Ocala First Preschool: United Methodist Preschool and VPK in Ocala
A United Methodist preschool that describes itself as an integral part of Ocala First United Methodist Church, with play-based Creative Curriculum classes from age 1 through VPK.
By Darrin DeTorres, Only In Ocala · Last verified October 5, 2026
What is Ocala First Preschool?
Ocala First Preschool is the licensed preschool of Ocala First United Methodist Church at 1126 E Silver Springs Blvd. It serves children from age 1 through VPK, with half-day or full-day classes two, three or five days a week, free VPK for 4-year-olds, and hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Ocala First Preschool: verified facts
Last verified October 5, 2026 against the Florida DCF provider record and the provider's own pages
- Address
- 1126 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470
- Phone
- (352) 620-0003
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Ages
- 1-year-olds through VPK
- VPK
- Yes, free for eligible 4-year-olds
- Church or ministry
- Ocala First United Methodist Church (United Methodist)
- State license
- Licensed by Florida DCF, C05MA0035, capacity 209
- Website
- ocalafirstpreschool.net
Tuition
- 2s and 3s, full day, 5 days: $9,030 a year ($215 a week)
- 2s and 3s, half day, 5 days: $4,914 a year
- 1s, full day, 5 days: $9,450 a year ($236.25 a week)
- VPK only: free; VPK Extended to 4:30: $147 a week
- Registration $200 ($100 for church members); none for VPK-only
Source: the provider's published rates. Rates change; confirm before enrolling.
Programs
- Classes for 1s, 2s and 3s
- VPK (free, 8:45–11:45) and VPK Extended
- Half day or full day, 2, 3 or 5 days a week
- Early care from 7:30
- Summer camp
Check inspection history on the Florida DCF child care provider search (search license C05MA0035).
See all Ocala church daycaresAbout the program
Ocala First Preschool meets at Ocala First United Methodist Church on East Silver Springs Boulevard, east of downtown, and describes itself as an integral part of the church. It has been on the state's child care records since 1993 and is licensed by DCF for 209 children.
Classes for 1s, 2s and 3s use the Creative Curriculum. Four-year-olds attend free half-day VPK from 8:45 to 11:45, and VPK Extended keeps them until 4:30 for families who need a full day. Families choose half or full days, two, three or five days a week, and early care starts at 7:30. There is no infant room or after-school program.
The 2026–27 tuition guide is posted on the preschool's site. A full five-day week for 2- and 3-year-olds is $9,030 for the year, about $215 a week, and a five-day half day is $4,914. Church members pay $100 instead of the usual $200 registration.
Frequently asked questions about Ocala First Preschool
What is Ocala First Preschool?
Ocala First Preschool is a licensed preschool at Ocala First United Methodist Church, 1126 E Silver Springs Blvd. It serves children from age 1 through VPK, with half-day or full-day classes two, three or five days a week. It has been on the state's child care records since 1993.
What are Ocala First Preschool's hours?
The preschool is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Half-day classes run 8:45 a.m. to noon, VPK runs 8:45 to 11:45, and early care starts at 7:30.
Does Ocala First Preschool offer VPK?
Yes. VPK is free for eligible 4-year-olds from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. Families who need a full day can add VPK Extended until 4:30 p.m. for $147 a week under the 2026–27 rate guide.
How much does Ocala First Preschool cost?
Under the 2026–27 rate guide, a full five-day week for 2- and 3-year-olds costs $9,030 a year, about $215 a week, and a five-day half day costs $4,914 a year. Registration is $200, or $100 for active church members, and VPK-only students pay no registration.
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.