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Category: Childcare, Preschools, + VPK Providers

Lakeland Preschools & Daycare Guide (1)

Preschool, VPK + Daycares in Lakeland and Polk County

Are you searching for daycare or a preschool in Lakeland, Winter Haven, or Polk County? Below you’ll find a list of high-quality preschools and child care centers where your children can thrive. This list includes infant daycare centers, church daycare, Christian preschools, Montessori Preschools, head start preschools, VPK free preschool programs, and more. Look at the categories by each listing or click through to the descriptions to see what ages they cover.

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
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.
Private School Guide
After School Care Guide
Polk County Public School Guide (including Magnet, Charter, IB, Academies, & 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 Childcare, Preschools, + VPK Providers Near You.

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

North Christian Preschool Lakeland
Featured
Northside Christian Preschool

Northside Christian Preschool provides a quality Christian learning and development opportunity for preschool children, ages 3-5 (non-kindergarten). We are located in north Lakeland and will be opening this August 2024! We offer half-day or full-day classes, August through May. Our mission at Northside Christian Preschool is to provide a Christ-centered learning environment for preschool-aged children to grow through play, learning experiences, and academic excellence.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Part Time Daycares + Preschools | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
411 West Robson Street, Lakeland, Florida 33805
All Saints Academy Early Childhood Center (Age 2 - 12th grade)

The Louise Hizer Early Childhood Center at All Saints Academy includes three sections: PreSchool for 2- and 3-year-olds; and PreKindergarten for 4-year-olds. Classroom work extends to other parts of the campus and the community, including the Great Room, where imaginations flourish; the state-of-the-art playground, where lifelong friendships evolve; and the Outdoor Classroom, where nature speaks and young minds listen.

Click here to learn more about All Saints Academy for grades K – 12.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up
5001 Florida 540, Winter Haven, Florida 33880
BetterCare Solutions

Better Care Solutions offers experienced and background-screened babysitters, nannies, and parent-aids who provide a safe, nurturing environment for your children, giving you peace of mind. From engaging activities to ensuring your child’s well-being, our dedicated team is here to support your family and provide the Better Care your family deserves.

Nanny + Babysitter Services
Lakeland
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
Carilly, Childcare Made Simple

Mom-approved and kid-requested! When you need a babysitter or Nanny, you can quickly book one of Carilly’s interviewed, screened, and trustworthy sitters on our proprietary platform!

Nanny + Babysitter Services
Country Lane Child Enrichment Center

Country Lane Child Enrichment Center is an innovative year-round preschool with a performing arts program that has served the North Lakeland community since it first opened its doors in 1980. Year round. Offering half-day, full-day, and 2, 3, or 5 day programs for ages 2 – 5, as well as after school care for elementary ages.

After School Programs | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Part Time Daycares + Preschools
105 West Daughtery Road, Lakeland, Florida 33809
Covenant Child Development Center

The Child Development Center (CDC) is a community service and outreach of Covenant Presbyterian Church. It is a nurturing pre-school with a purposed Christian worldview. Offering classes for ages 2 & 3 as well as half-day and full-day VPK. Children must be potty trained before attending the school.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Part Time Daycares + Preschools | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
210 Poppell Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33813
Cypress Junction Montessori Preschool & K-8 Charter School

Cypress Junction Montessori is a quality preschool and K-8 charter school in Winter Haven. Cypress Junction serves students in K-8th grade under the charter as a free public charter school that offers an authentic Montessori education. Preschool offers full & half day options, and accepts VPK vouchers, the ELC’s School Readiness Funding, & offers scholarships through our Early Learning Scholarship Fund.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Montessori Preschools | VPK Preschool Programs | Charter Schools | Montessori Schools | Part Time Daycares + Preschools
201 Avenue B Southwest, Winter Haven, Florida 33880
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 Methodist School in Bartow (Age 2 - 8th grade)

At First Methodist School we feel that an essential key to higher learning is school enjoyment and that a child’s school years should be a positive experience. Children are learning about their world and developing socially, emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Our program offers activities and experiences to foster growth in each area. Serving age 2 through 8th grade.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools | Private Christian Schools | Private Elementary Schools | Private Middle Schools
455 South Broadway Avenue, Bartow, Florida 33830
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
Florida Southern College Early Learning Lab

The Florida Southern Early Learning Lab is open to children ages 3-5. Curriculum is child-centered, supporting the learning of each child’s individual needs in the areas of cognitive, social/emotional, linguistic, and physical development. Each classroom is designed to be an interactive learning lab with open-ended materials to explore and investigate. Now open year round.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up
111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33801
Grace Lutheran School (Age 2 - 8th grade)

Grace Lutheran School is a private school for children in kindergarten through middle school. Students recognize God’s spirit at work in their lives, creating a climate of trust and respect, cooperation and love among teachers, parents, and students. Grace Lutheran also has a preschool for ages 2 – 5, full and part-time programs are offered.

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 Winter Haven
324 Bates Avenue Southeast, Winter Haven, Florida 33880
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
Head Start Preschool Program

Head Start is a federally funded preschool program centered on education, comprehensive health services, and parent leadership. Head Services are available from ages 3 – 5 when the child enters kindergarten. Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) operates Head Start centers for low-income eligible families at schools throughout the county. Student spaces per site are limited, apply through the PCPS website.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Child Care Assistance | Youth Services
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
Kathleen Baptist Church Child Enrichment Center

At the Kathleen Baptist Church Child Enrichment Center and Day Camp we provide quality Christian education to children ages 2 through 5 years of age, as well as after-school care for elementary-aged children. Please contact us today!

After School Programs | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Part Time Daycares + Preschools | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
3939 2nd Street Northwest, Lakeland, Florida 33810
Lakeland Christian School (PreK4 - grade 12)

The hallmarks of LCS are strong academics, championship athletics, award-winning fine arts, and a close-knit school-family partnership. Classes are taught from a Biblical perspective, emphasizing God’s truth as it applies to every aspect of a student’s life. The Discovery Program is offered to students age 5-14 with a specific diagnosis of autism and/or related disabilities.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Special Needs Schools | Special Needs Schools + Preschools | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools | Private Christian Schools | Private High Schools | Private Elementary Schools | Private Middle Schools | Private Schools in Lakeland
1111 Forest Park Street, Lakeland, Florida 33803
Lakeland Montessori Schools (Age 3 - 8th grade)

Lakeland Montessori Schoolhouse and Lakeland Montessori Middle are Polk County Charter Schools serving children age 3 through 8th Grade. It is our mission to facilitate the well-rounded, advanced and challenging authentic Montessori curriculum that instills a sense of wonder and awareness about the universe and the child’s place within that universe. We wish to provide an educational environment that sparks curiosity and nurtures a love of learning along with teaching the skills to succeed academically.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Montessori Preschools | Charter Schools | Montessori Schools
1124 North Lake Parker Avenue, Lakeland, Florida 33805
Lakes Academy

Lakes Academy is a ministry of Lakes Church and will be launching as new school for the 2022-2023 school year.  The mission of Lakes Academy is to provide students with a Christ-centered environment, where they can receive a quality education with a biblical worldview. Our goal is to equip students to be “more than conquerors” for the Kingdom of God.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools | Private Christian Schools | Private Elementary Schools | Private Schools in Lakeland
1010 East Memorial Boulevard, Lakeland, Florida 33801
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
Magnolia Montessori Academy
Montessori Preschools | Montessori Schools
815 South Central Avenue, Lakeland, Florida 33815
Mi Escuela Montessori

Mi Escuela Montessori is a tuition-free, K-8 public charter school in Polk County, Florida, and also has The Children’s House (Casa) preschool for children ages 3–6 (sliding scale tuition). Mi Escuela Montessori fuses two well-researched and innovative approaches to education:  the educational program developed by Dr. Maria Montessori and the two-way, dual-language immersion program advocated by most language learning experts.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Montessori Preschools | Charter Schools | Montessori Schools
6129 Bartow Road, Lakeland, Florida 33812
Montessori Preschool of Lakeland

The basic premise of the Montessori philosophy of education is that all children carry within them the adults they will become. In order to develop their physical, intellectual and spiritual powers to the fullest, they must have freedom – a freedom achieved through order and self-discipline.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Montessori Preschools | VPK Preschool Programs
334 Doris Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33813
Montessori School of Davenport

Our goal is to provide a balanced program for your child, using the Montessori philosophy and Early Childhood Development principles to develop independence, academics, physical (fine and large motor skills), social and emotional growth, so as to cultivate harmony and integration in your child early learning experiences. Pre-K and Kindergarten Year.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Montessori Preschools
109 Ridge Center Drive, Davenport, Florida 33837

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.