Sarasota Star Providers
Sarasota area child care providers who achieve a three, four or five star level are exceeding the basic requirements for child care and are providing quality early learning environments for the children of Sarasota County.
Providers who achieve a four or five star level are providing and maintaining high levels of quality child care. Providers who achieve a three star level are providing consistently good quality child care in all areas. Providers who achieve a two star level are recognized for providing quality above state licensing requirements and have demonstrated that they are actively taking steps to improve quality. Providers who achieve a one star level meet basic licensing standards but as part of the program are invested in pursuing steps to improve quality.
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.
Note: Gold Seal Certified sites are awarded a plus (+)
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
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.
Click the ▼ icon or Learn More for more information about a provider, where available.
Facilities that are significantly close to achieving the next star level have been awarded a half star.
Name
Star Level
Address / Telephone (Click for Map)
Name, Star Level, and Address / Telephone (Click for Map)
A New Beginning Early Learning Center
Hours are 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday – Friday. Providing services for children ages six weeks to twelve years old. FREE Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program is available. A New Beginning has an educational program using the Creative Curriculum. All of our staff is pre screened through local, state and federal background screening.
All About Children Christian Child Care and Learning Center
Angels Child Development Center
We emphasize having the children involved in many areas including music, art, physical activities, reading, writing, and play time, in order for the child to learn and grow physically, emotionally and intellectually. We are a multicultural school and welcome new children to learn and make friends in a loving environment. Staff is always looking forward to see new faces.
Angel’s Friends Children Development
We believe our kids learn through play and by having fun, we have daily activities like art, music, reading, science, physical activities, writing and many more. We offer Free VPK, our staff is bilingual. We offer a loving and safe environment for your child.
Here at Ascension Lutheran Preschool our students receive an education of excellence through hands-on learning experiences. Teachers know that if they provide activities that encourage students to imagine, explore, ask questions and be creative, they will remember what they’ve learned and have fun doing it!
Asprea Family Child Care Home
24 hour care. Eleven years experience. All ages before and after school available. Large classroom and outdoor area with lots of indoor and outdoor equipment for both fun and educational learning experiences. Bilingual (English and Spanish) program. All meals and snacks provided. Member of local and state Family Child Care Association.
34241
Call the provider for the address and more information.
(941) 378-1920
Baby Fox
Our high quality early learning program provides children opportunities to develop and explore all domains of developmentally-appropriate practice. Children in our program ARE creating, moving, singing, discussing, observing, reading and playing. At BFA children are NOT expected to sit still and be quiet. They won’t be doing worksheets, workbooks or drill & kill flashcards. Children here will be seen gathered around books, loose parts, engaging materials, tinker tubs and sensory bins. Children can get lost in curiosity and will spend their days surrounded by discovery and wonder as they will be engaged in playful learning. We ARE preparing children for school, but we are NOT a boot camp for Kindergarten.
Bess Family Child Care Home
34234
Call the provider for the address and more information.
(941) 312-5619 / (941) 536-3066
Bizzy Bee 2
Bizzy B2 is a high quality, established, nature inspired, hands-on learning program with both indoor and outdoor activity areas. Classrooms support developmentally appropriate play-based activities not only via the Beyond Centers and Circle Time curriculum, but also following the children’s own interests. We believe children learn best through hands-on exploration. We spend our days learning in a variety of ways – tinkering, planning, creating, building, digging, planting, singing, laughing, dancing, swinging, cycling, running, talking, reading, listening, drawing, painting, writing, meditating, observing, and discovering. We believe social and emotional learning is a priority therefore you will find SEL skills and activities embedded throughout the day. Our daily activities fully encompass the Florida Standards. We are proud to say Bizzy B2 builds long lasting relationships with children and their families. Please call or email for any further information.
Bright Beginnings Preschool
Bright Beginnings Preschool brings you a program of exploration and discovery. We offer a loving environment in which your child will take part in many creative and educational experiences on his or her own developmental level. We believe in providing young children emotional security, physical development, intellectual and social stimulation, and proper nutrition in a safe, healthy and happy environment.
Bright Start Child Care Center ll
Committed to providing a caring and nurturing experience for all children, we see each child as an individual with varying needs, interests and abilities. Teachers offer kindness, guidance, and support. Our philosophy is to provide an UNHURRIED atmosphere that encourages social, emotional, spiritual, physical and intellectual growth and development.
Carter Family Child Care Home
34234
Call the provider for the address and more information.
(941) 365-1789
Chabad Preschool
Serving children ages 2.5 -5 in a multi-age classroom, using a modified Montessori approach, we aim to nurture each child’s learning priorities as we develop cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. In our creative and learn-through-play environment, there is a focus on kindness, healthy eating, and Jewish themes.
7700 Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34238
(941) 925-0770
Sara Steinmetz, Preschool
Director
sara@chabadofsarasota.com
sarasotachabad.com/preschool
Children First @ Helen R. Payne Center, a Head Start Program of Excellence serves children age pre-natal through five years and their families in comprehensive, high quality, inclusive, full day, Head Start, Early Head Start and fee-based early education programs with degreed teachers and low ratios.
TBD
The mission of Children First is to strengthen children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health and well-being. Children First is proud to offer a wide range of programs designed to meet the individual needs of each child and family.
TBD
Circle of Friends is an Eco-friendly, Reggio inspired Early Education Program serving children ages 12 months through 5 years of age. We are an APPLE accredited program and have received the Gold Seal designation through the state of Florida’s Department of Children and Families.
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
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.
1500 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
(941) 365-7716
Flora Oynick, Preschool Director
flora.oynick@fortycarrots.com
fortycarrots.com
Good to Grow Daycare and Preschool
34235
Call the provider for the address and more information.
(941) 580-1268
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.
TBD
2674 Dr Martin Luther King Way, Sarasota, 34234
(941) 957-0409
Elma J. Browning-McKay, Director
horizonsunlimited1@outlook.com
horizonsunlimitedchristianacademy.com
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.
34232
Call the provider for the address and more information.
(941) 780-5521
kcollub2006@yahoo.com
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.
Love and Laugh
2811 17th St, Sarasota, FL 34234
(941) 952-1626
Lesa Snipes-Williams, Director
lovelaughcenter@yahoo.com
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!
Morgan Family Child Care Home
I have a great location. Prices are great, breakfast, lunch, snack provided. I obtained my FCCP certificate. I am continuing my education to get my A.A.S. degree in early childhood development at Florida State College. I have a loving, nurturing, Christian environment. Social, emotional, and physical needs are important and incorporated.
34235
Call the provider for the address and more information.
(941) 957-0608
trmorg9@aol.com
Pines Of Sarasota Child Care Center
Full service, year round program for infants through pre k, including VPK. Our mission is to provide our employees and the community with quality childcare in an environment that is safe, healthy and provides developmentally appropriate learning opportunities.
Our goal is to offer a warm and loving environment that provides the children the opportunity to participate in developmentally appropriate activities so they can grow into the unique individuals God intended them to be. We promote children’s positive self image and building social skills in a school setting.
Riddle Family Child Care Home
34234
Call the provider for the address and more information.
(941) 358-1544
Sarasota Christian School
A faith based preschool program for children who turn 4 by September 1. Our students attend music, PE, library and art once a week. In addition, we offer 2 field trips a year along with some inhouse field trips. We have a monthly activity that include our parents.
Sarasota Memorial Child Care Center I
Sarasota Memorial Child Care Center I provides quality, developmentally appropriate care for the children of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and the community. We offer a variety of experiences that enable children 6 weeks through 5 years to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 5:45am to 6pm.
1935 Hyde Park St, Sarasota, FL 34239
(941) 917-1477
Debra Brown, Director
debra-brown@smh.com
Sarasota Memorial Child Care Center II
Sarasota Memorial Child Care Center II provides quality, developmentally appropriate care for the children of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and the community. We offer a variety of experiences that enable children 6 weeks through 11 years to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 5:45am to 6pm.
1401 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
(941) 917-1477
Debra Brown, Director
debra-brown@smh.com
Selby Preschool
The Selby Preschool is an inclusive program for children ages 1 – 5 years. Staffed by qualified, highly trained teachers and assistants with ratios of 1:5 and 1:6, the program offers Preschool classrooms for ages 1-3, a Montessori classroom for 3-5 year old, VPK, as well as varied therapy services provided by the Kidspot.
4405 Desoto Rd, Sarasota, FL 34235
(941) 355-8808
Alison Thomas, COO, The Haven
selbypreschool.org
Shining Stars Learning Center
Since 1997, Shining Stars Learning Center has provided the opportunity for children to become efficient and flexible learners, to discover new interests and abilities, and to grow as individuals. In an atmosphere where learning is enjoyed, our graduates have achieved social/emotional and academic success, and accelerated placements upon entering Kindergarten!
4416 Hale Street, Sarasota, FL 34233
(941) 371-3253
Dr. Sonja K. Lindzy, Director
drsonja1@verizon.net
www.shiningstarscenter.com
St. Paul Early Childhood Learning Center
It is our hope and expectation that our unique and innovative program will become well known for our progressive philosophy and curriculum in the areas of peaceful conflict resolution, anti-bias education and creative emergent curriculum. We also offer a unique science, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M.) program in which these content areas are taught through our arts integration program. We will become a close-knit, loving family of parents, early childhood educators and wonderful children! Whenever there is a question of what is best for the program, we always promise to look at the issue from about two feet in height. In other words, we try to make decisions based on what is best for each child. We truly feel that God is watching over our program and is guiding us as we go.
January of 2015, we added an infant room. We have classes of 1, 2, 3, and 4 years. We have excellent ratios and provide School Readiness Scholarships and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten. All of our nurturing teachers have CDA, Equivalency, or an undergraduate degree. All trained in CPR/1st aid.
Offering comprehensive community based services including our Early Childhood Education Program. Our inclusive preschool classrooms are nationally accredited and provide quality learning experiences to support the needs of all toddlers and preschoolers. Hours of operation: M-F 7:30am – 5:00 pm.
The Renaissance Preschool
Renaissance is a full year program (ages 1 – 5). We implement creative curriculum. No application fee. We participate in school readiness. The USDA food program is provided. Our school is clean, safe, fun and offers an educational rich environment. Our staff is friendly, qualified and dedicated to children and families. We do charge a registration fee of $100.
Trinity Preschool
Trinity Preschool is a high quality center, established in 1996, that promotes the physical, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive development of children ages 2-5. We use an established curriculum emphasizing learning through play. Our emphasis is on small classes with a low student-teacher ratio. We offer VPK.
Williams Family Child Care Home
34234
Call the provider for the address and more information.
(941) 355-3175
Willis Family Child Care Home
34234
Call the provider for the address and more information.
(941) 355-6574
Offering comprehensive community based services including our Early Childhood Education Program. Our inclusive preschool classrooms are nationally accredited and provide quality learning experiences to support the needs of all toddlers and preschoolers. Hours of operation: M-F 7:30am – 5:00 pm.