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Licensed Daycare in Lakeland, Florida

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Lakeland?

Statewide averages in Florida run roughly $1110/month for infants and $790/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: What staff-to-child ratios apply in Lakeland daycares?

All licensed Florida centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:11 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Lakeland typically operate below these ceilings.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Lakeland?

Florida families can apply for School Readiness Program (Early Learning Coalitions) (intake: (866) 357-3239). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

Choosing childcare is one of the biggest decisions a family makes. We index every state-licensed provider so you can compare options side by side.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$1,110/mo

Florida avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Lakeland

ChildCare Aware reports the Florida average full-time cost at $1,110/month for infant care and $790/month for preschool. City-level prices in Lakeland vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Florida families may also qualify for School Readiness Program (Early Learning Coalitions) (intake: (866) 357-3239).

Full Florida licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing
Infant ratio: 1:4
Toddler ratio: 1:6
Preschool ratio: 1:11
Avg capacity: 57 kids

ZIP codes covered

33809 9 33805 9 33803 9 33801 9

Program types in Lakeland

Licensed Group Child Care Home

4 centers

Licensed Family Daycare Home

4 centers

Licensed Child Care Center

4 centers

Infant & Toddler Center

4 centers

All Lakeland licensed centers

Page 1 of 3

A Montessori

ABC Academy Tampa #460

Lakeland

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 64

A Group Care

Active Kids Fort Lauderdale #420

Lakeland

School Age (5+) Cap 28

C Infant Care

Cape Coral Bright Futures Daycare #210

Lakeland

Preschool (2-5) Cap 95

C Licensed Center

Cape Coral Kids First Academy #212

Lakeland

Infants & Toddlers Cap 101

C Before/After School

Cape Coral Rainbow Learning Center #209

Lakeland

School Age (5+) Cap 112

F Family Daycare

Fort Lauderdale KinderSmile #419

Lakeland

School Age (5+) Cap 74

F Head Start

Fort Lauderdale Learning Center #422

Lakeland

2 years - 12 years Cap 86

F Preschool

Fort Lauderdale Playhouse Academy #421

Lakeland

Preschool (2-5) Cap 68

G Head Start

Growing Minds Hollywood #2

Lakeland

2 years - 12 years Cap 88

G Licensed Center

Growing Minds Jacksonville #290

Lakeland

Infants & Toddlers Cap 55

H Preschool

Hollywood Bright Beginnings

Lakeland

Preschool (2-5) Cap 76

J Infant Care

Jacksonville ABC Childcare #288

Lakeland

Preschool (2-5) Cap 35

J Montessori

Jacksonville Bright Beginnings #289

Lakeland

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 31

J Before/After School

Jacksonville Early Learning Center #287

Lakeland

School Age (5+) Cap 63

J Group Care

Jumping Jacks St. Petersburg #249

Lakeland

School Age (5+) Cap 108

Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.

Parent-asked basics on licensing, ratios, and waitlist timing for this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Lakeland, Florida?

Our directory lists 32 licensed childcare centers in Lakeland, Florida, sourced from Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Lakeland?

Statewide averages in Florida run roughly $1110/month for infants and $790/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Lakeland daycares?

All licensed Florida centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:11 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Lakeland typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Lakeland?

Florida families can apply for School Readiness Program (Early Learning Coalitions) (intake: (866) 357-3239). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Lakeland daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.