Preschools and Daycares in Lakeland + Polk County
Below you’ll find a directory of preschools and daycares in the Lakeland and Winter Haven area that accept children ages 2 & up. These play based child care providers can help provide care during the day while also teaching your children fundamental skills.
While some of these providers also accept VPK Certificates, not all 4-year-old preschool programs are VPK providers. To learn more about VPK eligibility and how to apply for a VPK program in Polk County, check out our full article on Florida VPK.
Helpful Articles:
Daycares vs. Preschools – Making sense of childcare options in Florida (plus daycare assistance info)
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.
Useful Links:
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 to ask your fellow moms if they know of a preschool or daycare with availability.
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 Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up Near You.
Don’t see your business listed here? Use the button below to add a Featured or Basic listing.
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.
Resurrection Catholic School is a Catholic private school for grades PreK3, VPK, and K-8 located in Lakeland, Florida. With a strong focus on academic excellence, spiritual development and service to others, RCS strives to nurture and develop students to their fullest potential. We are a parish ministry of Resurrection Catholic Church, but we welcome students and families of all faiths.
Ridge Christian Academy is a Christian Preschool through High School operated as a ministry of Ridge Assembly of God. Our programs offer a Christian philosophy of education and a Christian environment for your children’s growth. Accepts Step up for Students and McKay Scholarships. Offering VPK and grades K-12.
St. Anthony Catholic School is a private Catholic school and is a ministry of St. Anthony Catholic Church in North Lakeland, Florida. We accept children from Pre-K through 8th Grade, regardless of denomination. We are also a free VPK provider.
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+.
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.
St. Joseph Catholic School, founded in 1957 in the Diocese of Orlando, is a faith community dedicated to the education of children as together we grow in the love of God, of others and of learning. For over 50 years, St. Joseph Catholic School has offered Catholic education with strong academics. PreK3 – 8th grade. VPK Program available.
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.
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
The mission of Victory Christian Academy is to partner with parents and the local church to provide the highest quality Christian education to prepare students to deal with the issues and realities of life by developing their spiritual, academic, social, and physical potential, all from the foundation of biblical truth. Serving ages 2 – 12th Grade.
Winter Haven Christian School is an independent, interdenominational Christian School serving children from PreK4 through 12th grade. We are located on a beautiful 15-acre campus, at 1700 Buckeye Loop Rd., N.E. in Winter Haven. Our school is an accredited member of the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. Accepts Step Up for Students Scholarships.
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.
For over 50 years, the YMCA has been the only cause-driven wellness center in our area to offer programming for the whole family that focuses on the spirit, mind and body. Facilities include: a weight room, a gym for basketball and exercise classes, an indoor swimming pool, locker rooms, racquetball courts, a craft room, childcare facility, group exercise room, gymnastics center, and more. Programs include swim lessons, sports leagues for kids and adults, childcare, after school care, group fitness classes, and much more.
2125 Sleepy Hill Road, Lakeland, Florida 33810