Best Before or After School Daycare in Lakeland, FL
Compare 9 before or after school daycare 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
- 9
- Avg rating
- 4.01/5
- Parent reviews
- 595
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 26
Lakeland has 9 licensed before or after school daycare 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
Smart Start Youth And Family Services INC @ Sleepy Hill Kid Care
2285 Sleepy Hill Rd, Lakeland, FL
One parent describes this after-school program as the worst in Polk County, citing inconsistent billing, poor staff communication, and a lack of response from the primary office. The reviewer also reports that their daughter was bullied with no intervention and that staff do not encourage homework.
Smart Start Youth & Family Services, INC. At Highlands Grove
4510 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL
One parent describes the after-school program as the worst in Polk County, citing inconsistent billing, poor communication, and unresponsive staff. The review highlights significant stress regarding payment disputes, lack of homework encouragement, and unaddressed bullying incidents.
Smart Start Youth & Family Services, INC. At Cleveland Court
328 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland, FL
One parent describes the after-school program as the worst in Polk County, citing hostile staff interactions and inconsistent billing practices that vary without clear communication. The reviewer also reports that bullying incidents are ignored and that the primary office is unreachable, creating a highly stressful environment for families.
Smart Start Youth & Families Services INC. @ Sikes Kidcare
2727 Shepherd Rd, Lakeland, FL
One parent describes this after-school program as the worst in Polk County, citing staff with poor attitudes and inconsistent communication regarding billing and attendance policies. The reviewer reports that their child experienced bullying without intervention and notes that the primary office is often unreachable.
Map
Daycare types in Lakeland
Browse by type in Lakeland
Before or After School Daycare in Lakeland, Florida
There are 9 before or after school daycare in Lakeland, Florida, making up 10% of the 93 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.
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 Before or After School Daycare in Lakeland
Showing 9 results
One parent describes this after-school program as the worst in Polk County, citing inconsistent billing, poor staff communication, and a lack of response from the primary office. The reviewer also reports that their daughter was bullied with no intervention and that staff do not encourage homework.
- Address
- 2285 Sleepy Hill Rd, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 815-6927
One parent describes the after-school program as the worst in Polk County, citing inconsistent billing, poor communication, and unresponsive staff. The review highlights significant stress regarding payment disputes, lack of homework encouragement, and unaddressed bullying incidents.
- Address
- 4510 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 686-5116
One parent describes the after-school program as the worst in Polk County, citing hostile staff interactions and inconsistent billing practices that vary without clear communication. The reviewer also reports that bullying incidents are ignored and that the primary office is unreachable, creating a highly stressful environment for families.
- Address
- 328 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 686-5116
One parent describes this after-school program as the worst in Polk County, citing staff with poor attitudes and inconsistent communication regarding billing and attendance policies. The reviewer reports that their child experienced bullying without intervention and notes that the primary office is often unreachable.
- Address
- 2727 Shepherd Rd, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 686-5116
- Address
- 2900 Sr 540a East, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 648-3548
- Address
- 410 W Robson St, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 644-3528
- Address
- 6600 Green Rd, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 815-6670
- Address
- 5500 Yates Rd, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 686-5116
- Address
- 1501 Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Lakeland, FL
- Phone
- (863) 644-3528
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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