Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Lakeland, FL
Compare 63 child daycare & preschools in Lakeland. Average rating: 4.01/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Lakeland, Florida at a glance
- Programs
- 63
- Avg rating
- 4.01/5
- Parent reviews
- 595
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 26
Lakeland has 63 licensed child daycare & preschools with 595 parent reviews averaging 4.01/5.26 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 47% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 33809 (avg 4.7 stars), while 33801 has the largest selection (20 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Lakeland
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.
- 1Covenant Child Development Center4.74 score5(14)
210 Poppell Dr, Lakeland, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 150 children
Parents consistently praise Covenant Child Development Center for its warm, nurturing environment and caring, compassionate staff. The center is particularly noted for combining quality education with Christian values and maintaining small class sizes. Children reportedly enjoy attending and thrive both academically and spiritually.
Caring and compassionate teacherswarm and welcoming environmentsmall class sizesChrist-centered/faith-based curriculum - 2Sheri'S Learning Thru Love4.72 score4.9(20)
2302 Haywood St, Lakeland, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 22 children
Parents unanimously praise Sheri's Learning Thru Love for its caring, family-like environment and dedicated staff. Children show significant behavioral and academic improvement, and parents consistently report feeling comfortable and confident in the center's care. The school is frequently recommended for its engaging, personalized approach to early childhood education.
Caring and loving stafffamily atmosphereindividualized attentionacademic and behavioral improvement in children - 3Creative Minds Learning Academy4.72 score4.9(20)
3108 Atlantic Ave, Lakeland, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 78 children
Creative Minds Learning Academy in Lakeland receives exclusively positive feedback from parents, with all reviews rating 5/5 stars. Parents consistently praise the caring and patient staff, strong curriculum, developmental progress in children's speech and academics, and engaging family events. The center is noted for its ability to handle children with special needs and behavioral challenges while fostering a loving, inclusive environment.
Patient and caring staffstrong academic curriculumchild developmental progress (speechreading - 4Country Lane Child Enrichment Center4.69 score5(11)
105 W Daughtery Rd, Lakeland, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 80 children
Country Lane Child Enrichment Center in Lakeland receives consistently perfect ratings from parents who praise the caring, dedicated teachers and family-oriented environment. Parents report their children are well-prepared for kindergarten, flourish academically and socially, and enjoy the integrated dance and enrichment programs. Many families have multi-generational connections to the center spanning decades.
Caring and loving teacherssmall class sizesstrong kindergarten preparationsafe environment - 5Paholas Dba Ms Kristin'S Kinder Academy4.64 score5(9)
923 Fairlane Dr, Lakeland, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 52 children
Ms. Kristin's Kinder Academy in Lakeland receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring, professional staff and quality of care. Parents report their children are happy, safe, and engaged in various learning activities throughout the year at competitive pricing.
Kind and caring staffsafe and clean facilitiesexcellent teacher-child interactionsvariety of educational activities and programs - 6Kathleen Baptist Child Enrichment Center4.64 score4.8(20)
3939 2nd St Nw, Lakeland, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 125 children
Parents praise Kathleen Baptist Child Enrichment Center as an outstanding, affordable preschool program with dedicated teachers and quality curriculum. The facility is part of a welcoming, Bible-based church community known for strong children's ministry and community support. Multiple reviewers highlight the caring staff and positive experiences for their children.
Outstanding curriculumaffordable pricingcaring and dedicated teacherspart of supportive faith co - 7Star Achievers Learning Center4.58 score5(7)
850 N Lake Ave, Lakeland, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 78 children
Star Achievers Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents. Parents highlight the caring and experienced staff, quality curriculum, and clean facility. Children show notable developmental progress, and the center has maintained an excellent compliance record with no DCF violations.
friendly and caring staffquality curriculumclean facilityhelpful director - 8A Little Bit Of Heaven Child Enrichment Center4.48 score4.7(11)
424 W Daughtery Rd, Lakeland, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 100 children
A Little Bit of Heaven Child Enrichment Center in Lakeland receives consistently excellent feedback from parents. All recent reviews are 5-star ratings praising the caring, attentive staff, strong leadership by Director Ms. Niki, and safe, welcoming environment. Parents report their children are happy, well-cared-for, and developmentally supported.
Caring and attentive staffstrong director leadershipsafe facility with security measuresindividual attention to children's needs including allergies and developmental issues - 9Creative Minds Academy II4.47 score4.6(18)
1802 Crystal Lake Dr, Lakeland, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 41 children
Creative Minds Academy II receives consistently high praise from parents, with all recent reviews rating the center 5/5 stars. Parents highlight the caring and professional staff, particularly staff member Mrs. Norma, as well as the nurturing learning environment, structured curriculum, and special events. The center is noted for its attentiveness to individual child needs, including special support for children with autism.
Caring and professional staffPatient and attentive teachersStructured learning curriculumWelcoming atmosphere - 10
3915 Old Road 37, Lakeland, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 174 children
Parents consistently praise Bright Imaginations Learning Center for its professional, caring staff who prioritize child development and safety. The facility maintains strong communication with parents, implements secure entry systems, and maintains clean environments. Children show successful transitions to kindergarten and parents report high satisfaction with their children's progress and adjustment.
Professional and caring staffstrong communication with parentssecure building access with double-lock systemclean facility
Rating Distribution
Based on 55 daycares with Google ratings in Lakeland
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 595 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Lakeland, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Lakeland zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33809 | 10 | 4.7 | 5 | |
| 33801 | 20 | 4.54 | 9 | |
| 33813 | 16 | 4.27 | 8 | |
| 33805 | 11 | 4.03 | 1 | |
| 33815 | 9 | 3.4 | 0 | |
| 33803 | 10 | 3.38 | 1 | |
| 33811 | 6 | 3 | 1 | |
| 33810 | 9 | 2.72 | 1 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Lakeland (22–350 children)
Small
up to 30 children
7
Medium
31–75 children
42
Large
76–150 children
31
Very Large
150+ children
9
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Lakeland based on parent reviews
Covenant Child Development Center
210 Poppell Dr, Lakeland, FL
Parents consistently praise Covenant Child Development Center for its warm, nurturing environment and caring, compassionate staff. The center is particularly noted for combining quality education with Christian values and maintaining small class sizes. Children reportedly enjoy attending and thrive both academically and spiritually.
Sheri'S Learning Thru Love
2302 Haywood St, Lakeland, FL
Parents unanimously praise Sheri's Learning Thru Love for its caring, family-like environment and dedicated staff. Children show significant behavioral and academic improvement, and parents consistently report feeling comfortable and confident in the center's care. The school is frequently recommended for its engaging, personalized approach to early childhood education.
Creative Minds Learning Academy
3108 Atlantic Ave, Lakeland, FL
Creative Minds Learning Academy in Lakeland receives exclusively positive feedback from parents, with all reviews rating 5/5 stars. Parents consistently praise the caring and patient staff, strong curriculum, developmental progress in children's speech and academics, and engaging family events. The center is noted for its ability to handle children with special needs and behavioral challenges while fostering a loving, inclusive environment.
Country Lane Child Enrichment Center
105 W Daughtery Rd, Lakeland, FL
Country Lane Child Enrichment Center in Lakeland receives consistently perfect ratings from parents who praise the caring, dedicated teachers and family-oriented environment. Parents report their children are well-prepared for kindergarten, flourish academically and socially, and enjoy the integrated dance and enrichment programs. Many families have multi-generational connections to the center spanning decades.
Paholas Dba Ms Kristin'S Kinder Academy
923 Fairlane Dr, Lakeland, FL
Ms. Kristin's Kinder Academy in Lakeland receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring, professional staff and quality of care. Parents report their children are happy, safe, and engaged in various learning activities throughout the year at competitive pricing.
Star Achievers Learning Center
850 N Lake Ave, Lakeland, FL
Star Achievers Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents. Parents highlight the caring and experienced staff, quality curriculum, and clean facility. Children show notable developmental progress, and the center has maintained an excellent compliance record with no DCF violations.
Map
Daycare types in Lakeland
Browse by type in Lakeland
Child Daycare & Preschools in Lakeland, Florida
Lakeland offers a diverse mix of childcare options, including Montessori-inspired programs and traditional preschools, catering to various educational philosophies and budget needs. Parents consistently highlight clean facilities and affordable pricing as key strengths, noting that children are often excited to attend. The area also features standout neighborhoods, with the 33811 zip code leading in average ratings across its local centers.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Lakeland have an average rating of 4.01 out of 5 across 55 rated facilities, with 47% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.47 stars. Our analysis covers 595 parent reviews. Parents in Lakeland most frequently praise daycares for clean facility, safe environment, and affordable pricing.
When choosing a daycare in Lakeland, 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 Lakeland
Showing 63 results
Beacon Hill Preschool receives highly polarized reviews with strong praise from most parents about staff kindness, affordability ($40/week), and creating a welcoming environment for children. However, a minority of parents report serious concerns including inadequate supervision resulting in injuries, poor hygiene practices, and alleged mistreatment of children with special needs or minority backgrounds.
- Address
- 801 W Beacon Rd, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 682-7910
Parents consistently praise Miss Adele's Learning Center for its caring, friendly staff and clean, well-maintained facilities. Children reportedly enjoy attending daily and parents feel their kids are safe, loved, and engaged in learning. Recent renovations and new management have been well-received.
- Address
- 1804 Richmond Rd, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 682-3531
Golden Gate Preparatory Academy receives highly polarized reviews. Most parents praise the learning environment, curriculum alignment with schools, and dedicated staff members like Miss Cameal and Mrs Camille. However, two parents reported serious concerns including health/safety issues with broken AC, facility management problems, refund disputes, and incidents involving injuries with inadequate incident reporting and supervision.
- Address
- 1013 Lakeshore Dr, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 255-6720
NOTE: These reviews are for Traviss Technical College, a vocational/technical school, not a daycare center. Reviews consistently praise the quality of instruction, supportive staff, and positive learning environment across multiple programs. One reviewer noted difficulty reaching the school via phone and email.
- Address
- 3225 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 499-2700
One parent praises the center's spiritual atmosphere and positive environment for children, while another reports severe safety concerns involving unexplained injuries to their nonverbal grandson. The latter account alleges staff negligence, lack of incident reporting, and unprofessional handling of parental complaints.
- Address
- 1700 George Jenkins Blvd, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 686-5665
Kids Town Preschool receives mixed reviews with stark contrasts. Positive reviews praise caring staff and learning outcomes, while negative reviews report serious safety concerns including child-on-child biting incidents and undisclosed mandatory religious activities that made children uncomfortable.
- Address
- 333 Griffin Ave, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 665-5161
All Aboard Learning Station receives highly polarized reviews. Most parents praise the professional staff, structured curriculum, cleanliness, and communication, with several reporting multi-year enrollment. However, a minority of parents report unprofessional behavior, rudeness, and concerns about child handling.
- Address
- 505 Peoples Ln, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 940-2882
One parent reports that the center is unwilling to enroll children who are not potty trained and lacks changing tables, contradicting their advertised enrollment of all ages.
- Address
- 3034 Atlantic Ave, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 937-8264
One parent describes the facility as dirty.
- Address
- 3550 Christmas Lane, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 940-2868
- Address
- 1533 Kennedy Blvd, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 606-1571
- Address
- 1047 N Lincoln Ave, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 687-1800
- Address
- 1030 Olive St, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 683-8000
La Petite Academy Lakeland receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and safe, secure facility with live camera access. Parents report their children are happy, learning well, and their dietary restrictions are carefully managed. The director and teachers maintain excellent communication with parents throughout the day.
- Address
- 1940 Glendale St, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 687-3405
- Address
- 215 E Magnolia St, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 687-4588
- Address
- 1836 Kathleen Rd, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 682-4252
- Address
- 6595 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 607-4252
- Address
- 1420 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 682-3199
- Address
- 1225 E Lime St, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 499-2736
- Address
- 1234 Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 683-3138
- Address
- 1236 Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 683-1010
Parents consistently praise Early Childhood Learning Center for its caring, professional staff, clean and secure facility, and strong communication through the Brightwheel app. Children are reported to be happy, engaged, and learning, with low staff turnover and an open-door policy. Parents feel their children receive excellent care and are thriving developmentally.
- Address
- 1703 Skinner St, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 687-0070
Parents highlight the center's warm, clean environment and attentive staff, noting that children enjoy engaging activities and feel comfortable. However, one review criticizes management for poor employee treatment, understaffing, and allowing sick workers to care for children.
- Address
- 3135 Airside Center Dr, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 647-3322
One parent reports a highly positive experience, stating they love the center and have enrolled all three of their children there.
- Address
- 345 N Galloway Rd, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 680-5385
- Address
- 110 N Chestnut Rd, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 499-2655
Parents consistently praise The Early Years CDC #2 for its caring, engaged staff and positive environment where children thrive behaviorally and academically. Director Ms. Amanda is noted for her hands-on involvement, and the facility is described as clean, safe, and supportive of individual child development. All 10 reviews are 5-star ratings highlighting children's happiness and parents' confidence in their care.
- Address
- 2933 Duff Rd, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 450-2995
- Address
- 6800 Walt Williams Rd, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 644-3528
- Address
- 2825 Shepherd Rd, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 698-7839
- Address
- 1322 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 683-5100
- Address
- 1330 N Lincoln Ave, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 499-2748
- Address
- 1140 E Sr 540a, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 648-3547
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Frequently asked questions
- 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
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 63 facilities
- Church Daycare — 21 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 9 facilities