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Sarasota Star Providers
Sarasota area child care providers who are participating in Look for the Stars are exceeding the basic requirements for child care and are providing quality early learning environments for the children of Sarasota County.
All parents should visit at least 3 different sites to determine the best fit for their child. This guide is one tool to help with that process and parents should discuss with the provider their respective strengths and areas for improvement noted in their star level report.
Providers who achieve a 4 to 5+ star level are providing and maintaining high levels of quality childcare for the children of Sarasota County. Providers who achieve a 3 Star level are recognized for providing quality above state licensing requirements and have demonstrated that they are actively taking steps to improve quality. Sites rated below 3 Stars are not considered high quality at this time.
The Star Ratings are closely aligned with their CLASS assessment composite scores, as the state is requiring all VPK and School Readiness classrooms to be assessed using this tool. We believe that the CLASS tool reflects overall quality childcare by focusing on classroom interactions. Our scale starts at a 3 Star because that is what we consider sufficient quality and reflects the minimum CLASS score of a 4.0 that is needed to contract with the coalition.
Other criteria used when assigning star levels include, learning environment, classroom interactions, screening, assessment and inclusion, staff qualifications, and professional development.
Note: Gold Seal Certified sites are noted under the provider’s name.
Not every child care provider is listed on the Look for the Stars website. Some reasons a provider may not be listed include:
- Provider chose not to participate
- Provider wanted to participate, but did not have the opportunity to participate this year
- Provider was assessed but chose to opt out of participation
- Provider has a Class 1 licensing violation within the past year and is ineligible for participation this year
- Provider has received a CLASS score below a 4.0 and is ineligible for participation this year.
Parents can contact the Early Learning Coalition’s Look for the Stars line for information on why a provider is not on the list at 941.556.1600 ext. 229 or mail@elcsarasota.org.
Child Care Resource and Referral is a source of information on resources available for parents and can also provide a personalized list of child care options based on parents’ individual needs. including ages served, hours of operation, program enhancements, and other program information. Contact Child Care Resource and Referral at 941.556.1600 ext. 106 or mail@elcsarasota.org.
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) website is another resource, with a feature that allows parents to search for child care provider based on specific criteria.
Explanation of Scores and Ratings:
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten- Every VPK is required by the state of Florida to be assessed using the CLASS tool. A CLASS score between 1.0-3.99 indicates a low level of quality classroom interactions. A score between 4.0-5.99 indicates a mid-level and a score between 6.0-7.0 indicates a high level. Providers must meet a CLASS score of 4.0 to offer VPK. If there is a NA in this column that provider does not offer VPK.
School Readiness- The state of Florida requires all SR providers to be assessed using the CLASS tool if their enrollment meets or exceeds 20% SR students, or two children for a Family Childcare Home. A CLASS score between 1.0-3.99 indicates a low level of quality classroom interactions. A score between 4.0-5.99 indicates a mid-level and a score between 6.0-7.0 indicates a high level. A provider must meet a CLASS score of 4.0 to hold a contract with the coalition. If there is a NA in this column that provider is exempt from the class assessment due to low enrollment of SR students, or they do not contract with the Early Learning Coalition.
Star Rating- Those sites with a star rating listed are choosing to go above and beyond to show their commitment to high quality care by participating in Look for the Stars. By participating they have demonstrated dedication continuous improvement. Sites receive a star rating based on their CLASS score, with the opportunity to advance to higher levels with points for instructional support, screening, assessment, inclusion, staff qualifications, and professional development. A 3-star site will have a CLASS score of at least 4.0. A 4-star sight will have a CLASS score of at least a 4.5. And 5-star site will have a class score of 5.5 or higher. If you see an NA in this column that provider is choosing not to participate in Look for the Stars.
Click the ▼ icon or Learn More for more information about a provider, where available.
Provider
Address and Phone
VPK CLASS
Composite Score
SR CLASS
Composite Score
Star Rating
Provider – Church Of The Palms, ECC
5.17
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 5.17
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
NA
Star Rating – NA
Crossroads Children’s Center
Provider – Crossroads Children’s Center
5.03
SR CLASS Composite Score – 5.03
Deshaies Family Daycare
Provider – Deshaies Family Daycare
None
SR CLASS Composite Score – None
NA
Star Rating – NA
Eberle Family Child Care Center
Provider – Eberle Family Child Care Center
Tuttle Ave. near Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 955-4159
Address – Tuttle Ave. near Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone – (941) 955-4159
NA
VPK CLASS Composite Score – NA
6.32
SR CLASS Composite Score – 6.32
6.33
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 6.33
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
NA
Star Rating – NA
ECC has been offering children a quality Christian environment for over 30 years. Nationally accredited and holding a Gold Seal from the state of Florida, the center offers hands-on learning, three playgrounds, and gymnastics. Majority of staff have taught for 15 years or more. Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years.
Summary – ECC has been offering children a quality Christian environment for over 30 years. Nationally accredited and holding a Gold Seal from the state of Florida, the center offers hands-on learning, three playgrounds, and gymnastics. Majority of staff have taught for 15 years or more. Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years.
104 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 366-9522
Candy Bell, Director
ecc@earlycarecenter.com
Address – 104 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone – (941) 366-9522
Candy Bell, Director
Email – ecc@earlycarecenter.com
6.61
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 6.61
5.94
SR CLASS Composite Score – 5.94
Forty Carrots Family Center
Provider – Forty Carrots Family Center
In a warm, engaging, and creative, fun-filled environment, qualified educators at the NAEYC accredited Preschool at The Forty Carrots Family Center spark young children’s curiosity, independence, and natural yearning for knowledge. At Forty Carrots, preschoolers feel good about themselves and the world in which they live.
Summary – In a warm, engaging, and creative, fun-filled environment, qualified educators at the NAEYC accredited Preschool at The Forty Carrots Family Center spark young children’s curiosity, independence, and natural yearning for knowledge. At Forty Carrots, preschoolers feel good about themselves and the world in which they live.
1500 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
(941) 365-7716
Flora Oynick, Preschool Director
flora.oynick@fortycarrots.com
fortycarrots.com
Address – 1500 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
Phone – (941) 365-7716
Flora Oynick, Preschool Director
Email – flora.oynick@fortycarrots.com
Website – fortycarrots.com
6.45
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 6.45
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
None
SR CLASS Composite Score – None
NA
Star Rating – NA
Good to Grow Daycare and Preschool
Provider – Good to Grow Daycare and Preschool
34235
Call the provider for the address and more information.
(941) 580-1268
Address – 34235
Call the provider for the address and more information.
Phone – (941) 580-1268
NA
VPK CLASS Composite Score – NA
7.00
SR CLASS Composite Score – 7.00
Horizons Unlimited Christian Academy
Provider – Horizons Unlimited Christian Academy
Horizons Unlimited Christian Academy’s mission is to work in partnership with parents and community to provide a solid educational foundation. Through joint efforts we can produce more positive child outcomes while building the readiness skills needed for a lifetime love for learning.
Summary – Horizons Unlimited Christian Academy’s mission is to work in partnership with parents and community to provide a solid educational foundation. Through joint efforts we can produce more positive child outcomes while building the readiness skills needed for a lifetime love for learning.
2674 Dr Martin Luther King Way, Sarasota, 34234
(941) 957-0409
Elma J. Browning-McKay, Director
horizonsunlimited1@outlook.com
horizonsunlimitedchristianacademy.com
Address – 2674 Dr Martin Luther King Way, Sarasota, 34234
Phone – (941) 957-0409
Elma J. Browning-McKay, Director
Email – horizonsunlimited1@outlook.com
Website – horizonsunlimitedchristianacademy.com
5.98
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 5.98
5.38
SR CLASS Composite Score – 5.38
Imagine School at Palmer Ranch
Provider – Imagine School at Palmer Ranch
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 5.99
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
Provider – Incarnation School
5.39
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 5.39
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
NA
Star Rating – NA
Kids of Sarasota
Provider – Kids of Sarasota
Every child is born with the right to grow and learn in a LOVING, SAFE and HEALTHY environment. We have 33 years serving families. We offer VPK, Nutritious meal and snacks. Our lesson plans are ALL ABOUT YOUR CHILD DEVELOPMENT. Age appropriate bilingual activities. Open M-F 7 am. 5pm.
Summary – Every child is born with the right to grow and learn in a LOVING, SAFE and HEALTHY environment. We have 33 years serving families. We offer VPK, Nutritious meal and snacks. Our lesson plans are ALL ABOUT YOUR CHILD DEVELOPMENT. Age appropriate bilingual activities. Open M-F 7 am. 5pm.
34232
Call the provider for the address and more information.
(941) 780-5521
kcollub2006@yahoo.com
Address – 34232
Call the provider for the address and more information.
Phone – (941) 780-5521
Email – kcollub2006@yahoo.com
6.33
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 6.33
6.33
SR CLASS Composite Score – 6.33
Kinderhouse Preschool
Provider – Kinderhouse Preschool
Provide a positive atmosphere to promote social, physical, cognitive & emotional growth. We use Creative Curriculum incorporating FL/VPK standards and STEM. Kindness Curriculum is used to teach social and emotional wellbeing. Extra-curricular classes include music, gymnastics/yoga, computer and martial arts for ages 4/5.
Summary – Provide a positive atmosphere to promote social, physical, cognitive & emotional growth. We use Creative Curriculum incorporating FL/VPK standards and STEM. Kindness Curriculum is used to teach social and emotional wellbeing. Extra-curricular classes include music, gymnastics/yoga, computer and martial arts for ages 4/5.
5.58
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 5.58
5.55
SR CLASS Composite Score – 5.55
Koala
Provider – Koala
4.53
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 4.53
4.84
SR CLASS Composite Score – 4.84
NA
Star Rating – NA
Learning Academy of Sarasota
Provider – Learning Academy of Sarasota
6.07
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 6.07
5.45
SR CLASS Composite Score – 5.45
NA
VPK CLASS Composite Score – NA
5.15
SR CLASS Composite Score – 5.15
NA
Star Rating – NA
NA
VPK CLASS Composite Score – NA
5.0
SR CLASS Composite Score – 5.0
NA
Star Rating – NA
Little Disciples Preschool
Provider – Little Disciples Preschool
At Little Disciples Preschool, our children enjoy days rich with art, language, literacy, math, music, nutrition, science, parades and more. Whether in our classrooms, outdoor classroom, Learning Center, Student Center, Stem Lab or playground, you are sure to find fun provided by our experienced and caring staff. Come join us!
Summary – At Little Disciples Preschool, our children enjoy days rich with art, language, literacy, math, music, nutrition, science, parades and more. Whether in our classrooms, outdoor classroom, Learning Center, Student Center, Stem Lab or playground, you are sure to find fun provided by our experienced and caring staff. Come join us!
Address – 4835 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
Phone – (941) 924-9290
Cindy McDowell, Director
Email – director@littledisciplespreschool.org
Website – littledisciplespreschool.org
6.21
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 6.21
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
Provider – Little Explorers
6.57
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 6.57
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
NA
Star Rating – NA
5600 Deer Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240
Floor 1 · Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church
(941) 552-1304
Address – 5600 Deer Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240
Floor 1 · Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church
Phone – (941) 552-1304
6.50
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 6.50
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
NA
Star Rating – NA
Love and Laugh
Provider – Love and Laugh
2811 17th St, Sarasota, FL 34234
(941) 952-1626
Lesa Snipes-Williams, Director
lovelaughcenter@yahoo.com
Address – 2811 17th St, Sarasota, FL 34234
Phone – (941) 952-1626
Lesa Snipes-Williams, Director
Email – lovelaughcenter@yahoo.com
5.47
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 5.47
4.33
SR CLASS Composite Score – 4.33
6.64
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 6.64
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
NA
Star Rating – NA