How do I choose the right daycare in St Petersburg?

When choosing a daycare in St Petersburg, 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

What types of daycare are available in St Petersburg?

St Petersburg offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 68 facilities Headstart Programs — 3 facilities Church Daycare — 31 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 29 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Headstart Programs in St Petersburg, Florida (3 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in Florida?

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 St Petersburg for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in St Petersburg

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.

Academy Of Learning, INC.

4.74 score

5(14)

555 - 40th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 89 children

Academy of Learning Inc. receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring, professional staff and welcoming environment. Parents consistently highlight the well-structured, engaging programs that balance education with fun, along with excellent communication and support from leadership.

Caring and attentive staffwelcoming environmentstructured activities (artsports

Sonrise Early Childhood Learning Center Of Pasadena Presbyterian Church

4.74 score

5(14)

100 Pasadena Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 68 children

Parents consistently praise Sonrise Early Childhood Learning Center for its warm, nurturing environment and caring staff. The facility is noted for its Christian curriculum, engaging activities, outdoor playtime, and strong communication with families. Multiple parents report their children have thrived academically and socially at this preschool.

Caring and loving staffwarm welcoming environmentenriching curriculumoutdoor playtime

Paul R. Hortin Child Development Center, INC.

4.71 score

5(12)

467 First Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 52 children

Paul R. Hortin Child Development Center receives exclusively 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as an exceptional preschool with caring, dedicated staff and a strong educational curriculum. Parents consistently report their children entering kindergarten well-prepared and academically advanced, with many describing the facility as a hidden gem and top choice in St. Petersburg.

Caring and loving staffstrong academic preparation for kindergartenengaging and creative curriculumgood parent communication

The Sprout Academy - St. Petersburg

4.64 score

4.8(20)

5610 54th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 90 children

The Sprout Academy in St. Petersburg receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5. Parents highlight the caring and attentive staff, engaging educational activities, and strong leadership from director Ms. Sheena. Multiple parents report significant developmental progress and express complete trust in the facility's care.

Caring and loving staffsmall class sizes with individual attentioncreative and engaging activitiesstrong director leadership

Gingerbread School - Carillon

4.64 score

4.8(20)

690 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 150 children

Gingerbread School Carillon receives universal praise from parents, with all 10 reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the caring, experienced teaching staff, strong leadership under director Michelle, clean facilities, and effective academic and social-emotional curriculum. Families report their children feel loved, safe, and well-prepared for elementary school.

Caring and passionate teachersstrong leadership and communication from administratorsclean and well-maintained facilitiesexperienced and consistent staff

Speer Ymca Preschool Academy

4.6 score

4.9(10)

2100 26th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 195 children

Speer YMCA Preschool Academy receives consistently high ratings from parents who praise the caring staff, engaging curriculum, and family-like environment. Parents highlight strong academic preparation for kindergarten, balanced learning with creative play, and excellent staff dedication. The facility serves children ages 2 and older.

Caring and passionate teacherswarm welcoming environmentbalanced structured learning and creative playsocial-emotional and academic growth

First United Methodist Church Preschool

4.56 score

4.7(20)

212 3rd Street North, St. Petersburg, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 113 children

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PRESCHOOL receives universally positive feedback from parents, with all reviews rating 5/5 stars. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, strong communication, clean facilities, and nurturing environment that supports children's academic and social development.

Caring and experienced staffexcellent daily communication and photo updatesclean and organized classroomsstrong kindergarten preparation

Shore Acres Recreation Center

4.56 score

4.7(20)

4230 Shore Acres Boulevard Ne, St. Petersburg, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 125 children

Shore Acres Recreation Center is a newly built facility in St. Petersburg that receives consistently positive feedback for its clean, spacious environment and attentive staff. Parents praise the facility for event hosting, aquatic programs, recreational classes, and summer camps. The center is noted for its helpful, responsive staff and well-maintained amenities.

Clean facilityhelpful and attentive staffbeautiful new buildingspacious rooms with full kitchen access

Lutheran Church Of The Cross Day School, INC.

4.55 score

4.7(18)

4545 Chancellor St. Ne, St. Petersburg, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 183 children

Lutheran Church of the Cross Day School receives consistently positive feedback from parents and community members. Reviewers praise the welcoming congregation, quality pastoral leadership, engaging youth activities, and long-tenured teaching staff. The facility is noted for its strong community involvement and Christian-focused educational approach.

Warm and welcoming communityexperienced teachers with long tenurequality pastoral leadershipengaging activities

Pilgrim Child Development Center

4.55 score

5(6)

6315 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 72 children

Parents consistently praise Pilgrim Child Development Center for its caring, professional staff and safe, loving environment. The small community setting allows children to receive individualized attention and support, with multiple parents noting successful transitions and their children thriving through interactive activities.

caring and professional teacherssafe and clean environmentloving community atmosphereindividualized attention for each child

Headstart Programs in St Petersburg, Florida

There are 3 headstart programs in St Petersburg, Florida, making up 2% of the 131 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 St Petersburg, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

Frequently asked questions

There are 3 headstart programs daycares in St Petersburg, Florida, out of 131 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 St Petersburg, 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

St Petersburg offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 68 facilities
Headstart Programs — 3 facilities
Church Daycare — 31 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 29 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 St Petersburg for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in St Petersburg 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.

3 Headstart Programs in St Petersburg, Florida

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in St Petersburg

Top Rated

Lsf, INC. Connie L. Marmaro Center

Lsf, INC. Head Start Jordan Park

Daycare types in St Petersburg

Browse by type in St Petersburg