Local service guide
Childcare in Hialeah: Fees and Care Options
For Childcare in Hialeah, compare the city’s K through fifth grade afterschool program at $20 per child per week for qualifying residents or $40 for other Miami-Dade residents. For younger children, request a personalized provider listing from the Early Learning Coalition. Before choosing care, confirm availability, hours, transportation and total charges, then check the provider’s official profile and visit. [1] [3] [4]
Choose care that covers your whole workday
Write down your child’s age, school, required care hours and intended start date. Allow time to travel from work to pickup. Ask about school holidays, illness policies and backup arrangements before reserving a place.
The city’s Creative Learning and Play program serves kindergarten through fifth grade and offers homework assistance, literacy activities, recreation and enrichment. Its afternoon schedule runs from 2:00 to 6:30 PM. Confirm how your child would reach the site; do not assume enrollment includes school transportation. [1]
For early care, the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe offers personalized provider listings. Its referral team takes calls at 305-646-7220, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Give the team your required hours and travel area, then ask individual providers about vacancies. [3]
Compare attendance fees and extra charges
The city publishes weekly afterschool fees of $20 per child for residents and $40 for nonresidents. Parents pay the flat weekly amount regardless of attendance days. The city also lists a $30 nonrefundable registration fee and a $15 late-registration fee beginning August 13, 2026. Participants must reside in Miami-Dade County. [1]
Parents pay through CIVIC REC using an account created at registration. The city charges $5 per child for weekly payments after 11:59 PM on Fridays. Pickup charges begin after 6:31 PM at $5 per family, plus $5 for each additional 15 minutes. Arrange a backup adult who can collect your child. [1]
For private care, request a written quote for the exact schedule you need. Ask about deposits, meals, supplies, transportation, absences, closures, late pickup and cancellation notice. Compare totals over the same period. The municipal fees shown here do not establish a private daycare, nanny or sitter price. [1]
Check the provider and observe supervision
Florida DCF’s provider search includes names, addresses, license numbers, provider types, capacity, operating schedules and services. DCF advises families to ask about staff training, supervision, staffing ratios, meals, curriculum and communication with parents. [4]
DCF lists center-based ratios of one caregiver for four infants younger than one year, six one-year-olds or eleven two-year-olds. It publishes separate home-based group configurations. Ask the provider which arrangement applies to your child’s group and who covers staff breaks. [4]
Visit during care hours and watch how caregivers respond when children need comfort or help. Discuss allergies, medication, injury reporting and authorized pickup adults. For care in your home, request references, screening documentation and current CPR and first-aid training. Put duties, payment terms and backup coverage in writing.
Discuss assistance and accommodations before enrollment
The Early Learning Coalition directs families to the Family Portal to apply for School Readiness or VPK. It describes Early Head Start as a year-round program for children ages zero to three in targeted Miami-Dade ZIP codes. Confirm eligibility, provider participation and covered hours before including assistance in your budget. [3]
The coalition’s Warm-Line addresses concerns about development, behavior and classroom accommodations. Families can call 786-433-3095 for an inclusion specialist to discuss concerns and next steps. Explain the support your child needs during meals, transitions and communication when comparing caregivers. [3]
Arrange summer and older-student care separately
The city describes Creative Learning and Play summer camp for ages 6 to 11, with completed-kindergarten and entering-grade restrictions. It lists weekday hours of 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but had not specified camp dates or opened registration on the page retrieved October 15, 2026. Confirm the intended season, grade eligibility and dates before arranging work coverage. [1]
For grades six through eight, the city lists its free YLC Orange program for students from City of Hialeah Educational Academy, Hialeah Middle School and Henry H. Filer Middle School. Check school eligibility and current enrollment before committing to a paid alternative. [2]
Published city afterschool weekly fees
Local details that affect your job
Prepare for in-person city registration
The city directs afterschool applicants to 5601 E 8th Avenue, Building 4. Bring a current child photo, a birth certificate or passport copy, a utility bill in the parent or guardian’s name, and a report card showing academic and conduct grades, student ID and grade. The city provides English and Spanish registration materials for 2026 to 2027. [1]
Verify the address classification
The city checks Hialeah property tax code 04 and proof of address for resident pricing. It directs families to Miami-Dade Property Search to check their address. Confirm that classification before using the $20 weekly resident fee in your budget. [1]
Confirm the actual afterschool site
The city’s hours section names Babcock Park, Bright Park, Goodlet Adult Center, Slade Park and Walker Park, while its introduction refers to six locations. Confirm the operating site, vacancy and arrival arrangements with the program office at 305-687-2650 before planning pickup. [1] [2]
Which option should you investigate first?
| Your situation | Option | Confirm before committing |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten through fifth grade; afternoon care | City Creative Learning and Play | 2:00 to 6:30 PM schedule, site availability and school-to-site travel |
| Infant, toddler or preschooler | Early Learning Coalition personalized provider listing | Age group, vacancy, care hours and written fees |
| Grades six through eight at a participating school | City YLC Orange, listed as free | Eligible school, enrollment availability and schedule |
| Concerns about development or accommodations | Coalition Warm-Line alongside provider discussions | Support needs, staffing and agreed accommodations |
Your hiring checklist
- Record your child’s age, school, care hours and intended start date.
- Confirm eligibility and a vacancy before paying.
- Check the provider’s identity, address and official profile.
- Visit during care hours and discuss supervision and staff coverage.
- Get fees, closure dates and cancellation terms in writing.
- Agree on transportation, pickup adults and emergency contacts.
- Discuss allergies, medication and accommodations before enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can families outside Hialeah use city afterschool care?
Yes. Creative Learning and Play accepts Miami-Dade County residents, including families outside Hialeah. The published weekly fee is $40 per child for nonresidents and $20 for qualifying city residents. [1]
Does attending fewer days reduce the weekly city fee?
No. The city charges a flat weekly afterschool fee regardless of attendance days. Ask how it handles holiday and closure weeks within your planned enrollment. [1]
Where can I get help finding care or applying for assistance?
The Early Learning Coalition offers personalized provider listings and directs families to School Readiness and VPK applications through the Family Portal. Its referral team’s number is 305-646-7220. [3]
Sources and scope
This guide combines the sources below with practical planning guidance. Figures apply to the stated geography and period; request a written quote for your property.