Welcome to Children's Ark Early Learning Center!

This group is typically for ages 6 weeks old through 1 year old. We are in no rush to move the infants up to the one year old room unless they are developmentally ready, so we focus on all of their major milestones in this room along  with conducting early sensory activities to support fine motor skills.

 Our One-Year-Old classroom is a bright, cheerful space designed for toddlers as they take their first big steps in learning and independence. Each day is filled with hands-on activities that encourage movement, walking, and exploring, while our caring teachers guide children through early language, sensory, and motor skill development. Through interactive play, music, and storytime, children also begin learning important social skills like sharing, taking turns, and communicating with friends. 

 Our Two-Year-Old classroom is a fun, engaging space where toddlers continue to explore, learn, and grow. Caring teachers guide children through early language, motor skills, and social development, helping them learn to share, take turns, and interact with friends. Potty training is an important part of the day, with consistent routines that help children build confidence and independence. With music, storytime, and hands-on play, our classroom is a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels loved and encouraged. 

 Our 3 and 4-Year-Old classroom is a vibrant, hands-on learning environment designed to prepare children for VPK and beyond. Children must be potty trained before entering this room, which allows them to participate fully in all activities. Through interactive lessons, early literacy, math exploration, and creative play, children build the skills they need to succeed in school. Teachers focus on social-emotional growth, helping children learn to share, take turns, solve problems, and work with friends. Daily routines encourage independence, confidence, and a love of learning, while group activities, storytime, and hands-on projects make every day fun and engaging. 

 Our VPK classroom is designed to provide a strong foundation for children as they prepare for kindergarten. Through hands-on learning, early literacy, math, and social-emotional activities, children develop the skills, confidence, and curiosity they need to succeed in school. Our caring teachers guide students in building independence, problem-solving abilities, and positive relationships, all in a fun, engaging, and nurturing environment.

We offer three flexible care options to meet the needs of our families:

• Option A: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Free VPK program
• Option B: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM – Partial wrap-around care
• Option C: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM – Full-time wrap-around care

No matter which option you choose, your child will enjoy a safe, enriching environment that supports learning, growth, and play every day.

 We offer convenient pick-up and drop-off from three local elementary schools: Valrico, Buckhorn, and Nelson Elementary. You can choose full service (both pick-up and drop-off) or just the option that works best for your schedule!

Our van departs Children’s Ark promptly at 7:00 a.m. and brings children back to us in the afternoon between 1:00–1:30 p.m. on early release days and 2:00–2:30 p.m. on full school days. Once they arrive, children have dedicated homework time to focus and complete assignments, followed by a delicious afternoon snack to recharge before fun, play, and learning continue in a safe and nurturing environment.

 Children’s Ark is open most days when Hillsborough County schools are closed, giving families a safe, fun, and engaging place for their children during school breaks (excluding major holidays). Our program is packed with exciting activities, hands-on learning, and plenty of opportunities for play and creativity.

For children ages 5 and up, we offer special field trips that make each day an adventure, helping kids explore, learn, and have a blast with friends. Whether it’s a day filled with games, crafts, or outdoor fun, our summer camp and school break programs provide a safe, nurturing environment where children can grow, play, and make lasting memories.