How do I choose the right daycare in Lakeland?

When choosing a daycare in Lakeland, 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 Lakeland?

Lakeland offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 63 facilities Church Daycare — 21 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 9 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Before or After School Daycare in Lakeland, Florida (9 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 Lakeland for current pricing.

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.

Covenant Child Development Center

4.74 score

5(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

Sheri'S Learning Thru Love

4.72 score

4.9(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

Creative Minds Learning Academy

4.72 score

4.9(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

Country Lane Child Enrichment Center

4.69 score

5(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

Paholas Dba Ms Kristin'S Kinder Academy

4.64 score

5(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

Kathleen Baptist Child Enrichment Center

4.64 score

4.8(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

Star Achievers Learning Center

4.58 score

5(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

A Little Bit Of Heaven Child Enrichment Center

4.48 score

4.7(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

Creative Minds Academy II

4.47 score

4.6(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

Discovery Learning Academy Dba Bright Imaginations Learning Center

4.4 score

4.5(20)

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

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.

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.

Frequently asked questions

There are 9 before or after school daycares in Lakeland, Florida, out of 93 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 Lakeland, 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

Lakeland offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 63 facilities
Church Daycare — 21 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 9 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 Lakeland for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Lakeland 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.

9 Before or After School Daycare in Lakeland, Florida

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Lakeland

Top Rated

Smart Start Youth And Family Services INC @ Sleepy Hill Kid Care

Smart Start Youth & Family Services, INC. At Highlands Grove

Smart Start Youth & Family Services, INC. At Cleveland Court

Smart Start Youth & Families Services INC. @ Sikes Kidcare

Map

Daycare types in Lakeland

Browse by type in Lakeland