Earned the highest infant care score in Lakeland. This dimension focuses on caregiver ratios, responsiveness, and parent feedback for infant rooms.
Full Ranking Detail
childcarepreschool
Early Childhood Learning Center Airside is a DCF-licensed center in Lakeland serving infants through pre-K children, with an active VPK program and meals included in full-day care. Operating since 2007 with a capacity of 131 children and licensed until March 2027, the center offers notably early opening hours (5:30 AM) to accommodate early-shift parents, and welcomes subsidized child care program participants. A hands-on, play-based curriculum supports discovery and logical thinking across age groups. However, inspection records from 2025–2026 document multiple violations, and parent feedback has linked staffing pressures to classroom management concerns at legal capacity limits; prospective families should request recent compliance documentation.
Safety6.0
Curriculum7.0
Art / Music5.0
Infant care7.0
Kindergarten readiness7.0
Teacher quality6.0
Compassion7.0
Management6.0
Culture6.0
Class sizes5.0
Extracurriculars6.0
Programs & curriculum
Curriculum & approach: Hands-on, play-based learning emphasizing discovery and logical thinking. Programs available for infants (verbal interaction, gross motor development, music), toddlers (comprehensive early reading, fine motor skills), preschoolers (science, technology, aesthetic expression), and VPK preparation. Teachers encourage self-paced questioning and answer development.
Programs & activities: VPK provider offering full-day care with infant care available. Meals provided. Facility licensed for 131 children with valid Florida state license (expires 03/18/2027). Subsidized child care program participant.
What sets it apart: Hands-on learning with focus on the whole child. Licensed capacity 131 children. Hours M-F 5:30 AM - 6:00 PM. Phone: (863) 647-3322. First licensed 03/14/2007, License #C10PO0601.
Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge
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Best Infant Care
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Infant Care</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest infant care score in Lakeland. This dimension focuses on caregiver ratios, responsiveness, and parent feedback for infant rooms.</span>
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This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews and public records. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of verified parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically as new reviews are analyzed.
