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Category: Daycare - Infants + Toddlers

Daycare Near You

Daycares for Infants and Toddlers in Lakeland + Polk County

Looking for a daycare for your infant, baby, or toddler? Below you’ll find a directory of local childcare providers that accept children starting as early as 6 weeks.

For more information on Child Care Options including VPK, holiday camps, and articles explaining the different types of child care providers, visit our main Childcare Guide.

Helpful Articles: 

Daycares, Preschools, and VPK – Making sense of childcare options in Florida (plus daycare assistance info)
Florida VPK Information – Eligibility + How to Apply for VPK

Useful Resources:

DCF Childcare Search – Childcare facilities in Florida are licensed by the Department of Children & Families. Visit the link to research local providers.
Polk Early Learning Coalition Website – The ELC has a wealth of information on their website including How to Select a Child Care Provider, Applications for VPK Certificates, Eligibility for School Readiness Funds, and much more.

We recognize that finding a daycare with available space can be a daunting task. If after contacting the daycares on your list you are still having trouble finding an opening, visit the Lakeland Moms Group on Facebook and to ask your fellow moms if they know of a preschool or daycare with availability. Also, if you are pregnant and will need infant care, it is never too early to start looking for a daycare, many will put you on a waiting list based on your due date.

Our Preschool & Daycare Guide contains both sponsored and free listings. This is by no means a comprehensive list, there are almost 400 registered child care providers in Polk County. Visit myflfamilies.com for a full list.

HELPFUL TIP: Use the filter button (3 horizontal lines) to narrow down the list by city and/or category. All city filters are a general geographic area, check each listing address for a specific location. Use the map at the bottom to find Daycare – Infants + Toddlers Near You.

Don’t see your business listed here? Use the button below to add a Featured or Basic listing.

Bright Imaginations Learning Center

Bright Imaginations Learning Centers offers 2 convenient locations in South Lakeland, secure locations, background screened employees, highly credentialed staff, 4.5 Star Rated Preschool as defined by Polk County’s Early Learning Coalition, Performing Arts safe, stimulating environments.

After School Programs | Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs
3915 Old Road 37, Lakeland, Florida 33813
6075 Florida Avenue South, Lakeland, Florida 33813
Brilliant Minds Early Learning Academy

At Brilliant Minds Early Learning Academy, LLC, our philosophy of Early Childhood Education is to provide children with an environment that will promote their optimum development, at a time when they are in a critical period of their development, socially, physically, emotionally, and intellectually. After school care, and a full day elementary school also available.

After School Programs | Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Part Time Daycares + Preschools
5900 Sundance Boulevard East, Mulberry, Florida 33860
Early Learning Coalition of Polk County

The Early Learning Coalition of Polk County is a not-for-profit agency focused on early education and care. The goal of the Coalition is to prepare all children to enter kindergarten ready to succeed. The ELC administers the VPK program for Polk County, visit their website to apply for your VPK certificate and learn more about how to select a VPK provider.
The School Readiness Program is also available through various participating child care providers. Eligibility is based on total family income and parents must be working or going to school. The program serves children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Fees are assessed based on a sliding fee scale. Hours of child care are determined by each child care provider.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Child Care Assistance | Youth Services
115 South Missouri Avenue, Lakeland, Florida 33815
Excel Christian Academy Early Childhood Center

Excel Christian Academy’s Early Childhood Center accepts infants and children from 6 weeks through 4 years old. It is part of Excel Christian Academy private school that serves ages infant through 12th Grade. Our play-based, child centered program reflects the integration of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, language, and spiritual areas for the total development of the child. Meaningful play encourages curiosity, risk taking, discovery and problem solving which allows individual growth and development of a positive self worth.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
6505 Odom Road, Lakeland, Florida 33809
First Steps Preschool (First United Methodist Church)

The First Steps Preschool at First United Methodist Church offers a loving, caring environment for children age six weeks though pre-kindergarten. Also a Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) provider, First Steps provides lower child-teacher ratios and room capacities than required by Florida Statutes. Recognized as a Gold Seal Quality Care Center by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33801
Hands & Hearts In Motion at Oasis Community Church

We are a 5 STAR, nationally accredited, faith based center in Lakeland, Florida. We accept children ages 6 weeks through 5 years, and are open year round. We are conveniently located close to the Polk Parkway, Bartow Highway, and Winter Lake Road. Our staff are credentialed and continuously trained in the Early Childcare field to bring the best educational experience possible for your child.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
3330 County Road 540A, Lakeland, Florida 33803
Head of the Class Childcare Center

Welcome to Head of the Class Learning Center! We have served families in Lakeland for over 15 years and go above and beyond other preschools to ensure every child is healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged. Our private school (K-5) offers differentiated learning to effectively challenge each student, ensures a close relationship with students and families and prepares students for their future.

After School Programs | Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Part Time Daycares + Preschools | Private Elementary Schools | Non-Religious Private Schools | Private Schools in Lakeland
1836 Kathleen Road, Lakeland, Florida 33805
Here We Grow Early Learning Academy

Here We Grow is your child’s First Step to Success! Our responsibility is to provide childcare by updating and complying with the state requirements. ​Setting these high standards of excellence ensures that your child receives the best quality care possible by creating an environment that is sensitive to each child’s social, emotional, intellectual and physical needs.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Part Time Daycares + Preschools
304 6th Street Southeast, Winter Haven, Florida 33880
Little Einstein Preschool

Little Einstein Preschool has campuses in Lakeland & Winter Haven. We have served Central Polk County for more than 5 years, and the supportive & caring staff and our focus on learning has only gotten better! We understand the faith that parents place in their caregivers while they are at work, and we want to exceed your expectations.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs
3034 Atlantic Avenue, Lakeland, Florida 33803
1129 1st Street South, Winter Haven, Florida 33880
Little Shepherds Preschool at First Presbyterian Church

For more than 20 years, Little Shepherds Preschool has provided quality, safe child care for the Lakeland community. We are a licensed preschool for children 3 months to 5 years old, dedicated to providing professional and loving care in a Christian environment. Hours range from 8:30am – 2:00pm, with partial week options available (MWF / TuTh). Open during the school year.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Part Time Daycares + Preschools | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33801
Little Sprouts Preschool (8 weeks - age 5)

Little Sprouts Preschool exists to teach young children about God’s love, emphasize community, and create a safe and healthy environment for the whole child. Within an academically aligned teaching environment, children ages 8 weeks – age 5 (pre-kindergarten) learn that they can have a deep relationship with Jesus Christ.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Part Time Daycares + Preschools
926 South Tennessee Avenue, Lakeland, Florida 33803
Precious Children in the Highlands Preschool at Presbyterian Church in the Highlands

Our purpose is to provide quality childcare to the surrounding community, meeting the needs of families and children from varying backgrounds and abilities. Our faith-based curriculum provides spiritual, physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth opportunities for young children. We serve children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old, offer VPK, as well as a school-age program during the summer.

After School Programs | Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Part Time Daycares + Preschools | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
1010 Lake Miriam Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33813
Revive Academy Preschool

Revive Academy Preschool has been serving Highland City as First Baptist Church of Highland City Preschool since 1999. It is our goal and mission to serve families in our community with a nurturing, loving, and Jesus filled preschool. Offering full-time services to children from infants to school-age.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
5410 Yarborough Lane, Lakeland, Florida 33812
Small Wonders Child Development Center at Highland Park Church

Small Wonders is a full-time, year-round program that accepts children ages 8 weeks through pre-kindergarten. Small Wonders is governed by an appointed Board of Directors and is licensed by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Half day and full day options. Goal Seekers before & after school care available for 5+.

After School Programs | Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
4777 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, Florida 33813
St. John's Preschool Winter Haven

St. John’s Preschool provides part time and full time child care services for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old including VPK. VPK is a free three-hour per day educational program that helps your child get ready for Kindergarten.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
1800 Cypress Gardens Boulevard, Winter Haven, Florida 33884
St. Paul Lutheran School (PreK - grade 8)

St. Paul Lutheran School is a non-public school serving children age 15 months through 8th grade. Over the 56 year history of SPLS we have provided nurturing and engaging education that has equipped students exceptionally well for the next stages in their lives. This is all done with Christ and God’s Word at the center and with individual care and respect for each learner.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Part Time Daycares + Preschools | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools | Private Christian Schools | Private Elementary Schools | Private Middle Schools | Private Schools in Lakeland
4450 Harden Boulevard, Lakeland, Florida 33813
The Nest Schools

The Nest Schools is an early childhood school for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years old. At The Nest, we believe involving children in hands-on experiences is the true definition of teaching. Each day, we’re re-imagining learning through creative play opportunities where we encourage children to wonder, question, work with their peers, and experiment with different possibilities. Each element of our curriculum and program design shares one common goal: to help children love to learn.

Learn more – 7 Things You’ll Love About The Nest Schools: A New Early Childhood School in Lakeland

After School Programs | Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up
745 Lake Miriam Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33813
Winter Haven Montessori

Winter Haven Montessori serves students ages infants to 3rd grade and offers VPK classes both morning and afternoon. Dedicated to providing a challenging educational environment in which each child is empowered to grow to his/her fullest potential academically, emotionally, physically and socially at each stage of development.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Montessori Preschools | VPK Preschool Programs | Montessori Schools | Private Elementary Schools | Non-Religious Private Schools
305 Avenue East Southwest, Winter Haven, Florida 33880

Childcare Guide

Check out our Childcare Guide for Lakeland + Polk County for other childcare topics including preschools, daycare, VPK, after school care, school holiday camps, and more.