Trusted Advisors for Life's Complexities
Welcome to Winter Park Day Nursery, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable early childhood education in Winter Park, Florida. Since our establishment, we have been committed to nurturing children in a secure and welcoming environment while fostering their development through experiential learning. Our mission is to build a stronger community by supporting family diversity and preparing children for success in school and life.
Our School: A Welcoming and Nurturing Environment
At Winter Park Day Nursery, we have created an environment that feels like a home away from home for our children. We serve as a school, a safe place, a library, a neighbor, and a friend to our children and their families. With our dedicated and college-educated teachers, we ensure that our young students have the confidence and skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. We believe in the importance of developing happy, successful citizens who make a positive impact on their communities.
Curriculum: High/Scope Curriculum
Central to our programming is the nationally recognized High/Scope curriculum, which is based on the concept that children learn best by pursuing their personal interests and goals. Our curriculum encourages children to make choices about their activities throughout the day and to engage in key activities that foster developmentally important skills. With a focus on active learning, children naturally develop problem-solving skills, language and literacy, and social skills.
Health and Nutrition: Nourishing Meals and Healthy Habits
At Winter Park Day Nursery, we recognize the importance of proper nutrition and healthy habits in early childhood development. Thus, we serve breakfast, lunch, and two afternoon snacks daily that meet or exceed federal food program nutritional standards. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before each meal and brush their teeth after lunch. We emphasize healthy living and promote positive attitudes towards food and physical activity.
Accreditation and Certification
We are proudly accredited by the National Accreditation Commission through the Association of Early Learning Leaders and certified to provide Florida's voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program. Additionally, our teachers participate in ongoing professional development, ensuring that their knowledge and expertise align with best practices in early childhood education.
Inclusive and Accessible: Supporting Diversity and Affordability
We are committed to supporting families by offering affordable preschool education. Our tuition fees are based on parents' income, and we provide financial assistance to approximately 60% of our families. Additionally, our student body reflects the diversity of our community, with 18% of our students being African American, 2% Asian, 48% Caucasian, 10% Hispanic, 21% multiracial, and 1% other. We believe that every child deserves access to high-quality early childhood education, regardless of their background or financial means.
Join us at Winter Park Day Nursery in shaping a brighter future for our children. Together, we can create a stronger community and prepare the next generation for success in school and life.
Structure and Support
The daycare provides a structured environment that is supportive of the children's needs. Many reviewers have praised the team's ability to adapt to their child's needs, ensuring they feel loved and well-cared for. The staff gets to know the children by name, and the daycare covers all meals, which are made on-site and are nutritious.
Staff
The teachers and staff at Winter Park Day Nursery are highly praised by reviewers. They are described as amazing, good, and kind, with a genuine love for their jobs and the children. Several reviewers have mentioned specific staff members, such as Ms. DiMaria, Miss Paige, Miss Wendy, Miss Isclin, Miss Kenya, Miss Shelby, Miss Alli, and Miss Heather, who have made a positive impact on their children's lives.
Facilities and Activities
The daycare has a range of facilities and activities, including a playground with a small racetrack and a garden. They also offer subsidized rates for low-income families and provide resources for parents, such as a food bank and assistance with clothes, toys, and more. Reviewers have noted that the daycare has a chef who prepares homemade meals, and they eat family-style at the table with the teacher.
Challenges
One reviewer rate the daycare 4 stars due to a staff member, Dara, who has a bad attitude, is arrogant, and mean. The reviewer was hesitant to share their name out of fear of retaliation against their child.
