbilingual education (English and Spanish)clean facilities

Open Arms Child Development Center

4.8(20)

1823 Nw 5th Ave, Gainesville, FL

Open Arms Child Development Center in Gainesville receives consistently high praise from parents who describe the staff as caring, dedicated, and genuinely invested in each child's development and well-being. Parents appreciate the strong communication through the ProCare app, safe and nurturing environment, educational activities, and the family-like atmosphere. Multiple parents report long-term enrollment with their children thriving and excited to attend.

Caring and dedicated staff with low turnoverexcellent communication with parents via ProCare app and weekly newsletterssafe and clean environment

Imagine Learning Center

5(7)

4840 Nw 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL

Imagine Learning Center in Gainesville receives universal praise from parents for its play-based, child-centered curriculum and warm, caring staff. Parents consistently report their children are excited to attend, feel safe and happy, and develop strong foundations for learning. The facility is described as clean, well-supervised, and thoughtfully designed for young children.

play-based learning approachchild-centered curriculumwarm and caring teachers

Persimmon Early Learning Academy, LLC

4.9(9)

1121 Nw 6th St, Gainesville, FL

Parents consistently praise Persimmon Early Learning Academy for its nurturing, community-focused environment and highly engaged teachers. The school receives universal 5-star ratings, with particular recognition for VPK teacher Mr. Bob's project-based learning approach and the strong bonds formed between families. Parents report their children are academically prepared, emotionally supported, and genuinely excited to attend school.

caring and attentive teachersstr

Education Station And Preschool

5(6)

2411 Nw 41st St, Gainesville, FL

Parents consistently praise Education Station and Preschool for exceptional care, personalized attention, and commitment to child development. Staff members are described as caring, family-oriented, and dedicated to helping each child succeed academically and socially. Multiple reviewers highlight the smooth transition to kindergarten and strong emotional bonds formed between staff and children.

Excellent staffpersonalized learning approachhealthy meals and snacks

Lil Scholars Learning Academy INC

5(4)

3520 Nw 13th St, Gainesville, FL

Map

Child Daycare & Preschools in Gainesville, Florida

There are 48 child daycare & preschools in Gainesville, Florida, making up 76% of the 63 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Gainesville, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Child Daycare & Preschools in Gainesville

Showing 48 results

Small World Daycare & Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Parents consistently praise Small World Daycare for its caring and professional staff, clean facility, and strong communication through the ProCare app. Children are reported to reach developmental milestones and enjoy attending. Recent administrative changes have been well-received by families.

Caring and professional staffclean facilityProCare app for daily updates and photos
Address
1214 Nw 4th St, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 376-0917
A Child'S Academy 2
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8

A Child's Academy 2 in Gainesville receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight the caring, dedicated staff and nurturing learning environment. Parents report their children thrive academically and emotionally, with particular appreciation for specific teachers and the facility's security measures, afterschool programs, and communication tools.

Caring and dedicated staffnurturing environmentstrong academic curriculum
Address
5240 Nw 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 548-4899
A Child'S Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8

A Child's Academy receives consistent praise from parents for its caring, dedicated staff and nurturing learning environment. Parents highlight strong academic programs, excellent communication, security measures, and engaging activities across infant through afterschool programs. Multiple parents report their children have thrived at the facility and feel confident in the staff's care.

Dedicated and compassionate staffnurturing environmentstrong academic curriculum
Address
3401 Nw 34th St, Ste 1, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 371-3360
Nanny'S Loving Arms Early Learning Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.7

Nanny's Loving Arms Early Learning Academy receives consistently positive feedback from parents, with all reviews rating the facility 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring and attentive staff, strong parent-teacher communication, and notable developmental progress in their children. Children reportedly enjoy attending daily and feel safe and loved in this clean, well-organized environment.

caring and attentive staffstrong communication with parentschild development and learning outcomes
Address
5000 Nw 34th Blvd, Ste 17, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 745-7217
Smokey Bear Kiddy College
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.7
Address
2500 Ne 15th St, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 792-6404
A Hidden Child'S World
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.5

A Hidden Child's World receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, compassionate staff and family-oriented atmosphere. Parents highlight the cleanliness, spacious facilities, engaging activities, and personalized attention given to children. Multiple families report long-term enrollment and strong trust in the owners Erik and Erika.

Caring and compassionate staffclean facilityspacious indoor and outdoor play areas
Address
3237 Sw 41st Pl, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 378-6343
Loften Child Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3000 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 955-6839
A Child'S Dream
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4127 Nw 34th St, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 376-5756
Gainesville Country Day School
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2304 Sw 75th St, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 332-9032
La Petite Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools

La Petite Academy in Gainesville receives consistently excellent feedback from parents. All reviews are 5-star ratings praising the caring staff, quality education, and strong teacher-child relationships. Parents particularly highlight the livestream classroom access and daily app updates as valuable features.

Caring and attentive teachersstrong emotional connections with childrenlivestream classroom access
Address
2755 Sw Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 371-0720
O2b Kids College 2
Child Daycare & Preschools

O2B Kids College 2 (Hunters Crossing location) receives universal praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the warm, welcoming environment, strong curriculum, and exceptional staff dedication to child development and family communication. Director Carmen Mercado and individual teachers are frequently mentioned by name for their outstanding care, patience, and professionalism.

Warm and welcoming environmentstrong curriculum with focus on shapes/colors/ABCsattentive and patient staff
Address
4929 Nw 43rd St, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 371-4202
Oh To Be Kids
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
6680 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 332-6400
Superior Child Care & Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1645 Ne 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 372-5523
O2b Kids College 4
Child Daycare & Preschools

O2B Kids College 4 in Gainesville receives consistently positive feedback from parents, with all reviews rating the facility 5/5 stars. Parents particularly praise several standout teachers, especially Ms. Brenda Del Valle, for their dedication, engaging teaching methods, and genuine care for student development. The staff is noted for going above and beyond both in the classroom and in supporting families.

Dedicated and passionate teachersengaging curriculum and l
Address
1555 Nw 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 374-2202
Hand N Hand Christian Child Care Center INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1936 Nw 6th St, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 335-9622
Millhopper Montessori School
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
8505 Nw 39th Ave, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 375-6773
O2b Kids College 3 Ltd
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents consistently praise O2B Kids College 3 for its nurturing environment and dedicated staff. Reviews highlight teacher attentiveness, genuine care for children, and strong communication with parents. Children show enthusiasm for attending and parents report feeling confident in their child's development and safety.

Caring and attentive teachersstrong staff engagement with childrenexcellent communication with parents
Address
3989 Sw 37th Blvd, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 378-8838
Kiddie Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents consistently praise Kiddie Academy for its welcoming environment, caring staff, and clean facilities. All reviewers highlight the camera access feature that allows parents to monitor their children throughout the day. Children reportedly transition well and show genuine happiness attending the center.

friendly and compassionate staffclean and safe environmentcamera monitoring system
Address
6476 Sw 75th St, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 264-7724

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Frequently asked questions

There are 48 child daycare & preschools daycares in Gainesville, Florida, out of 63 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
When choosing a daycare in Gainesville, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with Florida's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Florida)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Gainesville offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 48 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 1 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 14 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in Florida typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Gainesville for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Gainesville must be licensed by Florida's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.