Preschools in Brandon area (Tampa, Bell: daycares, townhome, school district)

[joannakach]

I have just moved to Brandon, and I am looking for a nice preschool for few hours a day for my two girls - 4.5 and 2 years old. Someone has already recommended to me Kindercare on Bell Shoals. Any other recommendations?

[mquintana]

Kindercare???? I wouldn't recommend that place. In fact, there's really not many places to recommend here in Brandon. I would honestly have to say that Brandon has the nastiest selection on daycares--it's ashamed. The BEST daycare here in the area is Adventures in Learning-located in The Crossing Church off of Causeway and Faulkenburg. Then comes Creative World...I have looked at almost every daycare here in the area and let me tell you! They are old, dingy looking, and most are old houses turned into a business...not my idea of a nice daycare...or any daycare for that matter. Those are the only 2 places I would recommend, I think that appearance of the place as well as how the people are both matter, not just one or the other...

[joannakach]

I have visited Kindercare today, it seems alright, although a little busy, I have mixed feelings, but they would accept my 21-months old as a 2-year old.
I will definetely check the two places recommended by you, probably tomorrow. If it's so hard with preschools here, how are schools???

[bsells]

For a pre-school, I'd recommend First United Methodist Church in Brandon. It has great rates and we were extremely pleased with the teachers and atmosphere.

[mquintana]

Schools are not bad here. There is an option called choice schools. You can only sign up for it certain times of the year as long as the school of your choice has an opening. It has to be approved by Hills. Co. before you can enroll your child there-then you are responsible for providing all transportation because the buses won't take them home. Hillsborough County Public Schools-Tampa Florida This is the Hills. Co. School district website. You can pull up school in your area and check out the school rating. Depending on which area you are in, your school may be good.

Did you find a pre-school?

[joannakach]

I haven't decided on preschool yet, got busy with finishing upacking the boxes, but I have to get on it again.
will check all three recommendation. My girl used to go to preschool by the Methodist Church and we were extremely happy with it, I was just hoping that I could find religion-neutral preschool here)

[mquintana]

Oh YES! This is why I LOVE the Crossing so much! Again, the name of the daycare is Adventures in Learning, but this is a non-denominal church. The inside is super cool-you should see the paint job, perfect for kids! I have toured the place previously, but at the time, there was no openings for my daughter's age group. You might want to call and see if there are any spots open. Now keep in mind, they have a voucher for pre-kindergarden. It's called the VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarden) voucher, you get this through Hills. Co. Head Start Program. It's not assistance, but some daycares will not enroll your child until they get the voucher. This is due to Hills. Co. not providing pre-school in public schools anymore. Basically how the voucher works is it pays for the VPK and then you would pay for the daycare. So VPK may start at 10am and end at 2pm or to the effect of. You would pay for the childcare if you chose to keep your child there longer. This applies to Pre-Kindergarden only though, just as a heads up. But I think you would love Adventures in Learning. The enviroment is awesome!
Adventures in Learning
10130 Causeway Blvd., Tampa, FL 33619-6608
(813) 769-0565

And then Creative World is like caty-corner across the street.

OH! One more thing! I forgot to mention! The school is awesome as well and the enviroment is great. Everyone there is so friendly.
Foundation Christian Academy.
They are so good that parents that want or have to go on campus during school hours MUST have a criminal background check. I know this since my daughter attends school there. But it's a wonderful place, I have been very pleased.
I understand the unpacking thing. We are moving next week and closing on our townhome that we have waited 10 months for...patiently and impatiently...so I feel your pain, lol.

[joannakach]

Thank you for providing me with the address and phone number for Advantures in Learning - I could't find them anywhere. I have already talked to them and scheduled a tour. Thank you again!! And good luck with packing and moving .

[mquintana]

Not a problem! Good luck and I hope you enjoy it! Let me know!

[fullcircle1]

BTW, it's not that Foundation Christian Academy is so great that they perform a criminal check on anyone who goes on campus--that is standard operating procedure for ALL schools in the county, including public.