We've been caring for little ones since 2009.
Maple Street Kids was built on a simple belief: every child deserves a place where they feel safe, loved, and inspired to grow.
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Our Story
Maple Street Kids was founded by early childhood educator Laura Hensley, who saw a gap in her community, a shortage of childcare that felt warm and intentional, not institutional. What started as a small preschool program in a converted cottage has grown into a full-service childcare center serving over 120 families. Today, Maple Street Kids is a cornerstone of the Gainesville community. Our staff, many of whom have been with us for over a decade, share a deep commitment to making childhood remarkable, one small moment at a time.
Meet the Team
The people who make it all happen.
Our staff are experienced, certified, and genuinely passionate about early childhood education.
Our Philosophy
Learning through love, play, and curiosity.
We follow a play-based, child-led approach to early education, grounded in research and guided by warmth. We believe children learn best when they feel emotionally secure, physically active, and creatively free. Every routine, activity, and environment at Maple Street Kids is intentionally designed to nurture the whole child: their mind, their body, and their heart.
Credentials & Certifications
Trusted, certified, and accountable.
FAQs
Answers to your most common questions.
Have a different question you need answered?
What ages do you serve?
We welcome children from 6 weeks through 12 years of age, across our Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, and After School programs.
What are your hours of operation?
We're open Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 6:00pm. We're closed on major federal holidays and observe a brief winter break each December.
What is your staff-to-child ratio?
We maintain ratios well within — and often below — Florida's state requirements. Infant rooms are 1:4, toddler rooms are 1:5, and preschool rooms are 1:8.
Are your staff trained in CPR and first aid?
