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Welcome to Baby Fox Academy: A Trusted Early Learning Center in Lakewood Ranch, FL

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Early Childhood Education

A Trusted Early Learning Center

At Baby Fox Academy, we are passionate about providing children with a high-quality early education that lays the groundwork for lifelong learning. Located near the vibrant community of Lakewood Ranch, FL, our early learning center is designed to foster growth, creativity, and a love of learning in a safe and nurturing environment. Baby Fox Academy is owned and operated by Laurie and Matt McCracken, and we are dedicated to creating a welcoming space where children feel valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Our center’s play-based curriculum combines structured learning with the freedom to explore, giving children the chance to learn in a way that feels natural to them. We believe that every child deserves a solid foundation for their educational journey, and Baby Fox Academy strives to provide that through compassionate, experienced teaching and a commitment to excellence.

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What does the Fox say?

Why Choose Baby Fox Academy?

Baby Fox Academy stands out as a trusted early learning center in Lakewood Ranch, FL, for several reasons:

  • Experienced Educators: With over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, our founder Laurie McCracken brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Our dedicated teachers are highly qualified and skilled at creating a positive learning environment.
  • Play-Based Learning Approach: We prioritize play as a vital component of early childhood education. By integrating play into our curriculum, we encourage children to explore, discover, and develop critical thinking skills.
  • Balanced Schedule: Each day at Baby Fox Academy is structured to incorporate both indoor and outdoor learning opportunities, supporting holistic development.
  • Safe, Nurturing Environment: Safety and care are at the core of everything we do. Our classrooms are carefully organized, and our staff is dedicated to providing a secure, warm atmosphere where children can flourish.

Our Mission at Baby Fox Academy

The mission of Baby Fox Academy is to offer a high-quality, child-centered program that supports each child’s unique needs and abilities. As an early learning center serving Lakewood Ranch, FL, we are committed to fostering a love for learning through engaging activities and supportive guidance. Our mission is to empower children to take an active role in their learning journey, helping them grow into confident, inquisitive individuals.

We believe that early learning should be about more than just academics; it should focus on social-emotional development, creativity, and a strong sense of community. Our goal is to provide an enriching environment where children can discover their interests, develop friendships, and build the skills they need for future success.

Programs and Curriculum at Baby Fox Academy

Our curriculum is designed to balance foundational academics with creativity, social interaction, and physical activity. We provide various activities tailored to the developmental needs of young children, including:

Literacy and Language Development

Through interactive story time, phonics activities, and vocabulary building, we nurture each child’s language and literacy skills.

Mathematics and Problem Solving

Early math concepts are introduced in a fun, engaging way to help children develop their critical thinking and reasoning abilities.

Science and Nature Exploration

Children explore the world around them through hands-on science activities, outdoor nature walks, and age-appropriate experiments.

Arts and Creative Expression:

Art, music, and movement allow children to express themselves creatively, building confidence and self-esteem.

Social Skills and Emotional Growth

We teach children the importance of teamwork, empathy, and effective communication, helping them develop strong social skills.

Our programs are designed to adapt to each child’s unique learning style, encouraging a sense of curiosity and a love for discovery. By focusing on play-based, child-centered learning, we allow children to develop naturally, without the pressure of rigid academic expectations.

Our Philosophy on Early Learning

At Baby Fox Academy, we believe that the early years should be filled with exploration, creativity, and joyful learning. Our philosophy is built on the idea that children thrive when given the opportunity to learn through play. In our early learning center near Lakewood Ranch, FL, we prioritize activities that promote open-ended exploration and hands-on experiences.

We encourage children to make choices, take risks, and engage with their environment in meaningful ways. Our educators act as guides, supporting each child’s journey while fostering independence and self-confidence. We are dedicated to creating a learning environment where children feel free to be themselves and grow at their own pace.

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A Commitment to Community in Lakewood Ranch, FL

Baby Fox Academy is proud to serve families in the Lakewood Ranch community. We understand that choosing an early learning center is a big decision, and we are committed to building strong relationships with our families. By engaging with parents and involving them in their child’s learning experience, we create a supportive community that enhances each child’s development.

We offer regular communication with parents, family involvement opportunities, and special events to celebrate milestones and achievements. At Baby Fox Academy, we believe that parents are essential partners in their child’s educational journey, and we are here to support and celebrate with you every step of the way.

Your Little Ones are in Great Hands!

Take it from Our Parents

"We love Baby Fox 🦊 Ms Laurie and all of the teachers are the absolute best. They are so kind and patient with the children. It took me a while to find a preschool that we liked. I was so excited to get my son enrolled. After touring the building we fell in love! I love everything about the school. My son brings home his artwork to me weekly. It puts such a huge smile on my face. Enrolling my son at this school was the best decision ever made. I highly highly highly recommended!"
Nicole Sloan
"This preschool is the best in our area! We toured multiple schools before deciding on Baby Fox Academy! The facility is so clean and each room has an abundance of color and brightness in all of its decor which makes you happy upon entrance. My son is thriving in this school. It’s his first experience in a school setting and he loves it. I love that Laurie, the owner, is always onsite and even stays late to ensure everything is clean and to a higher standard than any other school is Sarasota. Check this school out! You won’t be disappointed!"
Chelsea Arrieta
"This preschool is just amazing! Ms. Laurie and her team are real professionals. We came after a very traumatic experience in another preschool. My son was terrified of just an idea of going to preschool. But after just 2 weeks he loved it. He has the best time there and finally started talking! If you are looking for a preschool don’t hesitate this one is the best!"
Oxana
"We are using baby fox again for vpk and I will use them in the future. They are the best around and so good with my babies. We love you guys!"
Ashley See
"Baby Fox Academy is one of a kind with a huge emphasis on learning through play! I have the pleasure of knowing Laurie personally and she is an amazing woman with a huge heart and lots of knowledge for helping kiddos in a variety of ways! BFA is hands down an amazing location and any child that attends will have an unbelievable experience. I would highly recommend to anyone!"
Brianna Reinhold
"Laurie sets the standard for child care and early childhood education. My son was never bored while enrolled and was never short of great ideas for games that were both fun and stimulating and my entire family were constantly in awe of his incredible vocabulary and level of respect for his age. I attribute a great amount of how advanced he is to Baby Fox Academy and the individualized attention spent on each child. I could watch him being engaged with so many different centers and stations all day long! We love Laurie and I will be using her school facilities for my future babies!"
Liz Woollcombe-Clarke
"The quality of care with baby fox is the absolute best! The learning structure/play based learning style allows children to develop at their own pace and have a great time doing so. The best part- my kids absolutely loved it as well and adored being at BFA."
Arin Miller
My experience with Laurie McCracken's Baby Fox Academy has been awe inspiring. Her educational concepts for the pre-school age and play learning are so correct and nourishing for these children and I have seen the eagerness and ability to learn blossom in their "individual growth that is surrounded by love, acceptance and respect. The best gift a parent or grandparent could give to their preschoolers."
Bea Wallace
"We had an absolute amazing experience at BFA. My daughter loved being there and loved learning through play. Our daughter has excelled astronomically in school and we cannot thank Ms Laurie enough for welcoming our daughter with loving arms Not to mention extending her care for our family when in need."
Alexi Smith
Everyone is so nice and friendly and the staff is amazing! Hands down the best preschool my child has gone too.
Anggy Vasquez
"Our daughter attended here for pre-k and through the summer. We've had nothing but positive experiences with Baby Fox. We stay in touch with Mrs. Laurie and some of the families even now that our daughter has aged out of the program. I highly recommend Baby Fox, and their staff, to anyone looking for quality pre-school options in the area."
Chris Pettit
"I am an employee of Baby Fox Academy in the 2,3,& 4-year-old classrooms. I’m very happy to come to work every day. Coworkers are pleasant to work with. It’s a very clean facility. I love coming to work and some days stay longer to get more things done. Amazing place to work. 5stars recommend"
Ashlee Bushway
"My son has been attending here since the grand opening and we BOTH instantly fell in love with the place! Mrs. Laurie goes out of her way for every kid from hand-making activities for each kid on what they need to focus on at 7 am during drop-off times or planning family nights for everyone to enjoy!! Baby fox has stolen our hearts forever!!❤️"
Abigail
"We love Baby Fox Academy and Ms.Laurie. It’s such a bright and clean space. We toured many facilities in Sarasota and this is the best by far! My son has learned so much and has made some great friends during his time here. Highly recommend!!"
Jaya Bannarbie
"My daughter goes here and we just love this school! She has learned a lot and is getting everything she needs to be ready for kindergarten. We 100% rrecommendyou to bring your child to this awesome school! Wonderful people work here and amazing Techniques are happening!"
Donna Darlington
"I am an early childhood educator and an Infant and Toddler Developmental Specialist. I LOVE Baby Fox Academy. I very rarely recommend day cares because they tend to be more about cramming kids in and really not well educated in child development. With Baby Fox academy, I can refer with absolute confidence. They offer hands-on play based learning with child development in mind. No worksheets here! Laurie is not only an early educator by trade, she is very passionate about creating amazing spaces for children to learn. I HIGHLY recommend."
Jaime Pollack
"Of all the daycares my daughter has gone to, Baby Fox is the best. I wish I found them Sooner."
Jesse Albano
"My daughter wake up in the morning ecstatic wanting to go to this amazing preschool!"
Jess Hopkins
"Amazing school for my daughter!!!! Love the staff :)"
Makayla Starman
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Join the Baby Fox Academy Family Today

If you are searching for a high-quality early learning center in Lakewood Ranch, FL, that provides a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for your child, Baby Fox Academy is here to welcome you. Our play-based approach, experienced educators, and commitment to excellence make us an ideal choice for families who want the best start for their children.

We invite you to tour our center, meet our staff, and learn more about our programs. Experience the Baby Fox Academy difference and discover how our early learning center can provide your child with a strong educational foundation. Contact us today to schedule a visit or for more information about enrollment. Let us help your child embark on an exciting journey of learning, growth, and discovery at Baby Fox Academy.

Sarasota

941-359-FOXY

Sarasota 3755 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota FL 34239

Lakewood Ranch

941-359-FOXY

7041 Professional Pkwy E Lakewood Ranch FL 34240

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