Strengths
- Florida Gold Seal Certification for Excellence (Early Childhood Center)
- Cognia International accreditation and AISF membership
- Only autism-specific Tikvah Center within a Jewish Day School in Florida (ABA-based, ages 4-10)
- Exceptional teacher longevity - many staff have served 10-30 years
- 30,000 sq ft outdoor classroom surrounded by banyan trees in Coral Way
- 70% of teachers are multilingual (English/Spanish)
- Very low student-teacher ratio (stated 1:6 average)
- Serves infants from 3 months through 6th grade
- Flexible scheduling: 1-5 days/week, half-day and full-day options
- Reggio Emilia and child-led methodology with integrated Judaic curriculum
- Strong extracurriculars: chess, musical theater, dance, engineering, soccer
- Founded 1986 - stable institution with deep community roots
Considerations
- Does not accept subsidized childcare vouchers - annual cost $10,715 to $19,811
- Three DCF inspections with violations: July 2025, November 2023, July 2023
- Google and Yelp ratings not publicly confirmed
- Extensive Jewish holiday calendar closures may affect non-Jewish families
- Teacher-to-child ratio listed as 1:14 on Wonderschool diverging from school-stated 1:6
Strengths
- NAEYC accredited early childhood program (July 2021–July 2026), qualifying for Florida Gold Seal Quality Care
- National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, recognized in both 2011 and 2020
- Dual curriculum integrating secular academics with Judaic studies and Hebrew language from preschool onward
- Rich enrichment for preschoolers: STEM, robotics, yoga, Zumba, moviemaking, musical instruments, art, sewing, Spanish, and nature exploration
- Strong 8:1 student-teacher ratio; 60% of faculty hold advanced degrees
- Kesher program for children with disabilities; Nativ dyslexia program; In-Class Support for diverse learners
- 14-acre campus with 115,000 sq ft athletic complex, hydroponic vegetable garden, and dedicated PKT Playground
- All-inclusive tuition (books, daily hot kosher lunch, security, school supplies PKT–Grade 5); host of annual CAJE Robotics Festival
Considerations
- Very high tuition: $17,300 (PKT-2 half-day) to $21,500 (Pre-K 4); non-refundable $1,150 matriculation fee
- GreatSchools community rating is only 3.6/5 from 14 reviews — some parent dissatisfaction despite school's awards
- Some reviewers criticize administration as undermining the school's potential strengths
- Strongly Orthodox/Modern Orthodox identity — may not suit all Jewish families or interfaith families
- Youngest intake is 18 months — no infant care for children under 1.5 years
Strengths
- APPLE accredited and Florida Gold Seal Award holder — exceeds minimum DCF licensing standards
- No violations across all inspections from 2022 through January 2026
- STEAM-based curriculum with weekly Spanish-immersion classes; enrichment activities include piano, karate, soccer, and dance for full-day students
- Charming campus surrounded by majestic oak trees near Baptist Hospital in a safe South Miami neighborhood
- Accepts infants from 8 weeks; flexible full-day and half-day scheduling; catered meals provided
- Parents from the Sunset campus consistently praise teachers as loving, attentive, and patient — multiple named-family testimonials on record
- Licensed since 2012 with a clean regulatory history through 2027
Considerations
- Very few public reviews for the Sunset location specifically — the Douglas location has far more Yelp visibility
- Employee reviews on Indeed rate pay and benefits at only 2.2/5 and management at 2.7/5, suggesting potential staff turnover risk
- Hours close at 5:30 PM, which may be restrictive for full-time working parents
- Capacity of 188 children is large for a preschool, which may affect individual attention despite low ratios
Strengths
- Outstanding inspection record: zero violations across 8 consecutive inspections from mid-2023 through 2026
- Licensed since 1980, license current through May 2027 (C11MD1116), 275-child capacity
- Reggio Emilia and Montessori-inspired play-based curriculum with individualized child-led learning
- 14-acre wooded campus with nature trails, outdoor gardens, expansive play spaces - rare in Miami
- Integrated ECEx therapy program: speech, physical, and occupational therapists embedded on-site at subsidized cost
- Strong multilingual environment: English, Hebrew, and Spanish instruction
- Swimming lessons included for PK3 and PK4 classes
- Music, art, and physical education built into daily programming
- VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) accepted
- Low student-teacher ratios: 4:1 for toddlers, 9:1 for PK4
- After-school program (Club Sinai) available for K-5th grade on same campus
- Every child feels special, honored and loved - program ethos across multiple sources
Considerations
- No current openings across all age groups as of March 2026 - waitlist likely required
- Tuition is high: $11,593 to $13,823/year depending on age group
- Half-day pickup at 12:15 PM and full-day at 2:45 PM - shorter day than some competitors
- One DCF violation recorded in May 2023; subsequent 8 inspections all clean
- No confirmed NAEYC or Gold Seal accreditation
- Google and Yelp ratings unavailable for the preschool specifically
- Program is faith-based/Jewish-focused
Strengths
- Florida Gold Seal Award holder and APPLE-accredited — operates above minimum state licensing standards
- No violations found in inspections through April 2026; one-acre campus with four playgrounds, soccer field, basketball court, sensory area, and outdoor classroom
- Infant program starts at 8 weeks; parents report strong developmental milestones in infant and toddler rooms including counting and ABCs within 6 months
- Dual STEAM + Early Literacy curriculum for preschoolers; Creative Curriculum for infants and toddlers; Spanish immersion enrichment available
- Director Julie Gutierrez praised by name for accessibility, personal knowledge of each child, and overall responsiveness to families
- Catered meals included (morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack); subsidized childcare accepted
- 4.4 Yelp rating from 21 reviews — among the strongest publicly verified parent review profiles of any Miami childcare center
Considerations
- One 2-star review cited administrative favoritism and concerns about academic preparation for elementary school transition
- One reviewer reported mishandling of a child's dismissal situation
- Employee reviews on Indeed average 3.6/5 with low pay scores (2.2/5) — may affect teacher retention over time
- Billing and referral bonus process noted as an area needing improvement by some families
- Hours listed as 7am–6pm on website but one source shows 7am–5:30pm — worth verifying during enrollment
Strengths
- NAEYC accredited for 20+ consecutive years and Florida Gold Seal — one of the strongest dual quality recognitions available
- Only preschool in Florida reported to have an on-site science lab for hands-on experiments
- Farm-to-table organic meal program recognized by the Florida Department of Health — vegetables grown by the children
- Teachers average 10+ years of tenure — unusually high stability for a childcare setting
- Founded in 2005 by Beth Rosenthal Davis, a National Board Certified educator and published curriculum author (Gryphon House)
- 4.8 Google rating from 94 reviews; Frogstreet curriculum + Kindness 101 social-emotional learning + weekly STEAM activities
- Accepts subsidized care (Step Up, Family Empowerment, Gardiner, McKay scholarships); enrichment included in tuition (soccer, science lab, music)
- Zero violations on both 2026 DCF inspections; library with 50,000+ titles on-site
Considerations
- Hours are 7:00 AM–5:30 PM only — no extended evening care reported
- Youngest age served is 12 months — no true infant care under 1 year
- Student-to-teacher ratio of 21:1 per PrivateSchoolReview is above national average despite exceeding state minimums
- School was acquired by Cadence Education franchise — may concern parents who valued original independent ownership
- Weekly tuition of ~$190 may be on the higher end for the area without subsidy
Strengths
- APPLE re-accreditation at 99% - top 1% of childcare facilities in South Florida, assessed by FACCM
- Quality Counts 5-Star rated - highest tier in Florida quality rating system
- Director Veronica Yanco: 30+ years experience, instructional coaching background; Curriculum Specialist has Reggio Emilia training from Italy study group
- Play-based child-led curriculum inspired by John Dewey with project-based learning and open-ended materials
- Exceptional enrichment: music, PE, swimming (Jr. Olympic pool on campus), ballet, soccer, T-ball, Spanish lessons
- 18-room dedicated early childhood building on a 23-acre campus with playgrounds, outdoor classrooms, heated pool
- Serves full age continuum from infants through Pre-K
- Weekly Shabbat celebrations and integrated Judaic experiences
- Licensed continuously since September 14, 1990 - over 35 years of operation
- BBB A+ rated; accepts subsidized childcare, VPK eligible
Considerations
- DCF inspection record shows 4 violations between December 2023 and December 2024 out of 14 total inspections
- Large licensed capacity of 309 children
- Strong Jewish cultural programming may not suit families seeking a secular preschool
- No NAEYC national accreditation found - APPLE is Florida-specific
- No verified Google or Yelp ratings publicly accessible
Strengths
- NAEYC accredited since 1989 and DCF Gold Seal Quality Care recipient — among the highest credentials a Florida childcare center can earn
- Small class sizes capped at 11 students per classroom, enabling highly individualized instruction
- 40+ year community institution serving Kendall since 1982 on Central Presbyterian Church grounds, with multi-generational families enrolling
- Named High Performing VPK Provider with strong Kindergarten Readiness Rate recognized by the State of Florida
- Strong academic outcomes reported by parents, especially in early literacy — children's reading development frequently cited
- Teachers Ms. Maria and Ms. Cris praised by name for being loving and attentive; director Ms. Emi praised for keeping staff and families happy
- Eco-Healthy Child Care certified and affiliated with Children's Forum and The Children's Trust
Considerations
- Large overall licensed capacity of 343 children may feel overwhelming despite small individual classroom sizes
- Serves only ages 2.5 through Kindergarten — no infant care available, limiting options for families with younger babies
- Tuition pricing not publicly listed; prospective families must contact directly to get cost information
- Employee reviews on Indeed average 2.8/5, with some mentions of fast-paced environment and management concerns
- Limited weekend or extended-hours options; closes at 6pm Monday–Friday
Strengths
- Clean inspection record with no violations as of April 2026; licensed continuously since 1978
- Hybrid Reggio Emilia and Montessori curriculum with emphasis on play-based, child-led learning and Jewish values integration
- Exceptionally low teacher-to-child ratios: 3:1 for infants, 4:1 for toddlers, 6:1 for two-year-olds, 9:1 for ages 3–4
- Weekly enrichment specialists in swim (SwimRight Academy, founded by Olympic champion Lenny Krayzelburg), gymnastics, art, yoga, and music built into curriculum
- Accepts subsidized childcare programs and offers VPK, making it accessible to diverse income levels
- Part of a full JCC campus with indoor and outdoor pools, fitness facilities, and summer camp access
- Open to families of all faiths and backgrounds despite Jewish cultural grounding
Considerations
- Large capacity of 244 children may feel less intimate than smaller boutique centers
- Hours limited to 8am–5:30pm (shorter on Fridays) — may not suit parents with late work schedules
- Yelp listing covers the full JCC, not the childcare specifically, making ratings difficult to isolate
- Very few publicly available parent reviews on major platforms specific to the childcare program
Strengths
- NAEYC accredited and holds a 5+ Star rating from the Early Learning Coalition — among the highest possible quality designations in Florida
- One of only two STEM-focused preschools in the entire United States, with a curriculum integrating science, technology, engineering, math, and arts through hands-on play
- Uses the HighScope Infant Toddler and Preschool Curriculum (Birth to K), a nationally recognized evidence-based program
- Serves as a laboratory demonstration school for MDC's School of Education — teachers are trained ECE professionals and college-supervised
- Small class sizes: 10–15 children for pre-K and only 6 in the infant level; full-day hours (7 AM to 6 PM)
- Facilities include on-site garden, science lab, library access, tablets, computers, and outdoor play areas
- Subsidized care available via Early Head Start and CCAMPIS grant for income-qualifying families; MDC students receive a $300/month discount
Considerations
- Monthly cost of $890 is above average for the area; subsidy programs help but require eligibility qualification
- Capacity of 185 with high demand from MDC student-parents may create waitlists
- NAEYC accreditation last reaffirmed 2018; current status could not be independently confirmed as still active in 2026
- Yelp page for the specific preschool unit has no published reviews — limited parent review transparency
Strengths
- NAEYC accredited (2024–2029) and Florida Gold Seal provider, reflecting independently verified program quality
- Clean inspection record with no violations documented across 2022–2026 DCF inspections
- Offers Early Head Start for infants and toddlers (120 slots) plus Head Start and VPK preschool — rare full birth-to-5 continuum under one roof
- Multilingual staff serving families in English, Spanish, and Creole — critical asset in Miami's Wynwood neighborhood
- Three daily meals planned by a licensed nutritionist included at no extra cost; classroom caps of 20 children
- Founded 1960 — over 65 years of continuous community service with deep institutional roots in Miami
- Wraparound family services: case management, financial coaching, developmental screenings, and special-needs IEP support on-site
Considerations
- Large facility (capacity 312) may feel institutional compared to smaller boutique centers
- Hours reported as 8 AM–4 PM for preschool, which may not accommodate full working-day schedules without supplemental care
- Limited public reviews online — Yelp and Google listings have minimal or no public ratings
- Primarily targets low-income families via Head Start income thresholds; families above income limits may not qualify
Strengths
- NAEYC-accredited Foundation Level and AISF (Association of Independent Schools of Florida)-accredited Elementary Level — dual accreditation is rare in Miami
- Reggio Emilia-inspired, project-based curriculum with proprietary Kehilla Approach™ emphasizing Kindness, Empathy, Honesty, Integrity, Life-Long Learning, and Acceptance
- Serves a broad age span: 8 weeks (infants) through 5th grade, providing true educational continuity for families
- Licensed since May 1980 — over 40 years of continuous operation
- On-site 1,000 sq ft kitchen prepares fresh daily meals included in tuition; English and Spanish-speaking staff; Hebrew integrated through ceremonies
- Innovation Spaces with science labs and microscopes; Art Mazel program; Earth Summit Learning Exhibition
- Non-punitive, trauma-informed discipline using TLC (Teacher Loving Care), redirection, and positive reinforcement
Considerations
- DCF inspection records show violations at both January and May 2022 inspections — specific violation categories not publicly disclosed
- Does not accept VPK funding or subsidized childcare — inaccessible for lower-income families
- Very high tuition: Infant/Toddler $32,220/year ($2,810/month); Elementary $25,400/year — among the most expensive in Miami Beach
- Non-refundable enrollment fee of $1,500 per student; credit card payments incur 3% surcharge
- No transportation provided; limited public review presence on Google and Yelp
Strengths
- APPLE Accredited with 99% re-accreditation score — placing the center in the top 1% of South Florida childcare facilities
- Florida Quality Counts 5-Star rating — the highest level in the state quality rating system
- Licensed continuously since September 1990; 4.6 Google rating from 229 reviews; 92% recommendation rate across 430 Facebook reviews
- Play-based constructivist curriculum ('Wonder. Play. Create. Learn.') inspired by John Dewey with child-originated programming
- Music, PE, and Swimming included in tuition; optional Ballet, Soccer, T-ball, and Spanish lessons available
- Dedicated 18-room building with two playgrounds, covered infant patio, and outdoor classroom on a 23-acre JCC campus
- Infants served from 6 weeks through Pre-K/VPK; participates in subsidized child care program
- Curriculum Specialist provides ongoing supervisory support; active parent and grandparent community program
Considerations
- DCF inspections recorded violations on 4 dates within 13 months: December 2024, August 2024, April 2024, and December 2023
- Indeed employee reviews show low management (1.8/5) and work-life balance (1.8/5) scores — potential staff turnover risk
- Large licensed capacity of 309 children; tuition and hours not publicly disclosed
- No Gold Seal designation found; no quoted parent reviews extractable from Yelp or Google
Strengths
- NAEYC accredited (2024–2029) with clean DCF inspection record through February 2026 — zero violations
- Head Start and Early Head Start serving 120+ infants and toddlers through federal expansion grant
- Teachers hold Bachelor's or Associate's degrees; classrooms capped at 20 children
- Three nutritious meals daily planned by a licensed nutritionist
- Trilingual staff (English, Spanish, Creole) serving diverse Wynwood/Miami community
- Family Enrichment Center offers financial coaching, food vouchers, bus passes, SNAP/Medicaid assistance
- Developmental screenings, therapy services, and individualized education plans for children with special needs
- Founded 1960; operated by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami
- VPK provider for free Florida pre-K program for age 4–5
- Rated 4.6/5 stars across 28 verified reviews on Daycares.co
Considerations
- Income-based eligibility restrictions — not open enrollment for all families
- Large licensed capacity of 312 may feel institutional despite classroom size caps
- Hours and program access depend on funding source; some programs run only 8 AM–4 PM
- Google and Yelp ratings not publicly confirmed
- Urban Wynwood setting with limited outdoor campus space
Strengths
- NAEYC Accredited continuously since 1989 — one of the longest-running accreditations in the area
- DCF Gold Seal Quality of Care designation from Florida Department of Children and Families
- Eco Healthy Child Care certified
- Zero DCF violations across all inspections 2022–2026; most recent March 13, 2026
- Licensed since November 1981 (C11MD0556) — over 44 years of operation
- Small average class size of 12 students with 70% of faculty holding advanced degrees
- VPK and School Readiness subsidized care provider
- Cognitive Developmental curriculum for ages 2.5 through Kindergarten
- GreatSchools community rating of 4.7/5 based on 19 reviews
- Ballet and gymnastics offered as enrichment programs
- ADD/ADHD support and learning differences accommodations available
Considerations
- No infant or toddler care — serves ages 2.5 and up only
- Licensed capacity of 343 is large relative to the 12-student average class size — verify actual enrollment on tour
- Website is minimal with no published tuition or detailed curriculum breakdown
- No director or lead staff names publicly listed anywhere online
- Google and Yelp public ratings not retrievable
Strengths
- APPLE Accreditation and Gold Seal standards — two of Florida's highest quality designations
- Over 30 years of experience in early childhood education
- Creative Curriculum delivered bilingually in English and Spanish
- Constructivist teaching philosophy with age-specific developmental milestones from infants (6 weeks) through VPK (age 5)
- Rich extracurricular offerings: Art, Music, Soccer, Dance, Chess, Lego Robotics, and Coding Camps
- Live video streaming for parents, photocatalytic air purifiers, alarm system, and childproof classrooms
- All staff CPR/First Aid certified and trained in early childhood education
- Accepts subsidized care; bilingual English/Spanish communication with families
- Meals provided (breakfast and lunch), plus after-school and summer camp programs
- 0 recorded DCF violations per DaycareScan
Considerations
- Large capacity of 229 children — can mean a less intimate environment
- Teacher-to-child ratio reported at 1:13 on Wonderschool — on the higher end
- No publicly accessible Yelp review text (blocked to scrapers); Google review count not surfaced
- Yelp shows only 10 reviews total — limited public review base for a 229-capacity center
- No NAEYC accreditation found
Strengths
- Zero violations across five consecutive DCF inspections (2023, 2024, 2025 ×2, 2026)
- NAEYC accredited and holds Florida Gold Seal of Excellence — highest state quality designation
- Comprehensive wraparound services including occupational, feeding, and speech therapy plus mental health counseling on-site
- Teachers hold Bachelor or Associate degrees; all classrooms led by credentialed educators
- Three daily nutritionist-planned meals provided at no cost to enrolled families
- Licensed since 1979 — one of Miami's longest-operating Head Start centers with 35,000+ children served
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) staff serving Little Havana community; Early Head Start available for infants from 3 months
Considerations
- No public Google or Yelp reviews available — very limited parent review transparency online
- Hours appear inconsistent across listings (6:30 AM–6 PM vs. 8 AM–4 PM) — verification recommended at enrollment
- Capacity of 194 in a single office suite suggests potentially compact indoor environment
- Primarily serves income-qualifying families; private-pay options limited and vouchers not accepted per some listing sites
Strengths
- NECPA-accredited and Gold Seal quality care designation - among Florida's highest childcare credentials
- Founded 1988; over 35 years serving 3,000+ Miami-Dade families
- Broad age range served: infants from 6 weeks through before/afterschool (ages 5-12)
- Comprehensive STEAM curriculum with extracurriculars including ballet, soccer, coding, robotics, and e-gaming
- All staff CPR and First Aid certified; strong security (keypad access, cameras, photo ID entry, active shooter training)
- Daily parent communication via Brightwheel app with photos and updates
- VPK provider - children reported to enter kindergarten one year ahead of peers
- Healthy meals provided on-site; extended hours 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- BBB A+ rating; led by founder Maureen Samaroo family since 2012
- Bilingual program development offered
Considerations
- Large capacity (330 children) may reduce individualized attention
- Separate after-school license (E11MD0503) had a violation noted in April 2022
- Yelp page has no published star rating or reviews
- Google star rating not publicly retrievable
- Facebook recommendation data (94% from 24 reviews) is a thin sample relative to 330-child capacity
Strengths
- Unique inclusive model integrates children with and without disabilities in the same classrooms, giving typically developing children exposure to diverse peers
- University of Miami affiliation means staff includes trained researchers and clinicians — speech, physical, and occupational therapists work directly in classrooms
- Auditory/Oral Education Program: specialized, rare offering for deaf and hard-of-hearing children birth to 7, using cochlear implant and hearing aid support
- Families whose children qualify for disability services pay no tuition — covered through Early Steps and community agency referrals
- Long-established institution operating since 1972 with 17+ community partnerships including Easterseals and The Children's Trust
- Parents consistently praise teachers for identifying developmental concerns early — including hearing disorders — and treating each child as an individual
Considerations
- No Google or Yelp presence — very limited public review data makes independent evaluation difficult
- 4 inspection violations recorded across 15 inspections since 2023 (April 2024, August 2024, March 2025, August 2025)
- Student-teacher ratio of 13:1 slightly above national average for a center serving children with disabilities
- Waitlist for the tuition-based Early Childhood Education Program (typically developing children) suggests limited availability
- At least one parent reported an incident where a child received a black eye during a fight and the school failed to notify the parent
Strengths
- Exceptionally clean DCF record: zero violations across 11 consecutive inspections from July 2023 through May 2026
- Licensed since 1980 — over 45 years of continuous operation
- Strong teacher-to-child ratios: 1:4 for 18-month-olds, 1:6 for twos, 1:8 for threes, 1:9 for fours
- 14-acre wooded campus with gardens tended by children, woodland trail, and large outdoor play spaces — nature as a second classroom
- Reggio Emilia and Montessori-inspired play-based curriculum; trilingual instruction in English, Hebrew, and Spanish
- 'Every Child Excels Initiative': on-site speech, physical, and occupational therapists integrated into daily school life
- VPK-approved provider; tuition $11,593–$13,823/year with financial aid; swimming lessons for PK3 and PK4
Considerations
- One inspection with violations recorded in May 2023 — specific nature not publicly disclosed
- No NAEYC accreditation or Florida Gold Seal found
- Capacity of 275 is large for a single-site preschool; high demand may create waitlists
- Full-day pickup at 2:45–3:00 PM (2:15 PM Fridays) is early for working parents without extended care enrollment
- Serves 18 months+, not true infants under 12 months
Strengths
- NAEYC accredited and APPLE accredited - dual national quality certifications
- Named one of the top 5 Head Start programs in the US by Bellwether Education Partners
- Educare Network member with research-backed HighScope curriculum
- Serves infants from 6 weeks through pre-K age 5 with continuity of care model
- STEAM focus with high-tech classrooms (iPads, digital microscopes, projectors, cameras)
- Outdoor garden living laboratory for nature-based learning
- Mixed-income model integrates Head Start subsidized families with private-pay families
- Dual language English/Spanish with Creole translators available
- Pyramid Model for social-emotional development plus Inner Explorer mindfulness
- Community pantry and family resource room with computer access
- Step-Up for Students scholarships accepted
- 11 of 12 DCF inspections since 2022 had zero violations
Considerations
- One DCF violation recorded August 21, 2024 (specific citation not publicly disclosed)
- Yelp reviews sharply polarized: 5 five-star vs 4 one-star averaging 3.0/5
- Negative reviews cite poor teacher retention and staff instability
- Some parents report teaching methodology feels inappropriate for preschool age
- Licensed capacity of 342 is large for early childhood setting
- Hours inconsistent across sources - confirm current schedule directly
Strengths
- NAEYC-accredited - one of Miami's most credentialed nonprofit childcare networks
- Florida Gold Seal quality designation (effective 6/1/2023 through 6/1/2028)
- Federally funded Head Start and Early Head Start programs on-site
- VPK provider - free pre-K program for eligible 4-year-olds
- Dual evidence-based curricula: Creative Curriculum for infants/toddlers, HighScope for preschool ages 3+
- Serves children from 6 weeks to 12 years - full-day, before school, after school, and infant care
- Bilingual English/Spanish staff and environment in Little Havana
- Meals and snacks provided (breakfast, lunch, snack daily)
- Founded in 1968 - over 55 years of continuous operation
- Seven consecutive clean inspections February 2024 through February 2026
- Rated 4.3/5 on Daycares.co across 32 verified reviews
Considerations
- May 2026 DCF inspection flagged violations - specific nature not publicly disclosed
- Very large licensed capacity of 465 children
- Teacher-to-child ratio reported as 1:14
- Limited public Google and Yelp reviews for this specific location
- Head Start hours (8 AM to 3 PM) shorter than full facility hours (7 AM to 6 PM)
- Primarily serves subsidized families - waitlists may be lengthy
Strengths
- Nationally ranked #7 Best Public K-12 School in America (Niche 2026) and #16 Best Public Elementary in America
- 9/10 GreatSchools rating; 86% proficient in math and 94% proficient in reading per state assessments
- Global Education VPK offered with student-centered, critical thinking approach; VPK students continue in the same magnet without reapplying for kindergarten
- International Education / Global Focus magnet — unique curriculum in all of Miami-Dade
- Technology integration: personal laptops and digital classrooms; AdvancED accredited; AP Honor Roll and 2025 Excellence Seal
- After-school care, mental health resources, and Summer 305 enrichment programming available
Considerations
- No sports teams — repeatedly cited by students and parents as a significant gap in school life
- No arts or sports career pathways; limited extracurricular clubs
- Project/self-directed learning model frustrates some students who struggle without direct instruction
- No NAEYC, APPLE, or Gold Seal accreditation for the early childhood program
- No infant/toddler program — PreK starts at ages 3–4 only; no care for under 3
Strengths
- NECPA-accredited with Florida Gold Seal status — among the highest quality designations available in Florida
- Family-owned and continuously operated since 1988, serving 3,000+ Miami-Dade families over 35 years; now led by second-generation siblings Gerard and Lisa Samaroo
- Wide age range: 6 weeks through 12 years — infants, toddlers, Pre-K, VPK, before/after school, and summer camp all on one campus
- Extended hours (6:00 AM–7:00 PM); meals included; Brightwheel app for real-time parent communication
- Robust security: photo ID entry, keypad access, electronic tracking, camera coverage, police department facility assessment
- Rich extracurriculars: Ballet, Soccer, E-Gaming, Engineering, Coding, and Robotics; BBB A+ rating
Considerations
- 330-child licensed capacity is very large — crowding and individual attention are genuine concerns
- Two negative Yahoo Local reviews: one alleged children were yelled at and cameras were absent; another reported refusal of children with disabilities
- Yahoo Local aggregate shows 3.5/5 across 7 reviews, indicating inconsistent parent experiences
- Most testimonials on the school's own website are 7–14 years old, limiting recency of evidence
Strengths
- APPLE accreditation and Florida Gold Seal Quality Care designation
- Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum with strong project-based arts-integrated learning (Atelier studio, music, sports)
- Trilingual instruction: English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese from preschool through elementary
- Low 4:1 student-teacher ratio with 30 classroom teachers and experienced leadership
- Founders have Florida Director Credential and Harvard education certification
- Staff with 30+ years of experience in key leadership roles
- DCF license current through 2027; passed all three most recent inspections (2025-2026)
- Full Day, Half Day, After School, and summer camp options with food served
- Strong arts program - dedicated Atelier instruction with specialist teachers
- Community-oriented culture with school app for daily parent updates
Considerations
- Three DCF violations documented in 2023-2024 (March 2024, June 2023, March 2023)
- Multiple parent reviews cite poor communication and disorganization from administration
- Principal reported as rarely available and hard to reach
- Employee reviews flag no health insurance, no parking, and below-market teacher pay
- Some staff reviews indicate school prioritizes classroom aesthetics over actual child learning
- Does not participate in subsidized childcare programs - fully private pay only
- High licensed capacity (219) relative to marketed small school identity
Strengths
- Long-established nonprofit with 75+ years of operation in Coconut Grove, serving 10,000+ children historically
- Structured evidence-based curricula: Creative Curriculum for infants and toddlers, HighScope Curriculum for preschoolers
- Low infant/toddler ratios: max 8 children per classroom with 2 teachers in Early Head Start
- Comprehensive wraparound services including health screenings, disability support, mental health therapy (partnered with Nova Southeastern, FIU, Albizu University), and social services
- Free USDA-approved meals — breakfast, hot lunch, and afternoon snack — daily
- Individual Learning Plans for every child with three parent-teacher conferences per year; parents serve on policy committees
Considerations
- Very limited public reviews (2 Yelp, 2 Care.com averaging 3.0/5) make it difficult to assess current parent satisfaction independently
- Employee reviews on Indeed (3.3/5 from 6 reviews) cite management gaps in early childhood education expertise and HR favoritism concerns
- Low employee ratings for work-life balance (2.7/5) and pay may affect teacher retention and classroom consistency
- Operating hours (7:30am–6pm) somewhat limited compared to some private centers
Strengths
- Triple accreditation: FCIS, Christian Schools of Florida (CSF), and ISSF
- VPK program offered - free for eligible 4-year-olds
- PreK1 through PreK4 early childhood programs with dedicated playgrounds and spacious classrooms
- Small class sizes - 10:1 student-teacher ratio cited by multiple sources
- Rich enrichment: Spanish Immersion, Ballet on Stage, Robotics, Art, Music, Therapy Services
- 62 full-time faculty with dedicated curriculum director and school nurse
- Gated monitored campus with active security
- DCF license X11MD0014 valid through April 2027; no violations in publicly accessible records
- Subsidized child care accepted
- GreatSchools overall rating 4.0/5 from 36 reviews
Considerations
- Google and Yelp ratings inaccessible (403 blocked) - numeric ratings not confirmed
- PrivateSchoolReview reports 22:1 student-teacher ratio contradicting 10:1 figure elsewhere
- Some parents report significant quality drop following administrative changeover
- Selective admissions has led to rejection of children with learning differences
- PreK campus (Wayside) is at a separate location from the main K-8 campus
- Annual tuition approximately $12,974
Strengths
- Holds Florida Gold Seal of Excellence and APPLE national accreditation (effective Nov 2024)
- Bilingual English/Spanish staff and curriculum
- Free VPK program for 4-year-olds with Creative Curriculum framework
- Serves wide age range: infants from 3 months through age 12
- Homemade fresh meals with no processed food — breakfast, lunch, and snacks included
- Named stable teaching team with director Marzi on-site
- Multiple inspections in 2025-2026 with no violations, recovering well after 2024 issues
- School Readiness Program and Thrive by Five scholarship available
- Licensed since 2015; established community presence in Miami-Dade County
Considerations
- Two DCF inspection violations recorded September and October 2024
- Very large capacity of 214 children — crowding and individual attention concerns
- No Yelp listing found; Google Maps rating not confirmed — limited third-party visibility
- Facebook page shows only 8 reviews, limiting depth of independent feedback
- No individual staff credentials publicly disclosed on website
Strengths
- Trilingual curriculum: English, Spanish, and Italian woven into daily lessons from infancy through Grade 8
- Rich extracurriculars: orchestra (violin), soccer, gardening, cooking, and theater; Jr. Healthcare Academy from kindergarten onward
- Serves ages 3 months through Grade 8 — one of few Miami centers with true infant-to-middle-school continuity
- State-certified teachers across all grades; project-based and inquiry-based learning throughout
- VPK provider; subsidized child care accepted; food served; clean April 2026 DCF inspection
- 100% approval on Fresh Chalk and Facebook (22 reviews); operational student-teacher ratio of 1:14
Considerations
- Two DCF inspection violations: February 2024 and April 2023 — violation types not publicly detailed
- One negative review alleges school prioritizes revenue over education quality, citing 30%+ cost increases
- No NAEYC, Gold Seal, or APPLE accreditation found
- Yelp rating of 4.0 from only 5 reviews — very thin public review base for a 294-capacity center
Strengths
- NAEYC accredited (valid through May 2028) and Gold Seal designee — dual Florida quality recognition
- Operating continuously since 1982 — over 40 years of community presence; family-owned and operated
- Large standalone campus with multiple playgrounds; infants through Grade 1 served
- GreatSchools rating of 4.1/5 from 24 reviews; Yelp 4.0/5 from 5 reviews
- Multi-sensory curriculum with art projects, fine/gross motor development, and child-initiated play within structured framework; VPK provider
Considerations
- One Yahoo/Yelp reviewer (November 2023) posted a strongly negative review: 'If I could give this school negative stars I would!'
- Indeed employee reviews flag notably low pay, which can drive teacher turnover
- Licensed capacity of 277 vs. ~141 enrolled — large gap worth clarifying at enrollment
- DCF inspection history not publicly accessible via standard web sources
Strengths
- APPLE Accredited and Florida Gold Seal Quality Care designation — dual recognition for program quality
- Bilingual English/Spanish instruction using the research-backed HighScope Preschool Curriculum
- Wide age range: infants through Grade 5; Full Day, Half Day, Drop In, Before/After School, Infant Care all available
- VPK provider and subsidized child care accepted; meals/food served; extended hours 6:30 AM–6:30 PM
- 5.0 stars across 9 Google reviews; 98% Facebook recommendation rate (17 reviews); low student-teacher ratio of 12:1
Considerations
- Inspection violations in May 2024 and May 2026 per childcarecenter.us — specific nature not publicly detailed
- One 1-star review ('It's disappointing') found helpful by 74 of 155 users on childcarecenter.us
- Official website was unreachable at time of research
- DCF capacity 285 vs. actual enrollment of ~50 students — large discrepancy worth investigating at enrollment
Strengths
- NAEYC accredited — meets high national standards for early childhood education
- Operates Head Start and Early Head Start programs, serving 120 infants and toddlers through federal grant funding
- Teachers hold Bachelor or Associate degrees, above typical DCF minimum requirements
- Three nutritious meals daily planned by a licensed nutritionist; uses HighScope Preschool Curriculum for ages 3–4
- Long-established center operating since November 1988 — over 35 years serving Little Haiti
- Received school supply donations from HCA Florida Mercy Hospital for 300+ students, indicating active community partnerships
- Mostly clean inspection record: no violations in March 2026, July 2025, February 2025, and multiple prior inspections
Considerations
- Publicly available licensing summaries indicate a DCF inspection was recorded in late 2025; the specific findings are not detailed in the public listing, so families may wish to review the center's current record directly with DCF.
- Very large center with capacity of 220 children, which may limit individualized attention
- No public parent reviews available across all major platforms (Yelp, Google, Winnie, CareLuLu all show zero reviews)
- Operating hours inconsistency across sources (8:00 AM–4:00 PM vs. 6:30 AM–6:00 PM) warrants verification at enrollment
Strengths
- Ministry of Riverside Baptist Church with strong faith-based community backing and over 100 families served annually
- Serves full age range from infants through Pre-K4 with dedicated infant room program
- Teachers send photo updates and text parents directly, providing transparent daily communication
- Described as one of the best preschools in Kendall with a Christian atmosphere on Nextdoor
- Offers both full-day and half-day scheduling options plus afterschool care
Considerations
- High student-teacher ratio of 18:1 (above national average of 11:1) based on available enrollment data
- Large licensed capacity of 341 raises concerns about crowding for a faith-based center
- No tuition information publicly listed, limiting cost transparency for prospective families
- Very limited online review presence — no accessible Google or Yelp ratings found
Strengths
- Clean DCF inspection record - no violations April 2022 through March 2026
- 25+ years of early childhood programming with nearly 300 enrolled students
- Dedicated Innovation Studio for hands-on sensory and creative learning
- Multiple outdoor learning spaces using natural materials, science experiments, and storytime
- Highly credentialed director Sandra Kopp M.S. - 30+ years experience, JECEI-Covenant Fellow, NAEYC conference presenter
- Long-tenured culturally diverse teaching team - majority on staff for decades
- Jewish cultural integration in daily activities (Shabbat, Hebrew, holidays)
- Flexible scheduling: 1-5 days per week, full day and half day options
- Bilingual English and Spanish; accepts subsidized care (CCAP)
- Serves ages 12 months through 5 years including infants and toddlers
- Hours 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM Mon-Thu, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM Fri
Considerations
- No confirmed NAEYC, Gold Seal, or APPLE accreditation
- VPK program participation not confirmed
- Licensed capacity of 759 is very large; 1:15 teacher ratio noted
- Yelp and Google ratings not publicly surfaced; very sparse verified parent reviews
- Friday early closure at 5:00 PM for Shabbat may limit working parents
Strengths
- NECPA accredited across the Watch Me Grow network, indicating verified quality standards
- Free VPK program for 4-year-olds approved by Florida Early Learning Coalition
- Serves full age range from infants (0-11 months) through school-age (6-11 years)
- Multiple service types: Full Day, Half Day, Drop-In, Before/After School, and Infant Care
- Free nutritious daily meals provided through food program
- Part of established 5-location network with 22+ years of experience
- Subsidized care and School Readiness scholarships accepted (ELC Miami-Dade partner)
- Play-based developmental philosophy with music and language integration
- Modern facility with nursery, playground, and modern kitchen
Considerations
- No independently verifiable Google or Yelp ratings for this specific location
- Newer campus with limited track record compared to older WMG sites
- DCF inspection record for this address not separately indexed on childcarecenter.us
- Student-teacher ratio of 17:1 across the network is above the national average
- DCF-licensed capacity of 221 is large for a single facility
- No Gold Seal, NAEYC, or APPLE accreditation - only NECPA
- Pricing not publicly disclosed
Strengths
- Perfect DCF inspection record - zero violations across 10 consecutive inspections 2022 through April 2026
- APPLE Gold Seal accreditation effective 10/20/2021 through 10/20/2026
- NAEYC member; licensed continuously since August 2000 - over 25 years of operation
- Bilingual faculty with Florida DOE credentials serving predominantly Latino community in Little Havana
- Comprehensive services: Full Day, Half Day, Before School, After School, VPK, Head Start, Summer
- Ranked #2 among 70+ schools for Step Up for Students scholarship recipients
- STEAM curriculum with IXL platform, digital textbooks, and Smart Board technology
- National School Lunch Program and Early Learning Coalition partnerships
- Extracurriculars: music/guitar, STEM, literacy, sports, field trips, cultural celebrations
- Extended hours: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Considerations
- No Google Maps rating found - limited online visibility
- Student-teacher ratio approximately 20:1 - above national average
- Capacity of 233 across broad age range PK through 8th grade
- One parent reported child did not make expected literacy progress after two years
- No infant/toddler programming documented - appears to start at age 3
Strengths
- Over 50 years of continuous service to Little Havana immigrant families
- All programs are free - all students receive full scholarships
- Certified Miami-Dade County teachers lead all activities supported by trained aides
- Broad enrichment: homework help, literacy, STEM, computer lab, creative arts, music, fitness
- College readiness program for middle and high schoolers
- Licensed capacity of 250 (DCF license X11MD2027)
- New two-story facility dedicated 2016 enabling expansion from 85 to 250 seats
- Bilingual English and Spanish serving predominantly Hispanic immigrant families
- Funded by The Children Trust
- Comprehensive wraparound: food pantry, school supplies, preventive health referrals
- Raised $230,391 from 161 donors on Give Miami Day 2024
- Summer camp with STEM, cooking classes, and weekly field trips
Considerations
- Teacher-to-child ratio of 1:25 - relatively high
- No Google, Yelp, or Care.com parent reviews found
- No NAEYC, Gold Seal, APPLE, or Head Start accreditation found
- Does not accept subsidized child care (DCF subsidy vouchers)
- 700-student waiting list at 250-seat capacity reported at 2016 building dedication
- Primary age focus is K-12 after school; no infant or toddler programming
- Inspection history not publicly available on childcarecenter.us
Strengths
- Clean inspection record across 12 DCF inspections from April 2022 through April 2026 — zero violations
- NAEYC or COA accredited program operated by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami
- Teachers hold Bachelor's or Associate degrees; three daily nutritionist-planned meals included
- Offers Early Head Start for infants and toddlers plus Head Start and VPK preschool
- Bilingual staff (English, Spanish, Creole) serving a diverse Liberty City community
- Developmental screenings, IEPs, therapy services, and parent training included at no extra cost
Considerations
- Very large capacity (206 children) raises concerns about individual attention and crowding
- Only one public review found (2/5 on Daycares.co) — extremely low online presence makes quality hard to assess independently
- Operating hours (8 AM–4 PM per resource directory) are narrower than many working parents need
- Located in Liberty City — some families may find the surrounding neighborhood less convenient
Strengths
- Gold Seal Accredited and Green Apple Accredited - dual quality recognitions from Florida DCF
- Uses HighScope Preschool Curriculum for ages 3-4 - research-backed active learning approach
- Over 31 years serving the Hammocks/West Kendall community; founded 1994
- Licensed capacity of 207 with DCF license C11MD0527, active through August 2026
- Broad age range served: infants through Grade 6 with before/after school programs
- Afterschool enrichment includes homework help, fitness, dance, yoga, and arts and crafts
- All staff trained in first aid and CPR
- Accepts School Readiness, VPK, Step Up for Students, McKay, Thrive By 5
- Extended hours 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM year-round
- Most recent DCF inspections (April 2026, November 2025, February 2025, October 2024) all passed with zero violations
Considerations
- Two DCF inspections with violations in past two years (July 2025 and March 2024)
- Yelp and Google star ratings not publicly verifiable
- GreatSchools community rating is only 3.3/5 across 18 reviews
- Some parents flagged administration concerns about fairness and treating families as dollar signs
- Some reviewers reported concerns about how bullying was handled, though feedback overall is mixed.
Strengths
- APPLE-accredited (Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment), exceeding Florida minimum standards
- 11 consecutive violation-free DCF inspections from 2024 through May 2026 — outstanding safety record
- The Children's Trust-funded Environmental Research and Technology Inclusion Program for after school and summer
- 98% Facebook recommendation rate from 26 parent reviews
- Multilingual environment: instruction and services in English, Spanish, and Creole
- Extended hours 7am–6pm, with before school, full day, and after school care
- Full service range including Infant Care, VPK, and elementary grades K-2
- Subsidized childcare accepted — accessible to income-qualifying families
- Strong student diversity: top 20% of Florida private schools for diversity
- Favorable NCES student-teacher ratio of approximately 7.8:1
Considerations
- One DCF violation recorded May 2023 — specific details not publicly available
- One Yelp reviewer (2014) noted classroom staff appeared disengaged: 'seemed miserable, no smiles'
- One parent reported their autistic daughter was removed from the program, alleging inadequate special-needs support
- GreatSchools rating only 3.3/5 from 19 reviews
- Official website appears currently offline or unreliable
- Limited online review presence — no verified Google rating available
Strengths
- Gold Seal Program recipient — highest quality recognition for Florida preschools
- Multiple accreditations: Cognia, NCPSA, ACSI, Florida Coalition of Christian Private Schools
- Low student-teacher ratio (~8.9:1) with small average class sizes (~15 students)
- 98% of faculty hold advanced degrees
- Bilingual staff in English and Spanish from infant through 7th grade — well-suited for Miami families
- Broad age range: infants from 3 months through 8th grade — true one-stop school
- VPK provider; 53% of students receive financial aid; accepts Step Up for Students, FES, FTC scholarships
- Robust extracurriculars: robotics, ballet, choir, Conservatory of Music, Panther Sports Academy
- 4 interscholastic sports: basketball, soccer, track and field, volleyball
- A Beka and BJU Press curricula — rigorous, structured academic foundation
- Strong kindergarten outcomes: children reported reading fluently by end of K
- Church-affiliated (Primera Iglesia Bautista de Coral Park) — integrated spiritual community
Considerations
- DCF inspection violations recorded in May 2026, March 2026, and September 2025 — specific nature not publicly disclosed
- One longstanding negative community review (2016) about toddler/infant staff qualifications
- One Niche reviewer alleged some teachers are not certified and barely speak English (contested by majority of reviews)
- Glassdoor employee reviews rate compensation only 2/5 — may affect staff retention
- Administration noted in employee reviews as needing more early childhood education expertise
- No verified Yelp presence; limited Google review data publicly accessible
Strengths
- Clean DCF inspection record with zero violations across all inspections from 2022 through May 2026
- Licensed since May 2007 — nearly 20 years of continuous operation; NAEYC member school
- Accredited as Professional Preschool Learning Environment by Florida DCF; VPK provider
- Subsidized child care (DCF vouchers) accepted; meals included; PK–8 grade range for family continuity
- GreatSchools community rating of 4.2/5 from 61 reviews; 13-year family retention reported
- Multiple parents credit school with strong academic foundation — one child went on to all advanced high school courses
- 6 sports programs; 97.8% students of color — highly diverse community
Considerations
- Student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is above national average of 11:1
- Indeed employee reviews cite pay as lowest-rated category (2.4/5) with no benefits offered
- Former employees noted prior management did not value staff and described it as 'Christian based but not Christian ran'
- No Gold Seal accreditation found; official website unreachable during research
- Tuition ~$9,900/year; limited infant care under 12 months
Strengths
- APPLE accredited - qualifies for Florida Gold Seal of Quality Care
- Strong inspection record: 12 of 13 DCF inspections from 2023 to 2026 had zero violations
- Uses the Creative Curriculum - widely respected play-based early childhood framework
- Licensed since January 2002 with active license through January 2027
- Broad services including infant care, VPK, night care, weekend care, before/after school
- Participates in subsidized child care program
- Serves children from birth through school age
- Operates six days a week with extended hours
- Part of a multi-location organization (4 Miami-area centers) with shared standards
Considerations
- One DCF inspection violation recorded May 2, 2023
- No publicly accessible Google or Yelp ratings found
- PrivateSchoolReview reports student-teacher ratio of 43:1 (may reflect incomplete data)
- Licensed capacity of 251 is large for a single facility
- Staff credentials not publicly detailed on website
Strengths
- APPLE accreditation and Florida Gold Seal designation
- Licensed since April 2003 - over 20 years of operation with active license through April 2027 (C11MD0022)
- Clean inspection record with zero violations documented in 2022-2026 inspections (most recent March 24, 2026)
- Large capacity of 210 with full-day, half-day, drop-in, before/after school, and infant care
- VPK offered at no cost to eligible 4-year-olds
- Meals served on-site; described by parents as healthy, balanced and nutritious
- Repeatedly praised for facility cleanliness, hygiene, and organization
- Named teachers specifically called out for dedication and caring approach
- Subsidized child care / School Readiness Program accepted
Considerations
- Google rating not publicly surfaced on review aggregators
- One documented pattern of teacher turnover: one parent reported four different teachers in a single year causing child anxiety
- One Yelp review describes director and teacher speaking to a parent in a very low and degrading way with complaints brushed off
- Complaint that structured activities were replaced with free play without parent notification
- Capacity of 210 is very large for a single facility
Strengths
- Gold Seal accredited by Florida DCF (effective 1/26/2023, expires 11/3/2026)
- Serves infants as young as 5 months through Pre-K4
- Ministry of Riverside Baptist Church with strong faith-based community culture
- Staff described as loving, patient, and attentive by multiple parents
- Licensed VPK provider for free Pre-K4 program
- Full-day and half-day scheduling options; food served on-site
- CPR-trained staff with Child Development Associate credentials
- Monthly rates $600–$950 depending on age group — competitive for Miami-Dade
- Indeed employee rating 4.3/5 from 3 reviews, noting directors collaborate respectfully with teachers
Considerations
- No public Google or Yelp rating data confirmed — limited online review presence
- Large capacity (341) may reduce individualized attention
- Some employee reviews note compensation could be more competitive
- No NAEYC accreditation found
- childcarecenter.us has no Miami listing for this address — DCF inspection history not independently confirmable
Strengths
- Long-established institution founded in 1969 with deep community roots
- Rich arts and electives program: art, music, dance, drama, computers, graphic design
- Strong athletics offering 8+ sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, flag football, cheerleading
- Low student-to-teacher ratio approximately 11:1 to 15:1 enabling personalized attention
- 8th-grade graduates earn high school credits in math, science, and foreign language
- Family-oriented environment where staff know children by name
- Accepts Step Up For Students and Florida tax credit scholarships
- Wide age range served: infants through 8th grade under one roof
- Principal Luis Couvertier leads a named, accessible administrative team
- GreatSchools community rating of 4.5/5 from 15 reviews
Considerations
- Yelp rating is polarized at 2.5 stars with 4 out of 7 reviews being 1-star
- Multiple critical reviews cite concerns about teacher certification standards after recent administration changes
- Some parents report a decline in school culture and welcoming environment compared to prior years
- No confirmed formal accreditation — ACSI/AACS membership noted but full accreditation status not verified
- Google Maps rating not publicly accessible for independent verification
Strengths
- Founded in 1969 — over 55 years of continuous Baptist-affiliated operation
- Accredited by ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) and AACS
- Serves PreK1 through 8th grade; 8th grade graduates earn high school credits in math, science, and foreign language
- Broad extracurriculars: Ballet, Basketball, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Drama, Music, Graphic Design
- Eligible for Florida ESA, Step Up For Students, and SGO tax-credit scholarships — accessible to diverse income levels
- GreatSchools community rating of 4.5/5 from 15 reviews praising family atmosphere and staff who know every child by name
Considerations
- One parent review raised concern about current administration replacing certified/degreed teachers with uncertified staff
- Religious Exempt DCF classification — exempt from standard licensure inspections; less public oversight transparency
- No NAEYC accreditation or Florida Gold Seal found
- Primarily a K–8 school; dedicated infant/toddler program is limited
Strengths
- APPLE Gold Seal accreditation active through April 27, 2027
- Uses The Creative Curriculum for Preschool - comprehensive research-supported program
- Part of CNC (Cuban American National Council) - established nonprofit since 1972
- Broad services: Full Day, Half Day, Before School, After School, VPK, Food Served
- Continuously licensed since June 28, 1998
- Participates in subsidized childcare programs
- Five consecutive clean inspections January 2025 through February 2026
- Serves children ages 1-6 for preschool plus K-5th grade for before/after school
- Culturally responsive - Little Havana, operated by Hispanic-community nonprofit
Considerations
- Very large facility capacity 356 - crowding potential
- Two inspections in 2024 recorded violations (May and September 2024)
- No parent reviews found on Google, Yelp, Care.com, or Facebook
- License expiration June 27, 2026 imminent at time of research; renewal status unconfirmed
- No evidence of NAEYC accreditation or Head Start designation
Strengths
- APPLE-accredited and Florida Gold Seal quality designation
- Bilingual English/Spanish instruction across all age groups
- Free VPK program for eligible 4-year-olds
- Extended hours 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Friday
- Full range of services: full day, half day, drop-in, before/after school, infant care, food served
- Subsidized care vouchers and government assistance accepted
- Part of established nonprofit chain operating since 1968 with 50+ Miami-Dade locations
- Uses The Creative Curriculum for Preschool (ages 3 to K)
- Parent testimonials describe caring teachers and safe clean environment
- Meals included
Considerations
- Very large facility (342 children) - crowding and individualized attention concerns
- Mixed parent feedback: some report teachers labeling toddlers as aggressive without adequate communication
- Some parents report receiving little to no feedback on child daily progress
- No Google or Yelp rating data found for this specific location
Strengths
- Long-established institution founded 1966, licensed since 2003 — strong institutional track record serving Miami's Jewish community
- Offers infant care from 6 weeks of age through Early Head Start program
- No child turned away due to financial inability — tuition assistance emphasized across all campuses
- State-contracted Head Start and Early Head Start with government-funded tuition options; VPK provider
- Favorable 7:1 student-teacher ratio across the broader LEC network; A+ BBB rating with no recorded complaints
Considerations
- Inspection violations recorded at four recent inspections: Feb 2026, Oct 2025, Jul 2024, Jul 2023
- Secular/general studies academics criticized by some parents as weak compared to Judaic curriculum
- Employee reviews describe organizational structure as chaotic with very low pay scores (1.8/5 for pay and benefits)
- Religious curriculum focus (Torah, Hebrew, Alef-Beis) may not suit non-Jewish families
- Closed Fridays at 2 PM and all weekends; high capacity of 491 children raises crowding concerns
Strengths
- Operated by Miami-Dade County CAHSD - one of the largest comprehensive early childhood programs in the southeastern US
- Serves infants/toddlers (birth to 3) via Early Head Start and preschoolers (ages 3-5) via Head Start - capacity 600
- Miami-Dade County CAHSD earned NHSA Program of Excellence Accreditation 2023 - awarded to fewer than 1% of programs nationwide
- Completely free to income-eligible Miami-Dade County families; meals included at no cost
- Comprehensive wraparound services: health screenings, dental, vision, nutrition, mental health, transportation
- Evidence-based curriculum with STEAM emphasis
- Multilingual support in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole
- Accepts children with diagnosed disabilities (IEP accommodations)
- Full-day hours 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday
Considerations
- License-exempt status - no DCF regulatory inspection record publicly available
- Very large capacity of 600 children
- No public Google, Yelp, or any consumer review platform ratings found
- Income eligibility restrictions limit access to low-income families only
- NHSA accreditation is at division level, not center-specific
- Specific curriculum name not publicly disclosed for this center
Strengths
- Large 15,000+ sq ft indoor facility with gyms, computer labs, gaming rooms, and theater
- Certified PE teachers, Board Certified Teachers, and SPARK-certified fitness instructors on staff
- HHS federal grant recipient ($981,760/year, 2023–2028) and Children's Trust funded — strong institutional accountability
- Comprehensive academic programs: i-Ready, Study Island, LitArt, STEM/robotics/coding
- Free transportation from 9 elementary and 3 middle schools; subsidized care accepted; summer camp at $98/week
- VPK program offered; $4.2M annual revenue indicates long-term organizational stability
Considerations
- DCF violations in 3 of 6 recent inspections: February 2024, June 2023, and October 2025
- Charity Navigator rates the organization 2-star (64%) citing lack of independent financial audits
- President compensated $250,092 and VP $241,452 — high executive pay for a nonprofit of this size
- Teacher-to-child ratio of 1:13; primarily serves school-age children (5–18) — limited true infant/toddler programming
Strengths
- Very small class sizes - maximum 10-12 students per classroom for individualized attention
- Extended hours 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM with early and after care included
- Free breakfast and lunch through the National School Lunch Program
- Free tutoring for all students included in enrollment
- Robust enrichment programs: robotics lab, art studio, music, dance, culinary, coding, environmental discovery, soccer, Spanish, gardening
- Principal holds M.S. in Autism from FIU and B.A. in Special Needs - strong special education expertise
- Service Learning Model integrates daily community-building projects (60 min/day) across PK-8
- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt structured curriculum for PK4 and up
- Accepts Florida Empowerment Scholarship (FES) and Florida Tax Credit (FTC)
- Nonprofit organization serving low-income families
- Serves infants from 12 months through Grade 8
Considerations
- No NAEYC, Gold Seal, or APPLE accreditation found
- Indeed employee reviews rate school 1.0/5 across all categories (2 reviews)
- Staff report promises not fulfilled and only one teacher assistant for the whole school
- Concerns raised about misuse of RBTs in non-clinical roles
- School opened August 2020 - relatively new institution with limited track record
- Very limited independent parent reviews across all platforms
- DCF inspection history not retrievable from public databases
Strengths
- DCF-licensed childcare (License X11MD0131) with capacity of 600
- Serves PK2 (age 2) through PK4 - one of the earlier-starting Catholic preschools in Miami
- 83% of teachers have 10+ years of experience; 54% hold advanced degrees; 78% hold Catechist Certification
- Florida Catholic Conference accredited; member of National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)
- Pioneer special education programs - first in Archdiocese of Miami to serve students with learning differences at elementary level
- Art, music, Spanish, and PE specialists on staff for early grades
- Principal Patricia S. Hernandez has 25+ years at the school
- GreatSchools overall rating 3.7/5 from 42 reviews
Considerations
- Google and Yelp ratings not retrievable (403 errors) - no confirmed numeric ratings
- No NAEYC accreditation or Florida Gold Seal - diocesan accreditation only
- Some reviewers on third-party platforms have reported concerns about bullying and about how such incidents were handled; experiences vary and other families describe a positive environment.
- Parent-teacher communication described as poor; teachers reportedly avoid email
- Cleanliness rated 2.0/5.0 on privateschoolreviews.org
- DCF capacity of 600 is very large
- Some parents report poor food quality for the tuition price
Strengths
- Long-established institution founded in 1966, serving over 2,300 students across five South Florida campuses
- Comprehensive infant-through-kindergarten continuum: Early Stages (6 weeks–2 years), Preschool (ages 3–4), Young Division (Pre-1A/Grade 1)
- Head Start and Early Head Start programs available for income-eligible families
- VPK provider on-site for state-funded pre-kindergarten
- Food served on-site; full-day and half-day care options
- Strong Jewish heritage curriculum with Hebrew literacy beginning at age 3
- Staff philosophy emphasizes teachers as facilitators, role models, and guides supporting individual child development
- BBB A+ rating with no documented complaints
- Open admissions policy: no child seeking a Jewish education will be turned away due to lack of funds
- Named early childhood leadership: Director Mrs. Bina Rosenblum; Early Head Start Director Mrs. Michal Korf
Considerations
- Four inspection dates with DCF violations recorded since 2022 (Feb 2026, Oct 2025, Jul 2024, Jul 2023)
- Very large licensed capacity of 491 children raises crowding concerns
- Some parent reviews criticize the quality of secular education relative to Judaic studies
- One reviewer described accounting/administrative staff as rude and dismissive
- No NAEYC accreditation found
- No publicly visible Google Maps or Yelp star rating confirmed for this specific campus
- Friday hours end at 2:00 PM, inconvenient for working families
Strengths
- GAACS Gold Seal accreditation effective 10/23/2025 through 10/23/2030, recognized by Florida DOE
- APPLE accreditation recognized on DCF license
- Licensed capacity of 225 with DCF license C11MD2133 active through 2/23/2027
- Full continuum of care: infants, 1-year-olds, 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, VPK, K-8, before/after school
- Participates in Florida Subsidized Child Care Program
- Strong long-term family retention: multiple parents report children from infant care through middle school
- 9:1 student-teacher ratio per Private School Review data
- Special education Leaps and Bridges program available
- Secure gated campus with clean classrooms noted by observers
- Owner/director described as hands-on and present daily
Considerations
- Four DCF inspection violations documented in past two years (Jan 2024, May 2024, Sep 2024, May 2026)
- Multiple reviewer complaints about underqualified staff and high teacher turnover
- One reviewer characterized management as dollars over kids
- GreatSchools aggregate rating is only 3.4 out of 5 (from 16 parent reviews)
- No NAEYC accreditation found
- School enrollment relatively small (97-147 students depending on source)
Strengths
- NAEYC Early Learning Program accreditation and APPLE accreditation held across YWCA South Florida centers
- Serves infants from 6 weeks through age 5 with full-day care, Early Head Start, and Head Start programs
- Free for income-eligible families through federally funded Head Start grants
- Multilingual environment: English, Spanish, and Creole spoken; HighScope curriculum (Birth to K) used
- All Center Directors hold Florida Director's Credentials; meals and VPK program available
Considerations
- State inspection records note violations documented on several dates between November 2023 and March 2026; families may wish to review the center's current inspection history with Florida DCF.
- Near-zero public parent feedback on all major platforms makes independent quality assessment difficult
- A single reviewer on PublicPreK.com left a strongly negative rating without offering specific details.
- Income eligibility requirements limit access to low-income families only
Strengths
- Federally funded Early Head Start program with comprehensive wraparound services including health screenings, nutrition, and family support
- Full-day full-year program 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM with meals included
- Operated directly by United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education
- Bilingual support (English and Spanish) for parent communication
- Subsidized care; no cost for income-eligible families
- Part of well-established national Early Head Start system
- Teachers supported toward Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
Considerations
- Teacher-to-child ratio of 1:13 is notably high for infants and toddlers - warrants verification
- No public Google or Yelp reviews found
- DCF inspection history not retrievable from public databases
- Capacity of 228 is very large for an infant/toddler-only program
- No NAEYC or Florida Gold Seal accreditation confirmed
- Tours currently unavailable per Wonderschool listing
Strengths
- Director/owner Adeline Campfort is a registered nurse
- Favorable student-teacher ratio of 7:1 with 9 classroom teachers for approximately 66 enrolled students
- Wide service range: full day, half day, drop-in, before/after school, infant care, weekend/Saturday hours
- Accepts subsidies and vouchers; VPK provider
- Meals included; no annual contract required
- Licensed continuously since January 2015 through January 2027
- Serves broad age range from infants through Grade 2
- Field trips included
Considerations
- 6 out of 14 inspections (January 2023 through April 2026) resulted in violations - violation rate approximately 43%
- Violations recorded as recently as April 2026
- No reviews on any major platform - zero public parent feedback available
- No publicly documented accreditation found
- Licensed capacity of 234 large relative to reported enrollment of 66
Strengths
- Federally funded Head Start and Early Head Start programs at no cost to qualifying families
- Dual-curriculum: Creative Curriculum for infants/toddlers, HighScope Preschool Approach for ages 3-5
- Full-day care with breakfast, lunch, and snack included
- Infant care available
- VPK program for 4-year-olds on-site
- Licensed since 1974; current license valid through May 2027
- Enrollment materials in English, Spanish, and Creole
- Serves children with disabilities under IEP/IFSP
- Part of MDCPS Head Start network (31 county sites)
Considerations
- Four DCF violations in roughly 16 months: April 2026, September 2024, May 2024, January 2024
- Capacity of 350 is very large for an early childhood center
- No public Google or Yelp reviews found
- No Gold Seal, NAEYC, APPLE, or other elective accreditation confirmed
- Affiliated Melrose Elementary rated 5/10 on GreatSchools; 27% 3rd-grade ELA proficiency vs 60% district average
- Head Start hours 8:15 AM to 3:05 PM shorter than facility hours 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Strengths
- Apple Accredited School meeting Florida Gold Seal Quality Care Program standards
- Uses structured curriculum: Creative Curriculum (infants through age 2) and Houghton Mifflin (age 3 and VPK)
- Only Thumbelina location offering K-3 program
- Subsidized care accepted; Early Learning Coalition vouchers welcome
- Multilingual staff - English, Spanish, Creole
- Funded in part by The Children Trust for after-school program
- Secured entry system with locked doors
- Full-service schedule 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM; full day, half day, drop-in, before/after school, infant care, meals
Considerations
- 9 of 15 inspections (2024-2026) recorded violations - above-average frequency
- 2020 DCF Class I violation: failure to report child abuse/neglect (case resolved procedurally)
- Multiple 1-star reviews citing staff inattentiveness and management failing to address issues
- One parent reported child was injured (cut tongue) due to teacher distraction/phone use
- Some reviewers have described management as unprofessional and disorganized, as reflected in parent feedback on the center's ChildcareCenter.us profile.
- No Google Maps or Yelp rating publicly aggregated for this specific location
- Capacity of 223 is very large for a single facility
Strengths
- Long-established facility licensed since December 1992, indicating decades of operational continuity
- Affiliated with Baptist Health South Florida, a major and reputable regional hospital network
- Offers VPK at no cost with wrap-around care options; participates in subsidized child care program
- Extended weekday hours (6:30 AM to 8:00 PM), accommodating hospital shift workers
- Large capacity of 241 children with broad age range: infants, toddlers, and preschool
Considerations
- 7 inspection violations recorded in 15 inspections between 2023 and 2026 (47% violation rate), including as recently as April 2026
- No publicly available parent reviews on any major platform — independent quality assessment not possible
- Primarily serves as an employee benefit for Baptist Health staff, which may affect community enrollment priority
- Large capacity of 241 may contribute to crowding and lower adult-to-child ratios
- No detailed violation descriptions publicly available