Daycare & Preschool in Ocala, FL
The complete guide to daycare centers, preschools, and childcare options in Ocala and Marion County. Find infant care, toddler programs, VPK providers, part-time daycare, church daycare, and affordable preschool near you.
Whether you need full-time daycare for an infant, a preschool program for your 3-year-old, or affordable after-school care, Ocala has dozens of licensed childcare providers ready to care for your family.
Daycare in Ocala at a Glance
Ocala, FL has over 100 licensed daycare and childcare providers serving Marion County families. Full-time daycare costs $900–$1,400 per month, while church-based options run $500–$900. Florida's VPK program provides free preschool for all 4-year-olds. The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County at (352) 369-2516 is the best starting point for finding licensed providers and financial assistance.
100+
Licensed Providers
$500–$1,500
Monthly Cost Range
FREE
VPK for 4-Year-Olds
6 weeks+
Starting Age
Types of Childcare in Ocala, FL
From infant care to after-school programs, here's what's available for Ocala families.
Full-Time Daycare
Full-day childcare typically from 6 AM to 6 PM, with structured programs for infants through school age. The most common option for working parents in Ocala.
Part-Time & Half-Day Daycare
Flexible care for families who need part-time hours — mornings only, afternoons only, or select days per week. Ideal for work-from-home parents and part-time workers in Ocala.
Preschool & Pre-K (Ages 3–5)
Academic-focused early learning programs designed to prepare 3, 4, and 5-year-olds for kindergarten. Many Ocala preschools accept Florida's free VPK vouchers for 4-year-olds.
Infant Care
Specialized care for babies 6 weeks through 12 months. Florida law requires a maximum 1:4 staff-to-infant ratio. The most expensive childcare option but essential for new parents.
Church-Based Childcare
Faith-based daycare and preschool programs operated by local churches throughout Ocala and Marion County. Often the most affordable childcare option with a values-based curriculum.
Affordable Childcare
Ocala has multiple pathways to affordable childcare: VPK (free for 4-year-olds), school readiness scholarships through the Early Learning Coalition, Head Start programs, and church-based centers with lower tuition.
VPK: Free Preschool for Every 4-Year-Old in Ocala
Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program provides FREE early education for ALL 4-year-olds — no income requirement. If your child turns 4 by September 1, they qualify for 540 free hours of instruction during the school year (or 300 hours in summer).
How to Enroll in VPK in Ocala:
Verify your child will be 4 by September 1st of the enrollment year
Visit the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County at elcmc.org
Complete the VPK enrollment application online or in person
Choose an approved VPK provider (many Ocala daycares and preschools participate)
Enroll your child — the state pays the provider directly
Daycare Centers & Preschools in Ocala
Featured childcare providers serving Ocala and Marion County families. All listed centers are DCF-licensed.
Kids Kampus
One of Ocala's most established childcare centers, Kids Kampus offers full-day care with structured curricula for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. Their experienced staff provides a nurturing environment focused on early childhood development.
Busy Bee Learning Center
Busy Bee Learning Center (also known as Busy Bees Preschool) provides structured early learning programs in a play-based environment. Their curriculum focuses on kindergarten readiness with emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and social skills development.
Creative Learning Preschool
Creative Learning Preschool in Ocala offers a curriculum built around creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning. Their teachers use art, music, and sensory activities to support cognitive development in toddlers and preschool-age children.
Precious Angels Daycare
Precious Angels Daycare provides intimate, home-based childcare with low child-to-caregiver ratios. Their family-style environment is ideal for families seeking personalized attention and a nurturing setting for their youngest children.
Promiseland Preschool
Promiseland Preschool is a faith-based early learning center operated by a local Ocala church. They combine academic readiness with values-based education, providing a caring community environment for Ocala families.
Creative Beginnings Daycare
Creative Beginnings Daycare emphasizes early creative development through art, music, and imaginative play. Their structured daily schedule balances learning activities with free play time, providing quality care for working families.
Tiny Tykes
Tiny Tykes specializes in toddler care for children ages 1-3 in Ocala. Their program focuses on the unique developmental needs of toddlers, including language development, motor skills, potty training readiness, and socialization.
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy near Ocala provides comprehensive childcare and early education from infancy through school-age. Their research-based curriculum supports each child's development with age-appropriate learning experiences.
How to Choose a Daycare in Ocala — Parent's Checklist
Safety & Licensing
- Verify DCF license is current and visible
- Check inspection reports online
- Ask about emergency procedures
- Review staff background check policies
- Inspect outdoor play area safety
Quality Indicators
- Observe teacher-child interactions during visit
- Ask about teacher qualifications and retention
- Review daily schedule and curriculum
- Check staff-to-child ratios meet Florida standards
- Ask about parent communication methods
Florida Staff-to-Child Ratios (DCF Requirements): Under 1 year: 1:4 | Age 1: 1:6 | Age 2: 1:11 | Age 3: 1:15 | Ages 4-5: 1:20 | School age: 1:25. These are minimum standards — many quality Ocala providers maintain better ratios.
More Family Resources in Ocala
Frequently Asked Questions — Daycare in Ocala
Answers to the most common questions parents ask about childcare in Ocala, Florida.
How much does daycare cost in Ocala, FL?
Daycare costs in Ocala, FL range from $500 to $1,500 per month depending on the type of care. Church-based daycare is typically the most affordable ($500–$900/month). Full-time daycare centers average $900–$1,400/month. Infant care is the most expensive at $1,100–$1,500/month due to lower staff-to-child ratios. Part-time care runs $15–$40 per day. Florida's free VPK program covers 540 hours of preschool for all 4-year-olds.
What is the best daycare in Ocala, FL?
The best daycare in Ocala depends on your family's needs. For full-service care, Kids Kampus and New Horizon Academy are well-established centers. For preschool-focused programs, Creative Learning Preschool and Busy Bee Learning Center offer strong curricula. For affordable, faith-based care, Promiseland Preschool is popular. For infant specialists, look at Precious Angels Daycare and Creative Beginnings. All should be DCF-licensed — check the Florida Department of Children and Families website to verify any provider's license status.
Is there free preschool in Ocala, FL?
Yes. Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program provides free preschool for ALL 4-year-olds in Ocala — no income requirement. VPK covers 540 hours of instruction during the school year. Additionally, the federal Head Start program serves low-income families with children ages 3-5 in Marion County. Contact the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County at (352) 369-2516 to find approved VPK and Head Start providers near you.
What age can a child start daycare in Ocala?
Many Ocala daycare centers accept infants starting at 6 weeks old. Florida law requires licensed daycare centers to maintain a 1:4 staff-to-infant ratio for children under 12 months. Toddler programs typically start at age 1, and preschool programs generally begin at age 2 or 3. VPK (free state preschool) is available starting at age 4.
Are there part-time daycare options in Ocala?
Yes, several Ocala daycare centers offer part-time and half-day care. Options include morning-only programs (typically 7 AM–12 PM), select-day schedules (such as Monday-Wednesday-Friday), and drop-in care on an as-needed basis. Part-time daycare in Ocala typically costs $15–$40 per day or $400–$700 per month. This is ideal for work-from-home parents or families needing flexible schedules.
What should I look for in an Ocala daycare?
When choosing a daycare in Ocala, verify the center is DCF-licensed (check the Florida Department of Children and Families database), ask about staff qualifications and turnover rates, observe the cleanliness and safety of the facility, review their curriculum and daily schedule, check staff-to-child ratios (Florida requires 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for 1-year-olds, 1:11 for 2-year-olds), and read online reviews from local parents. Visit during operating hours to see how teachers interact with children.
Are there church daycares in Ocala, FL?
Yes, Ocala has numerous church-based daycare and preschool programs. These include Promiseland Preschool, and childcare programs at multiple Baptist, Methodist, and nondenominational churches throughout Marion County. Church daycare in Ocala is typically the most affordable option, ranging from $500–$900 per month, and they often provide values-based curriculum alongside academic preparation.
Where can I find infant daycare in Ocala?
Infant daycare (6 weeks to 12 months) in Ocala is available at Kids Kampus, Creative Beginnings Daycare, Precious Angels Daycare, and New Horizon Academy, among others. Infant care in Ocala costs approximately $1,100–$1,500 per month. Florida law requires a 1:4 staff-to-infant ratio. Contact the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County at (352) 369-2516 for a complete list of licensed infant care providers.
What is Busy Bee Learning Center in Ocala?
Busy Bee Learning Center (also known as Busy Bees Preschool) is a childcare and early education center in Ocala, FL. They offer preschool and toddler programs with a play-based learning curriculum focused on kindergarten readiness. The center is a VPK provider, meaning 4-year-olds can attend for free through Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten program. They feature small class sizes, certified teachers, and outdoor play areas.
Our Childcare Verification Process
All daycare and preschool listings on Only In Ocala are verified against the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) database. We check for active licensure, inspection results, and community reputation. Our local team of Ocala parents reviews and updates this guide regularly to ensure accuracy. Always visit any childcare facility in person before enrolling your child.