Childcare, Daycare, and Preschool Options in Davie FL: A Complete Guide for Families

If you are moving to Davie with young children — or planning to start a family here — one of the first questions you need answered is about childcare. Where are the best daycares? What preschool options exist? How much does it cost? And does Davie have quality early education programs? As a Davie-based Realtor who has helped hundreds of families settle into this community over the past 24 years, I hear these questions often. The good news is that Davie and the surrounding Broward County area offer a strong range of childcare and early education options — from accredited learning centers and Montessori schools to VPK-funded programs and university-based preschools. Here is everything you need to know.

How Much Does Childcare Cost in Davie FL?

Before diving into specific centers, it helps to understand the general cost landscape. Childcare costs in Davie are slightly above national averages but remain competitive compared to other parts of South Florida. Based on current market data, here is what families typically pay:

• • Infant care (0-12 months): Approximately $1,050 per month for full-time care
• • Toddler care (1-2 years): Approximately $910 per month
• • Preschool (3-4 years): Approximately $790 per month
• • VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten): Free through Florida's state-funded program for eligible 4-year-olds

These costs can vary depending on the center's accreditation, hours of operation, curriculum type, and whether meals are included. Many centers offer part-time or flex schedules that reduce the monthly rate. Compared to coastal Broward County cities like Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood, Davie's childcare costs tend to be slightly more affordable while still offering high-quality programs.

Top-Rated Daycare and Preschool Centers in Davie FL

Creative Child Learning Center

One of the most highly regarded centers in Davie, Creative Child Learning Center is APPLE-accredited and offers an inquiry-based curriculum with a strong STEEM focus — science, technology, engineering, and math, plus an emphasis on early literacy. They also offer a VPK program. Parents consistently rate this center highly for its experienced staff, structured learning environment, and clean facilities. Tuition ranges from approximately $542 to $1,630 per month depending on the child's age and schedule.

Davie Academy

Davie Academy is a locally owned childcare center with certified professionals who emphasize language development — including sign language for younger children. Their curriculum blends structured learning with creative play, and they serve children from infancy through preschool. With a 4.5-star parent rating, Davie Academy is known for its warm, community-focused atmosphere and strong parent communication.

Montessori Institute of Broward

For families seeking a Montessori approach, the Montessori Institute of Broward in Davie offers a child-led, hands-on learning environment. Classrooms are designed to encourage independence, curiosity, and concentration. The Montessori method is particularly popular among parents who want their children to develop self-directed learning skills early. This center serves children from toddler through preschool age and follows authentic Montessori principles.

NSU University School Preschool

Located on the Nova Southeastern University campus in Davie, the NSU University School Preschool is the only university-based, NAEYC-accredited early learning center in Broward County. It is also accredited by Cognia and the Florida Council of Independent Schools. This preschool serves children from 18 months through 4 years and offers a research-based curriculum developed by early childhood education experts. For families who value academic rigor within a university setting, this is one of the most distinguished options in the region.

Other Well-Regarded Centers

Davie has several other excellent childcare and preschool options worth exploring:

• • Rise to the Top Preschool — known for its structured academic curriculum and small class sizes
• • Children's World South Preschool — a longstanding Davie option with a play-based learning approach
• • My First Years Preschool — focuses on social-emotional development and kindergarten readiness
• • Play Learn and Grow Academy of Davie — offers flexible scheduling and bilingual Spanish programs
• • Baudhuin Preschool (NSU) — part of Nova Southeastern University, serving children with and without developmental needs in an inclusive setting
• • Learn & Smile Preschool — a smaller, family-oriented center with a nurturing environment
• • Hi Five Academy — offers before- and after-school care in addition to preschool programs

Florida's VPK Program: Free Pre-K for Davie Families

One of the most valuable resources for Davie families is Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program. VPK provides free preschool for all 4-year-old children residing in Florida, regardless of family income. This is not a need-based program — every eligible child qualifies. Many of the Davie centers listed above participate in VPK, which means families can save thousands of dollars on preschool during the year before kindergarten. The program focuses on early literacy, math, and social skills to prepare children for kindergarten. Most VPK programs run for the school year (approximately 540 instructional hours), and some centers also offer summer VPK options.

What to Look for When Choosing a Daycare or Preschool in Davie

Accreditation and Licensing

All licensed childcare centers in Florida are regulated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Beyond licensing, look for additional accreditations from organizations like APPLE, NAEYC, or Cognia. These indicate the center voluntarily meets higher standards for curriculum, staff qualifications, and safety.

Curriculum Philosophy

Different centers follow different educational philosophies — Montessori, play-based, Reggio Emilia, STEAM-focused, or academic-prep. The best choice depends on your child's personality and your family's values. Visit a few centers to see which environment feels right.

Location and Commute

Davie is a large town geographically, so consider where the center is located relative to your home and your work commute. Centers near major thoroughfares like University Drive, Griffin Road, or I-595 tend to be more convenient for working parents. Many families also prefer a center close to home for shorter drop-off and pick-up trips.

Hours and Flexibility

Some Davie centers offer extended hours (6:30 AM to 6:30 PM), while others operate standard school hours. If you have non-traditional work hours or a long commute, confirm that the center's schedule works for your daily routine. Part-time options are available at most centers for families who do not need full-time care.

Bilingual and Language Programs

South Florida is a multilingual region, and many Davie preschools offer Spanish bilingual programs. For families who want their children to develop language skills early, this can be a meaningful advantage. Centers like Play Learn and Grow Academy and others offer Spanish immersion as part of their curriculum.

Before-School and After-School Care Options

For families with school-age children who need supervision before or after the school day, Davie offers several before- and after-school programs. Many of the same childcare centers offer school-age programs, and some Broward County public schools host on-site after-school programs through partners like the YMCA or Right At School. The Davie location of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County also provides after-school programming with homework help, recreation, and enrichment activities. When evaluating neighborhoods in Davie, it is worth asking about nearby after-school care options — especially if both parents work.

How Childcare Options Influence Home-Buying Decisions

Over the years, I have seen childcare and school proximity become major factors in where families choose to settle in Davie. Buyers with young children often prioritize neighborhoods within a short drive of their preferred daycare or preschool. Areas like western Davie near the NSU campus, the Pine Island Ridge community, and neighborhoods along Stirling Road and Orange Drive are especially popular with families because of their proximity to multiple childcare centers and elementary schools. If you are shopping for a home in Davie and have young children, it is smart to identify your preferred childcare options first — then look for homes that make the daily drop-off routine manageable.

The Bottom Line on Davie Childcare

Davie offers a robust childcare and early education landscape. Between accredited learning centers, Montessori programs, university-affiliated preschools, and Florida's free VPK program, most families will find quality options that fit their values and budget. The cost of childcare in Davie is reasonable for South Florida, and the variety of educational philosophies means you can choose an approach that matches your child's needs. For families moving to Davie, this is one more reason the town continues to attract young parents — the early education infrastructure is strong, accessible, and growing.