Highlands Baptist Learning Center: Church Daycare in East Ocala
The child care ministry of Highlands Baptist Church, on the state record since 1972, caring for infants through 5th graders; it is license-exempt through ACSI.
By Darrin DeTorres, Only In Ocala · Last verified October 5, 2026
What is Highlands Baptist Learning Center?
Highlands Baptist Learning Center is the child care ministry of Highlands Baptist Church at 3530 E Fort King St in Ocala. It cares for infants through 5th graders, runs a morning preschool program, and is open 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. It operates under a religious exemption through ACSI.
Highlands Baptist Learning Center: verified facts
Last verified October 5, 2026 against the Florida DCF provider record and the provider's own pages
- Address
- 3530 E Fort King St, Ocala, FL 34470
- Phone
- (352) 694-2122
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; preschool program 8:30–11:30
- Ages
- Infants through 5th grade (extended day care for K–5)
- VPK
- No
- Church or ministry
- Highlands Baptist Church
- State license
- Religious-exempt (not licensed by DCF), X05MA0004, capacity 165
- Website
- hbcocala.org
Tuition
Not published. Call for current rates.
Programs
- Infant and child care
- Preschool
- Extended day care for K–5th grade
- Summer camp
Where sources differ
- The church and Google list (352) 694-2122 for the learning center; the state record shows (352) 694-2194.
Check inspection history on the Florida DCF child care provider search (search license X05MA0004).
See all Ocala church daycaresAbout the program
Highlands Baptist Learning Center is the child care ministry of Highlands Baptist Church on East Fort King Street. Its state record dates to 1972, the earliest of any program in this guide, and it operates as a license-exempt program through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
It cares for children from infancy through 5th grade: infant and child care, a morning preschool program from 8:30 to 11:30, and extended day care for kindergarten through 5th grade. The church describes a happy Christian environment that supports children's physical, social, mental, emotional and spiritual growth.
The center is open 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. VPK is not listed on its site or its state record. The church site shows fee tables without a billing period or year, so we have not printed them; call the learning center at (352) 694-2122 for current rates.
Frequently asked questions about Highlands Baptist Learning Center
What ages does Highlands Baptist Learning Center serve?
The center serves children from infancy through 5th grade. It offers infant and child care, a morning preschool program from 8:30 to 11:30, and extended day care for kindergarten through 5th grade students.
Where is Highlands Baptist Learning Center located in Ocala?
It is on the Highlands Baptist Church campus at 3530 E Fort King St, Ocala, FL 34470. The learning center's phone number is (352) 694-2122, and it is open 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Is Highlands Baptist Learning Center licensed?
It operates under Florida's religious exemption through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) rather than under a DCF license. Exempt programs must still screen staff and meet local health and safety rules.
Does Highlands Baptist Learning Center offer VPK?
VPK is not listed on the center's website or on its state record. Families who want free VPK hours should ask the center directly or compare the VPK programs in our church daycare guide.
Before you visit
Call ahead to ask about openings for your child's age, the current tuition and registration fees, and how faith is part of the day. If you plan to use VPK, apply for a Certificate of Eligibility through the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County before you enroll; the provider needs it to hold a VPK seat. Our tour checklist covers ratios, staff screening, safety and pickup rules.