My son started at Doodlebugs in Dec 2023 at 18mo. He came home a couple months later singing the…read moreABCs. He was very feral, and we were so surprised they trained him to sit in chairs. He's the biggest little hype man. Always super excited for everything and he brings that energy with him to Doodlebugs. They do a wonderful job directing his energy towards a variety of activities. They've worked hard to bring out the best in him. Especially Ms Olivia who worked with him extensively when he was adjusting to a bigger kids class. He recently just turned 3 and he's counting, recognizing letters, sings a long list of songs, and is so polite. He absolutely loves it there and we're looking forward to having his little sister start when a spot opens for her!

We have loved everything about Doodlebugs. We have a 3 year old in Tues/Thurs class. Management is…read moreon top of everything with excellent communication and adhering to safety rules. Very organized. Teachers are amazing! They make your child feel special and loved. Cost is affordable. Food served is good quality and has a good amount of fruit and veggies offered. Most important to me is that this school is safe. Would definitely recommend.

Amazing Daycare/School, Fantastic, very motivating, compassionate, teachers/care givers, very…read morewelcoming place, very Christ like environment, and above all a great place to send your kids pre k-8th! I've been going to the Church that the schools in for the past 12 years and I've been going to the summer camp at this Church for 11 years and a counselor there for 5 of those years, and just recently have started working at school (Sunshine Academy). And it's been a big blessing for me to work with such an amazing group of staff and kids, everyone's so optimistic and faithful. So far it's just been a very beautiful experience. So if you or someone you know is looking for somewhere to either Be their church home or send their children to a school that has a very loving and Christ like environment then I recommend that you check out TheChurchAtBradenton(TCAB) Or SunshineAcademy&Daycare Hope whoever sees this knows that god loves them and whatever you're going through you aren't alone Hope you all have a blessed day Thank you

Both of my children have attended Sunshine Academy and our family absolutely adores them! ALL of…read morethe teachers there are wonderful, patient and kind. I am so glad I found them 2+ years ago. My daughter is in kindergarten now, but my son is still attending Sunshine Academy and there are times I wish I could just sneak her back into the daycare.

i can't say enough good things about this school. my son has special needs/developmental delays…read moreand this school has been amazing with him. My son loves going to school everyday and he has learned so much with the wonderful VPK staff.

WORST DAYCARE (PHOTOS ARE NOT OF THIS FACILITY)…read more PLEASE READ (11/3/2022) PARENTS BEWARE...DO NOT PLACE YOUR CHILDREN IN THEIR CARE!! THIS PLACE HAS 20-30 children in each little room(entire place is about 1,000 sq feet) have way too many children in the rooms with only one (sometimes two)teacher(s) This week , Ive personally witnessed staff members standing over the toddlers, aggressively pointing and screaming in the their faces just for toy job another child's plate while I was a few feet away! Another morning I witnessed a staff members snatching a toy out of a toddlers hands because they werent cleaning up fast enough in the morning!! They let my scared and upset baby just stand and cry all by himself EVERY SINGLE morning (ive never had longer than 20minutes to wait and watch on the front live 4"x4" video feed that is displayed on a tv mounted by the entrance/exit. I was late yesterday because I had to go back in and help him wash his hands and sit down to eat because the staff wouldn't even attempt to console him!!! As a mother, there's nothing worst than witnessing such cruelty before you have to be at work! Feeling forced to leave your child in their supervision!! Scary to think if this is how they behave in my presence; what are they doing when there is no witnesses knowing the babies don't communicate well enough to verbally share with their parents! A few days ago my baby got out of the playground and ran across the parking lot to the front door where I was walking in. The scariest part is that he ran across the parking lot at 5:00 while cars are whipping in and out not looking for a two foot toddler running, unsupervised!! Since I couldn't see him due to cars parked in the driveway in front of school (not in parking spots) I didn't see him until he was right behind me! He was completely filthy (Which is nothing new, everyday he has dirt all over his face, in his hair, his Clothes are almost always ruined after he wears them once to daycare.) sunburnt/sweaty, crying hystericall! As soon as he got in my car he drank almost an entire 16oz bottle of water! For the last three or more hours of the day(during the hottest part of day) with absolutely no shade or protection from Florida heat, AND NO WATER OR DRINK OF ANY KIND EVEN OFFERED TO CHILDREN OTHER THAN AT BREAKFAST OR LUNCH, with children of all ages, from babies to elementary aged kids all on one playground with only one or two teachers "watching" them. Typically when I pull up they are in front corner (talking or on phones (which is why my baby was able to run out of fence into a packed parking lot without anyone even noticing!! At least, not until they heard me attempting to address them from the front door, where my son was now in my arms, still crying uncontrollably with his face buried as far into my shoulder as he could possibly get it! Instead of apologizing or attempting to rectify the issue at hand; they said nothing and then called CPS to TRY and report me, just deplorable!!! Unfortunately, I am unaware of any other options available to me, I dont have the financial ability to relocate him at this time and I just started a new job(so asking for time off until ELC is approved is not an option, and ELC doesn't start application process until your actual first day of work, because I've been reaching out the entire time I was actively pursuing employment. I'm a single mother, with no friends or family to help watch my children, doing the best I can to rebuild our lives after losing everything to escape domestic abuse. I've definitely experienced all the struggles that keep women in abusive relationships, as if the shame society puts in the victim isn't enough, there's facilities like this that make it terrifying to leave your child every single day Because I fear for my babies safety and well being every single of second of the day that he is in their care!! PLEASE SAVE YOURSELF THE HEADACHE AND PUT YOUR CHILD SOMEWHERE THAT YOU MNOW THEY WILL BE SAFE!

Both of my children have been at LAOS since they were twelve weeks old. My oldest is now 8, my…read moreyoungest has two years left before kindergarten. These caring kind and compassionate people have loved and helped raise my kids for 8 years and I couldn't be more grateful to have found them in 2018. As with all daycares there is turnover but Alexis hires only the best. We've never had a teacher we didn't like. They're always doing art projects and water days and sensory lessons, my youngest gets mad when we DONT go to school to see his best friends and teachers. If you want somewhere that will genuinely love your kids this is the place for you. If you're someone who needs everything to be perfect all the time maybe steer clear.......mainly because I don't want the fantastic staff here to have to deal with you

I am so grateful for the amazing childcare provided at The School House and Learning Academy. Miss…read moreEliza, David and all the Teachers have been such a blessing for my family. They are so caring and attentive, and they truly go above and beyond for the children in their care. My son absolutely loves going there every day and always comes home happy and full of stories about all the fun activities they did. I couldn't ask for a better place for my child to learn important life skills and grow into a kind and helpful individual. Thank you to everyone at The School House/ Learning Academy, for all that you do! He will be ready for Kindergarten!

I really liked the director, but this place needs some organization and a code on the door. I was…read moreput off that I could just wander in and walk right up to the kids. The staff seems nice enough, but I wasn't comfortable with the director's retired husband hanging around. Needless to say I did not place my child in this school.

I have had all 4 of my children go through the Learning Kastle Preschool. They're all older and in…read moreschool now but as a single, working mother of 4, The Learning Kastle was a Godsend! I always felt comfortable that while I was at work, my children were, safe, secure, fed, and well cared for. I never had to worry. As a mother, I can never repay the important role the kind and compassionate owners and teachers, played in the early development of my children. I will forever be grateful. Thanks Jessica and your team!

The Little Discovery Center in Bradenton is an absolute gem for families with young children. It's…read moredesigned for birth to five years, but it really shines for toddlers. The play centers are truly fantastic, especially the large, imaginative toys that most of us don't have the space (or desire!) to keep at home. Our favorites are the puppet show area, vet's office, farm table, princess area, kitchen and living room, play house, and the taco truck--there's so much to explore and pretend with that kids stay engaged for a long time. The special holiday events are also very well done and always a lot of fun. They still offer music class (Musical Motion) by sign-up and Soar in 4, which we really appreciate. Regular story hours are no longer held here (those have moved to the Central Library), but there's still plenty to do and enjoy. A few logistical notes for new visitors: mornings require an appointment and visits are limited to one hour, while afternoons are walk-in and allow for two hour stays, which is great if you want more relaxed playtime. Overall, we love almost everything about this place. The only downside is that the staff can sometimes come across as a bit snooty and not always understanding that kids are kids--and that not all parents are disengaged. That said, the space itself and the quality of programming and play make this a wonderful resource for the community and one we continue to visit regularly.

This is such a hidden gem in Bradenton! It is a library for 2-5 year olds, by appointment only. It…read moreis basically a free learning center, set up with various play centers. Your appointment is for an hour, and you can borrow books and materials with your library card. Today they had moldable play sand as a sensory option. There is a dramatic play area with a kitchen, grill, play table and corresponding books. One center is filled with animals and a puppet theatre, and another has a light up table and blocks. There are too many fun things for the Littles to play with to list. The librarians are extremely friendly and helpful as well. As a teacher, I was ecstatic to find this place. It is like my dream Early Childhood classroom! Don't forget to register for their 1,000 books before kindergarten program with prizes along the way!

This is our second year at Goddard. I love Diane and Quinn and we have had amazing, caring and…read moreloving teachers. The things our toddler learns - nothing short of amazing. I'm thankful for such a wonderful preschool so close to our home.

I'm a first time mom and very picky about who is with my child while I'm at work during the day. I…read moreused to teach two year olds in preschool and I know how hard it is for an establishment to keep the numbers at the state standards. We have had THE BEST experience with the Goddard School. I enrolled my son in the infant classroom when he was around 9 months old. The growth and learning my child saw within the first month was unbelievable! He was doing baby sign language to tell us he wanted "more" milk, or food before he could even crawl. It was amazing. The dedication each of the teachers has for each child is unlike any other I have ever seen. We stayed with them until he was 1 when we ran into some financial issues. This school is pretty pricey, but it's worth every cent. They worked with me to try and keep us there, and I wish we could have stayed. Unfortunately, I had to take him out for almost a year. It was very sad. Then life went back up again and we were able to take him back to school part time. They remembered his name, my name, my husbands name, and even the cars we drove. Diane and Josh are so super nice, and just overall good people. Ms. Jasmine is too (My son LOVES her). Going back was a relief. I never worried about him being okay, and they always kept the lines of communication open to us. Ms. Liza and Ms. Quinn were amazing and got my son back up to speed in no time. My son is two now and potty training in Ms. Debbie and Ms. Jessica's classroom. They have been nothing but supportive and have always been there to answer any questions I may have in terms of what's normal behavior, how he is advancing, and just to giggle about the silly things he does. He even speaks spanish now too! Every day I receive a report that breaks down the different things they have done that day and what part of development it's for. They also break down how much lunch he ate, how long he napped, and his potty habits. There is even a little section where they write a sweet little moment my child had during the day: "Today (child) had so much fun kicking the soccer ball to his friends! He kept on yelling go team go!" Honestly, it's the best school in the area. I wouldn't dream of taking my child anywhere else. He's excited to go to school. He's excited to learn. He doesn't cry when we get there, he was immediately comfortable when taking him back after the break. I am so thankful for The Goddard School and what they have done for me and my family. All of the teachers there are amazing and so good with each age group. We are lucky to have a school like this!

My 4 year old son has been attending St. Mark's preschool and aftercare program since he was 18…read moremonths and it has been so great for him. He'll be starting kindergarten in August and he's very well prepared and ahead of the game because of the entire dedicated staff of St. Mark's. They provide progress reports and conferences for the parents, make learning truly fun for the kids, with themed weeks like camping week (during which Ms. Sarah set up an enormous tent in the classroom!) and Dr. Suess week. Every teacher is so hands on, the ratio is around 2 teachers per 4 kids and the class size is small. The administration dept. is kind enough to work with my unusual custody arrangement and go above and beyond to ensure the parents and children are happy. The school is also involved in a lot of charitable organizations for less privileged children, and they have book drives, Christmas pageants and more to make the school a community. Once kids are in a certain age group, they go on field trips to the fire station, parks etc. Sometimes only walking trips! It's safe clean and my son will enter elementary school knowing how to read. Even better? There are scholarship options available!!

My son just "graduated" from pre-k at St. Mark's, and we already miss it. His teachers were…read moreabsolutely wonderful; they really tailored their instruction to his abilities, which enabled him to maximize his learning. He had so many great experiences there -- fun & educational field trips, class events, visiting instructors, and so on. The school provides what in my opinion is the perfect balance of socialization and academic instruction. I'm sad he won't be going there any longer, but so thankful for the time he had with them.