The Best Preschools in Florence, VT
Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Florence. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.
The Essex Early Learning Center
The Essex Resort & Spa
The Essex Early Learning Center offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a strong emphasis on play-based learning and developmental appropriateness. The facility features state-of-the-art classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and a curriculum focused on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM concepts. Staffed by qualified early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios, the center maintains excellent safety protocols and has earned recognition for its high-quality programming. The center serves families throughout the Essex area, including Florence residents.
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KinderCare at Essex Junction
KinderCare Learning Companies
This KinderCare location provides a nationally-recognized early childhood curriculum with a focus on whole-child development. The center features age-appropriate learning environments, experienced teachers with early childhood credentials, and a balanced approach to academic and social development. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and rigorous health protocols. The center serves the broader Essex area, including Florence families, with flexible scheduling options and transportation services available for school-age children.
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The Learning Garden
The Learning Garden Early Education Center
The Learning Garden offers a unique nature-based early childhood education program that emphasizes outdoor learning and environmental awareness. The facility features extensive outdoor classrooms, gardens, and natural play spaces where children engage in hands-on learning experiences. The curriculum integrates traditional academic preparation with environmental education, fostering curiosity and respect for nature. With highly qualified teachers and small class sizes, the center maintains excellent safety records and strong parent satisfaction ratings. Located in nearby Colchester, the center serves families throughout Chittenden County, including Florence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preschools in Florence, VT:
What is the typical cost of preschool in Florence, VT, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Florence and the surrounding Chittenden County area, preschool tuition typically ranges from $200 to $350 per week for full-time programs. For financial assistance, Vermont's Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) is a key resource for eligible families. Additionally, some local preschools may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships, so it's important to inquire directly with each center.
How do I verify the quality and licensing of a preschool in Florence?
All licensed preschools in Vermont are regulated by the Child Development Division (CDD). You can verify a program's license and review any compliance history through the Northern Lights at Community College of Vermont website, Vermont's official resource. Additionally, look for programs that are participating in Vermont's Step Ahead Recognition System (STARS), which rates quality beyond basic licensing.
What are the enrollment timelines and waitlist situations like for preschools in Florence?
Due to high demand in Chittenden County, many preschools in the Florence area begin their enrollment processes in January or February for the following fall semester. It is highly recommended to start researching and contacting programs a full year in advance. Popular programs often have waitlists, so submitting applications early and to multiple schools is a common strategy for local parents.
What types of preschool programs are commonly available in the Florence area?
You will find a mix of center-based preschools, often in nearby towns like Essex Junction or Colchester, and home-based family child care programs. Many local programs emphasize outdoor and nature-based learning, taking advantage of Vermont's landscape. Some are standalone, while others are integrated into larger early education centers or private schools.
Are there public preschool options available for 3- and 4-year-olds in Florence, VT?
Florence is part of the Chittenden Central Supervisory Union. Public preschool for 4-year-olds is offered through the Essex Westford School District (EWSD), which provides free, high-quality programs typically located in elementary schools. Enrollment is based on residency, and availability for 3-year-olds is more limited and often based on specific criteria, so contacting the EWSD office directly is essential.
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