Support Us Button Widget

Get the tykes taken care of at these Lakeland preschools

Finding childcare is no easy feat — let this guide serve as a place to start.

Adults hold children on coffee shop couches as one plays a sound bowl.

If you’re looking for recommendations on where to send your little ones, consider these suggestions from our readers.

Photo by Elisa Rose Vividor

When it comes to finding childcare, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed — especially considering that Polk County alone has 351 registered providers to choose from. To help break things down, we recently asked our readers for their preschool recommendations for young children in Lakeland.

Pro tip: Availability for providers may vary — follow up directly to ensure there are openings in your child’s age group.

🧸 Little Sprouts Preschool, 926 S. Tennessee Ave.

Reader Gabrielle D. praised this provider for its “safety, gentle and caring staff, affordability, attentiveness, [and] activities for kids.” It accepts children as young as eight weeks and as old as age 5.

🧸 Precious Children in the Highlands Preschool, 1010 Lake Miriam Dr.

Opened in 2007, this school accepts children ages six weeks to 5 years of age, and also offers after-school care for elementary-aged children. Readers chose this school for its “teachers that really care.”

🧸 Small Wonders Child Development Center, 4777 Lakeland Highlands Rd.

This full-time, year-round program primarily serves children from eight weeks to pre-kindergarten age, though readers noted that it also offers the “ability to stay through VPK and then on to the after care program until 5th grade.”

🧸 Covenant Child Development Center, 210 Poppell Dr.

While this center doesn’t start serving children until they’re at least 2 years of age, Reader Katie D. shared that the “amazing teachers, beautiful facility, and convenient working hours for parents, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.” make it worth the wait.

🧸 Beacon Hill Preschool, 801 W. Beacon Rd.

A Lakeland staple for more than 50 years, this center was named the January 2024 Small Business of the Month by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. Owner John Griffin noted that students “love their teachers and they develop a passion to learn.”

Are there other preschools we should know about? Send them our way to be included in future updates.

More from LALtoday
In honor of Catapult’s 10-year anniversary, we’re spilling the tea on what goes on behind the scenes. How many of these facts did you know?
If your holiday season isn’t complete without a cheesy Hallmark movie, then this activity is for you.
Publix has made its mark on Lakeland, from its economy to its architecture. Find out what these former buildings are today.
Decking the halls has never been easier — or more swan-filled.
Check out winter and holiday events happening in and around Lakeland in this seasonal guide.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Check out what you can expect for the annual parade taking place Thursday, Dec. 5.
Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Lakeland?
From coffee to baked goods to cocktails, try these festive bevs + bites for the holiday season.
We’re calling on you to tell us your Lakeland-themed goals for the new year.
Prepare for winter weather in Lakeland, FL with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.