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Polk County · Florida

Lakeland at a glance

165 licensed child care providers in Lakeland, drawn from the state licensing agency's public records. Each profile carries the license number, status, and capacity on record. Where the state publishes nothing for a field, or the daycare is not licensed, the profile says so plainly.

About licensed daycares in Lakeland

Lakeland sits between Tampa and Orlando in the heart of Polk County, and it functions as the anchor of a growing logistics and light-manufacturing corridor along I-4. Publix Super Markets is headquartered here, giving the city a large corporate-office workforce alongside distribution warehouse operations at Amazon and dozens of smaller employers.

Neighborhoods like Dixieland, Lake Morton, Cleveland Heights, and the newer subdivisions in North Lakeland toward the airport each have their own child care patterns. Southeastern University and Florida Southern College add a college-town layer. The licensed provider directory includes established accredited centers near the medical center, faith-based programs across the older neighborhoods, and family day care homes throughout the city's residential grid.

Lakeland averages

Averaged across every provider on record.

Parent sentiment

+0.2 vs Florida average

Average parent review rating on Google or Yelp.

  • Lakeland3.6
  • Florida3.4

65 providers sampled

Daycare Index Rating

-15 vs Florida average

Average Daycare Index Rating across the providers here that carry a score. Each score is built only from the public record available for that provider, and whatever the data cannot answer is excluded rather than guessed at. See scoring guide.

  • Lakeland39
  • Florida55

165 providers sampled

Top 10 Google RatingsYelp

Bayesian-adjusted so review volume matters, not just stars.

Top 10 Safety Ratings

Ranked by the composite Daycare Confidence Index.

Most-Reviewed Lakeland Daycares

Raw review volume. Not a quality signal on its own.

Most Loved by Lakeland ParentsYelp

Trust-adjusted parent rating, so review volume counts.

Highest-confidence providers

Ranked by the overall Confidence Index: the regulatory record, parent reviews, accreditation, staff qualifications, and how much each provider publishes about itself. How scoring works.

    • Photo of Academy Of Lakeland

      Academy Of Lakeland

      1038 Sunshine Dr E, Lakeland FL, 33801

      (0)Yelp(0)
      Center-based
    • Photo of Parkway Christian Academy

      Parkway Christian Academy

      4210 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland FL, 33813

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKFaith-basedCenter-based

    • R BRUCE WAGNER

      5500 Yates Rd, Lakeland FL, 33811

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKCenter-based

    • Resurrection Catholic School

      3720 Old Road 37, Lakeland FL, 33813

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKFaith-basedCenter-based
    • Photo of Victory Christian Academy Preschool

      Victory Christian Academy Preschool

      1401 Griffin Rd, Lakeland FL, 33810

      (0)Yelp(0)
      Faith-basedCenter-based
    • Photo of Gods Happy Kids Intl Child Care

      Gods Happy Kids Intl Child Care

      2309 E Magnolia St, Lakeland FL, 33801

      (0)Yelp(0)
      Home daycare
    • Photo of Northside Christian Preschool

      Northside Christian Preschool

      411 W Robson St, Lakeland FL, 33805

      5.0(4)Yelp(0)
      VPKFaith-basedCenter-based

    • A Little Bit Of Heaven Child Enrichment

      424 W Daughtery Rd, Lakeland FL, 33809

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKFaith-basedCenter-based

    • Caritas Sonrientes Llc

      5240 1st St NW, Lakeland FL, 33810

      (0)Yelp(0)
      Large Family Child Care Home

    • Kidz Korner Nursery & Learning Center

      1509 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland FL, 33815

      (0)Yelp(0)
      Center-based
    • Photo of Lots Of Love Childcare Center, LLC

      Lots Of Love Childcare Center, LLC

      1620 W Parker St, Lakeland FL, 33815

      5.0(1)Yelp(0)
      Center-based

    • Polk County Public School- James W. Sikes ES

      2727 Shepherd Rd, Lakeland FL, 33811

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKCenter-based

    • Polk County Public Schools - Dixieland Elementary

      416 Ariana St, Lakeland FL, 33803

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKCenter-based

    • Polk County Public Schools- Edgar L. Padgett ES

      110 Leelon Rd, Lakeland FL, 33809

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKCenter-based

    • Polk County Schools - CODE Academy

      2805 Morgan Combee Rd, Lakeland FL 33801-2937

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKCenter-based

    • Polk County Schools - Carlton Palmore Elementary

      3725 Cleveland Heights Blvd, Lakeland FL 33803-0216

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKCenter-based

    • Polk County Schools - Churchwell Elementary

      8201 Park Byrd Rd, Lakeland FL, 33810

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKCenter-based

    • Polk County Schools - Dr. N.E. Roberts Elementary

      6600 Green Rd, Lakeland FL 33810-5337

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKCenter-based

    • Polk County Schools - Griffin Elementary

      3315 Kathleen Rd, Lakeland FL 33810-6710

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKCenter-based

    • Polk County Schools - Highlands Grove Elementary

      4510 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland FL, 33813

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKCenter-based

    • Polk County Schools - Kathleen Elementary

      3515 Sherertz Rd, Lakeland FL, 33810

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKHead StartCenter-based

    • Polk County Schools - McKeel Central Academy

      411 North Florida Avenue, Lakeland FL, 33805

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKCenter-based

    • Polk County Schools - North Lakeland Elementary

      410 W Robson St, Lakeland FL 33805-2135

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKCenter-based

    • Polk County Schools - Philip O'Brien Elementary

      1225 E Lime St, Lakeland FL 33801-5753

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKCenter-based

    • Polk County Schools - Rochelle School of the Arts

      1501 Martin Luther King Junior Avenue, Lakeland FL 33805

      (0)Yelp(0)
      VPKCenter-based

165 daycares in Lakeland

  • Photo of Innovation Academy Kids

    Innovation Academy Kids

    1101 W Pipkin Rd, Lakeland FL, 33811

    5.0(104)Yelp(0)
    VPKCenter-based
  • Photo of Family Worship Center

    Family Worship Center

    1350 E Main St, Lakeland FL, 33801

    4.8(245)Yelp(0)
    Center-based
  • Photo of Alta Schoolhouse

    Alta Schoolhouse

    220 Carleton St, Lakeland FL, 33803

    4.9(70)Yelp(0)
    Center-based
  • Photo of Kathleen Baptist Church Child Enrichment Center, Inc

    Kathleen Baptist Church Child Enrichment Center, Inc

    3939 2nd St NW, Lakeland FL, 33810

    4.8(90)Yelp(0)
    Center-based
  • Photo of Creative Minds Learning Academy

    Creative Minds Learning Academy

    3108 Atlantic Ave, Lakeland FL, 33803

    4.9(47)Yelp(0)
    VPKCenter-based
  • Photo of Sheri's Learning Thru Love LLC

    Sheri's Learning Thru Love LLC

    2302 Haywood St, Lakeland FL, 33801

    4.9(40)Yelp(0)
    VPKCenter-based
  • Photo of Boys and Girls Club of Polk County- James J. Musso Unit

    Boys and Girls Club of Polk County- James J. Musso Unit

    950 Pinewood Ave, Lakeland FL, 33815

    5.0(25)Yelp(0)
    Center-based
  • Photo of Covenant Child Development Center

    Covenant Child Development Center

    210 Poppell Dr, Lakeland FL, 33813

    5.0(20)Yelp(0)
    VPKFaith-basedCenter-based
  • Photo of Creative Minds Academy II

    Creative Minds Academy II

    1802 Crystal Lake Dr, Lakeland FL, 33801

    4.7(32)Yelp(0)
    Center-based
  • Photo of Country Lane Child Enrichment Center

    Country Lane Child Enrichment Center

    105 W Daughtery Rd, Lakeland FL, 33809

    5.0(15)Yelp(0)
    Center-based
  • Photo of First United Methodist Church Preschool

    First United Methodist Church Preschool

    72 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland FL, 33801

    4.6(44)Yelp(0)
    Gold SealVPKFaith-basedCenter-basedAccredited · Christian Preschool Association (FKA UMAP)
  • Photo of Creative Minds Academy Early Learning Center

    Creative Minds Academy Early Learning Center

    1315 W 14th St, Lakeland FL, 33805

    5.0(12)Yelp(0)
    Center-based
  • Photo of Early Childhood Learning Center

    Early Childhood Learning Center

    1703 Skinner St, Lakeland FL, 33801

    4.6(29)Yelp(0)
    VPKCenter-based
  • Photo of Top Tier Kids Academy

    Top Tier Kids Academy

    1825 N Crystal Lake Dr, Lakeland FL, 33801

    4.7(18)Yelp(0)
    Center-based
  • Photo of The Nest Schools, Inc.

    The Nest Schools, Inc.

    745 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland FL, 33813

    4.4(70)Yelp(0)
    VPKCenter-based
  • Photo of Bright Imaginations Kiddie College

    Bright Imaginations Kiddie College

    6075 S Florida Ave, Lakeland FL, 33813

    4.5(32)Yelp(0)
    Gold SealVPKCenter-basedAccredited · Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment
  • Photo of Explore Point LLC

    Explore Point LLC

    2825 Shepherd Rd, Lakeland FL, 33811

    4.6(20)Yelp(0)
    VPKCenter-based
  • Photo of My Little House Learning Center

    My Little House Learning Center

    1006 S Combee Rd, Lakeland FL, 33801

    5.0(8)Yelp(0)
    Center-based

  • Precious Children In The Highlands Preschool

    1010 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland FL, 33813

    5.0(8)Yelp(0)
    VPKFaith-basedCenter-based
  • Photo of Rising Little Stars Academy

    Rising Little Stars Academy

    1521 Kennedy Blvd Bldg 1533, Lakeland FL, 33810

    4.4(34)Yelp(0)
    Gold SealVPKCenter-basedAccredited · National Early Childhood Program Accreditation
  • Photo of Taylor Learning Center, Inc

    Taylor Learning Center, Inc

    827 White Ln, Lakeland FL, 33813

    4.4(34)Yelp(0)
    VPKCenter-based
  • Photo of Montessori Preschool Of Lakeland, Inc.

    Montessori Preschool Of Lakeland, Inc.

    334 Doris Dr, Lakeland FL, 33813

    5.0(6)Yelp(0)
    VPKCenter-based
  • Photo of Progress Christian Academy

    Progress Christian Academy

    1041 Breezewood Dr, Lakeland FL, 33809

    5.0(6)Yelp(0)
    Center-based
  • Photo of St. Paul Lutheran Church + School

    St. Paul Lutheran Church + School

    4450 Harden Blvd, Lakeland FL, 33813

    4.6(12)Yelp(0)
    Center-based
  • Photo of Bright Imaginations Learning Centers

    Bright Imaginations Learning Centers

    3915 Old Road 37, Lakeland FL, 33813

    4.4(25)Yelp(0)
    Gold SealVPKCenter-basedAccredited · Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment
  • Photo of God Little Helpers

    God Little Helpers

    1641 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland FL, 33801

    4.6(11)Yelp(0)
    VPKCenter-based
  • Photo of Camp Fire USA Sunshine Council

    Camp Fire USA Sunshine Council

    2600 Buckingham Ave, Lakeland FL, 33803

    4.3(36)Yelp(0)
    Center-based

  • Lakes Church Academy

    1010 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland FL, 33801

    4.3(30)Yelp(0)
    Center-based
  • Photo of Little Wonders Academy

    Little Wonders Academy

    5100 US Highway 98 N Ste 10, Lakeland FL, 33809

    4.3(29)Yelp(0)
    Gold SealVPKCenter-basedAccredited · National Early Childhood Program Accreditation
  • Photo of Northside Christian Preschool

    Northside Christian Preschool

    411 W Robson St, Lakeland FL, 33805

    5.0(4)Yelp(0)
    VPKFaith-basedCenter-based
  • Photo of Destined For Greatness Preschool, LLC

    Destined For Greatness Preschool, LLC

    2605 Sunshine Dr S, Lakeland FL, 33801

    5.0(3)Yelp(0)
    VPKCenter-based
  • Photo of Mcnish Leola Jean Family Day Care

    Mcnish Leola Jean Family Day Care

    1420 Miller Ln, Lakeland FL, 33801

    5.0(3)Yelp(0)
    Home daycare

  • Bobbie's Busy Bee

    4105 Glen Rd, Lakeland FL, 33810

    4.2(26)Yelp(0)
    VPKCenter-based
  • Photo of Kid's Choice Academy Learning Center, LLC

    Kid's Choice Academy Learning Center, LLC

    1804 Richmond Rd, Lakeland FL, 33803

    4.3(12)Yelp(0)
    Center-based
  • Photo of Little Shepherds Preschool

    Little Shepherds Preschool

    175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland FL, 33801

    5.0(2)Yelp(0)
    Center-based
  • Photo of Little Footsteps Academy

    Little Footsteps Academy

    4718 Old Road 37, Lakeland FL, 33813

    4.1(103)Yelp(0)
    VPKCenter-based
  • Photo of Tater Tots Learning Academy, Inc.

    Tater Tots Learning Academy, Inc.

    929 Fairlane Dr, Lakeland FL, 33809

    4.2(10)Yelp(0)
    Center-based
  • Photo of Keeping It Real Ministries

    Keeping It Real Ministries

    1015 Sikes Blvd, Lakeland FL, 33815

    5.0(1)Yelp(0)
    Center-based
  • Photo of Lots Of Love Childcare Center, LLC

    Lots Of Love Childcare Center, LLC

    1620 W Parker St, Lakeland FL, 33815

    5.0(1)Yelp(0)
    Center-based

  • Dawson's Learning Academy LLC

    905 E Parker St, Lakeland FL, 33801

    4.2(5)Yelp(0)
    VPKCenter-based
  • Photo of Star Achievers LLC

    Star Achievers LLC

    850 N Lake Ave, Lakeland FL, 33801

    4.1(9)Yelp(0)
    Center-based
  • Photo of Early Childhood Learning Center Airside

    Early Childhood Learning Center Airside

    3135 Airside Center Dr, Lakeland FL, 33811

    4.0(10)Yelp(0)
    VPKCenter-based

  • A & S Robinson's Family Childcare Center

    917 Fairlane Dr, Lakeland FL, 33809

    (0)Yelp(0)
    Home daycare

  • A Little Bit Of Heaven Child Enrichment

    424 W Daughtery Rd, Lakeland FL, 33809

    (0)Yelp(0)
    VPKFaith-basedCenter-based
  • Photo of Academy Of Lakeland

    Academy Of Lakeland

    1038 Sunshine Dr E, Lakeland FL, 33801

    (0)Yelp(0)
    Center-based

  • Academy for the ONE

    4777 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland FL, 33813

    (0)Yelp(0)
    Faith-basedCenter-based

  • Academy for the ONE

    4730 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland FL, 33813

    (0)Yelp(0)
    Center-based

  • Alpha Kid Care Inc At Valleyview Kid Care

    2900 E Road 540a, Lakeland FL, 33813

    (0)Yelp(0)
    Center-based

  • American Tutoring Institute II LLC

    1333 Shepherd Rd, Lakeland FL, 33811

    (0)Yelp(0)
    Center-based

  • Aprendemos Learning Home

    3229 Big Valley Dr, Lakeland FL, 33812

    (0)Yelp(0)
    Large Family Child Care Home

  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County - IDEA Lakeland Club

    1775 Interstate Dr, Lakeland FL, 33805

    (0)Yelp(0)
    Center-based

  • Boys and Girls Club of Polk County - Carl G. Showe Unit

    920 Lowry Ave Lakeland FL 33801-7542

    (0)Yelp(0)
    Center-based

  • Boys and Girls Club of Polk County- John L. Sanders Unit

    1525 Martin L King Jr Ave, Lakeland FL, 33805

    (0)Yelp(0)
    Center-based

  • Bridget Gibbons Family Daycare Home LLC

    1130 N Swindell Ave, Lakeland FL, 33805

    (0)Yelp(0)
    Home daycare

  • Camelia's Learning Center

    1401 Long St, Lakeland FL, 33801

    (0)Yelp(0)
    VPKCenter-based

  • Caritas Sonrientes Llc

    5240 1st St NW, Lakeland FL, 33810

    (0)Yelp(0)
    Large Family Child Care Home

  • Caron-Juarez, Christine Family Day Care Home

    7919 Oak Run Cir, Lakeland FL, 33809

    (0)Yelp(0)
    Home daycare

  • Carthon Large Family Child Care Home

    621 W Beacon Rd, Lakeland FL, 33803

    (0)Yelp(0)
    Large Family Child Care Home

  • Country Lane Academy, Llc

    3767 Country Ln, Lakeland FL, 33810

    (0)Yelp(0)
    Home daycare

  • Davis Large Family Child Care Home Llc

    2736 Ewell Rd, Lakeland FL, 33811

    (0)Yelp(0)
    Large Family Child Care Home

More daycares in Lakeland

105 more, in the same order as the cards above. Each name opens that provider’s licence record, inspections and parent reviews.

Parents ask

Frequently asked

How many licensed daycares are in Lakeland, Florida?

As of the latest Florida Department of Children and Families sync, there are 165 licensed child care providers within the Lakeland city limits, in Polk County. Verify current status at myflfamilies.com, which is the authoritative record.

How many Lakeland daycares offer VPK?

72 of the 165 licensed providers in Lakeland currently offer Florida's free Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program for 4-year-olds — filter by the VPK badge on the sidebar to see them.

How many Lakeland daycares hold Gold Seal accreditation?

7 providers in Lakeland hold Florida's Gold Seal Quality Care designation, which requires an outside quality accreditation above the DCF licensing minimum. Filter by the Gold Seal chip to see them.

Which Lakeland daycares accept Florida School Readiness subsidies?

98 providers in Lakeland are on record as offering the Florida School Readiness subsidized child care program. Filter by the School Readiness chip to see the current list.

Are there Head Start programs in Lakeland?

12 providers participate in the federal Head Start program in Lakeland. Head Start serves income-eligible children ages 3 to 5 at no cost to the family.

How often are Lakeland daycares inspected by DCF?

Licensed child care facilities in Florida are inspected at least three times per year by the Florida Department of Children and Families, plus additional visits in response to complaints or reported incidents. Every routine inspection recorded by DCF appears on the daycare's profile page on this site.

Are most Lakeland daycares child care centers or family day care homes?

Of the 165 licensed providers in Lakeland, roughly 129 are licensed child care centers or facilities and roughly 31 are family day care homes. The remaining providers hold other DCF license classifications.

How do I verify a Lakeland daycare's current license status?

Every daycare profile on this site links back to the Florida Department of Children and Families public license lookup. Before enrolling, verify the current license status, capacity, and any open corrective actions directly at myflfamilies.com. The DCF record is authoritative and more current than anything published here.