Tia Sauls
Tia Sauls is an early education specialist who helps families and educators navigate the child care, early education, and K–12 landscapes.
Families living in Orlando Florida have a wide variety of childcare options at their disposal. This includes home daycares, childcare centers, preschools and school-age programs. But that doesn’t make it easier to decide on a childcare provider.
Things like waitlists, costs and availability, can make your childcare search that much harder. But this guide takes you through them all. Here you’ll find out about what childcare options are available, costs, how waitlists work in Orlando and how Winnie can help you find a childcare provider that fits your family’s needs.
What Types of Childcare Are Available in Orlando?
You will be pleased to know that there are a variety of childcare options available to you in Orlando. Whether you are looking for a provider that fits your flexible schedule, a preschool that prepares your child for kindergarten or infant care, Orlando has several options throughout the city.
Common childcare options in Orlando include:
- Infant care
- Toddler care
- Preschool programs
- Licensed home daycare providers
- Full-time and part-time care
- After-school and extended care
There are several programs found throughout Orlando neighborhoods including, Downtown Orlando, Lake Nona, Winter Park, Dr. Phillips, College Park, Baldwin Park, and surrounding communities.
Average Cost of Childcare in Orlando
The cost of childcare in Orlando differs between providers. However, costs can also depend on the type of provider, the area it is in and your child’s age. Here are estimates on the cost of childcare in Orlando for center-based care and home-based care.
Center-Based Care
- Infant care: $1,482 per month
- Toddler care: $878 per month
- Preschool programs: $779 per month
Home-Based Care
- Infant care: $1,259 per month
- Toddler care: $748 per month
- Preschool programs: $669 per month
Families living closer to Downtown Orlando and rapidly growing neighborhoods such as Lake Nona often encounter higher childcare costs, while providers in surrounding suburban communities may offer more affordable options.
Childcare Waitlists in Orlando
Much like most cities, childcare in Orlando is in high demand. That being said, many programs have waitlists that you can join before securing a spot for enrollment. And generally, waitlists are managed and operated by the program provider. This means that a waitlist may have program specific rules and regulations.
Now some providers may prioritize siblings of children already enrolled, families returning to the program and some operate on a first-come, first served basis. Additionally, some providers may require a deposit. But you can find all of this out when touring the center. During your tour be sure to enquire about estimated wait times, if any additional fees apply (this excludes tuition fees) and about the waitlist notification process so you can be more informed. For more tips, read Winnie's guide on daycare waitlists:
Overview of Childcare in Orlando
Daycare and Early Learning Programs
During your childcare search you will notice that Orlando offers you a diverse range of childcare centers, home daycare options and early learning programs. With that, you will see that many providers offer flexible scheduling that can accommodate for changing work schedules and there are a number of specialized programs available as well.
Now searching through all these programs can be quite time consuming. Luckily Winnie makes finding a childcare provider much easier by allowing you to search for a provider in your area and compare licensed providers, read reviews, and even identify daycares with immediate openings, making it easier to find available care without contacting every provider individually.
Subsidized Childcare Programs
Florida childcare assistance offers families the financial assistance they need to reduce the cost of care. While dependent on income and other requirements, families may qualify for Florida's School Readiness Program and other childcare assistance programs.
Planning Ahead
The best thing you can do when searching for childcare in Orlando is to plan ahead. And you can do this by starting your search well before you need it. You should also join multiple waitlists to better your chances of securing a spot, schedule tours early and check availability regularly.
Finding Daycare or Preschool in Orlando
The good news is that finding a daycare or preschool in Orlando won’t be hard because there are a variety of options. However deciding on one is the challenging part, but here are a few things to consider when comparing providers:
- Schedule flexibility
- Tuition and fees
- Program type
- Parent reviews
- Classroom environment
Touring providers can help you better understand daily routines, teaching styles, and whether a program is the right fit for your child. And to make sure you get all the information you need, use Winnie’s checklist for touring a daycare.
What Makes Orlando Childcare Unique?
Orlando's childcare landscape reflects the city's unique economy and growing population.
Flexible Scheduling
Because many Orlando residents work in hospitality, tourism, and healthcare, numerous childcare providers offer schedules that accommodate early mornings, evenings, and other nontraditional work hours.
Specialized Learning Programs
Families can find a variety of specialized early learning options, including STEM-focused programs, Montessori schools, and preschools that emphasize hands-on science and discovery learning.
Diverse Childcare Options
Orlando offers a broad mix of childcare settings, ranging from neighborhood home daycares and microschools to larger childcare centers and national preschool programs like Head Start, giving families many options based on their preferences and budget.
Strong Early Learning Programs
Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program gives many four-year-olds access to free preschool, making early education more accessible for families across Orlando.
Frequently Asked Questions About Childcare in Orlando
Is childcare in Orlando tax deductible?
Depending on your income and childcare expenses, you may qualify for the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.
Is there free or subsidized childcare in Orlando?
Yes. Eligible families may qualify for Florida's School Readiness Program or Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), which helps reduce or cover childcare costs for qualifying children.
How early should I apply for daycare in Orlando?
While application time lines are generally set by the provider, it can be beneficial to apply several months before the care is needed to accommodate for long waitlists.
Are part-time childcare options available?
Yes, Orland does have part-time childcare options available.
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