Carousel Early Learning Center is by far the best preschool setting a parent could ask for. After reading the "three", count them yourself, "three" negative reviews I have decided to add my own. I am a mother of 4 children ages 14, 13, 6, and 4. My older children have attended other facilities from belleview to ocala and I have never had any of those facilities do for us what the owners Jim and Tammy have. My two youngest have attended Carousel since ages 1 and 3. We have NEVER had an issue with their care! The outside door requires a code to enter so that not just anyone can enter the facility. The only people that know the code are the staff and parents. Then, you must sign your child out via an electronic system that again requires a CODE. The safety of our children is #1 with this facility. I love the camera system as well, because you have full access to sign in and watch remotely at any point during the day. The moment you walk through the doors all you can smell is their on site healthy cooked meals. Your kids aren't eating pre-packaged junk that most centers serve. My kids have been through every age level room, minus the infant room. Every teacher we have ever had has been amazing! Mariah, Tori, Kelley, Tabitha, Joey, Mary, Elizabeth, Rae, etc. Parents need to understand that these women work their tails off! The facility opens earlier and closes later than any of the other facilities I have ever used. Do the math, there has to be fill in staff. Do you work 5, 12 hour shifts? No, it wouldn't be safe. The facility is extremely clean and yes, kids get sick. Go talk to your pediatrician, no matter how clean the facility is kids get sick. I hate seeing such nastiness being posted for public view about such an amazing facility. All of which are blatant lies and souly attention seeking actions by parents who need to be put in time out themselves. If I could give more than a 5 star review I would give 100 stars. I LOVE Carousel Early Learning Center! On a side note, parents also need to understand that this is a business and the teachers and staff need to be paid. If you have an issue with payment (I Have!) Jim and Tammy work with you! However, you can't expect FREE child care! Would you walk into walmart (or any other store or restaurant for that matter) and ask them "I can't pay for my toilet paper or my meal today, can I just pay for it next week?" No! So don't put your child care provider in that situation! #EndRant read more

PLEASE AVOID THIS PLACE!! my son got sick every single day for about 6weeks. My husband and I have never called out of work so much in our life. my son always had a bug, stomach virus, the flu and then he got hand, foot and mouth disease. it was awful. and to top it all up this teacher named Kelly put her hands on my son. I reported her to the state of FL and what carousel decided to do was move her into their other business (another carousel opening) knowing that this hasn't been her first time putting her hands on other kids and not being able to control her temper. There's no director... so every time Jim and Tammy go on a vacation they leave one of the teachers in charge. which shows you how much they know about running a business. Another thing that I did not know was that Jim and Tammy do not have any Child Development credential. This is why they probably allow every sick child to stay. However both VPK teachers Ms.Rosie and Ms.Joey are amazing. but unfortunately VPK is only 3 hours a day. Please do your homework before taking your child here. I think the only positive thing I have to say about this place that they make their own food which is awesome. but that's about it. I like the fact that they have cameras but then came to find out that there's spots that no one can see on cameras and that's exactly where Kelly grabbed my son. this was verified by another teacher who works there. Again please do your homework before enrolling your child there. Jim is a very nasty guy.... as for Tammy she does what he says even though she is listed as the owner. read more

I highly recommend Carousel Early Learning Center because when I leave I know my child is safe and happy. Yes, my child has been sick but that is expected at any daycare facility. To the person who pointed that their child was sick for x amount of time...it takes about 10 days to fully get rid of the crud plus your own home life could contribute to your child's illness. My child broke her elbow at home and after getting her cast off, my daughter fell and the staff immediately contacted my husband and myself. I used to work in child protective services and visited many daycare facilities...these do not compare to Carousel! Jim and Tammy (owners) are good people and continue to provide a safe and clean environment. The meals are prepared daily which follow the guidelines. The facility has an open door policy so that you are able to come any time. All the teachers are friendly. The turnover rate is very low. For VPK, the children take little field trips to the assisted living facility. We do not feel like a number to this facility, but rather FAMILY because the owners and most the staff know us :) read more

As a person who has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for 12 years from a teacher to now a Center Manager I can honestly say this preschool has everything I look for in a center. I do not work at this center and never have but my child has gone here for a few years now. I absolutely love this preschool, they are patient, kind, knowledgeable, professional, genuine and truly care. They try to help you and your child the best way they know how and of they can't they will point you in the proper direction. They follow all state procedures and rules they also go above. Yes, I can truly say this because I am in this profession and know what is expected. The food is amazing as well. Its smells delicious and is cooked right there in the center. Mr. Jim even cooks his roast for hours and through the next day for their pulled pork. Noone else does that. They truly care and I would never send my child anywhere else. read more

We would like to take this opportunity to address some of the observations posted previously to this website. It is unfortunate that relationships do sometimes end on unfortunate circumstances. While it is tempting to challenge each of these negative reviews, be they disgruntled employees or families un-happy with policies, it would seem counterproductive for all concerned. We would simply like to invite you to visit our facility, unannounced and at your convenience, and gauge for yourself the atmosphere in the building as well as the relationships between the families, teachers and administrators. 9 of our 14 teachers have been employed with us for 2 years or longer. They have a combined 30+ years of experience in early childhood education. Feel free to talk to any parent available at the time of your visit. In short, stop by and judge for yourself. Jim & Tammy Davidson read more

If you are looking for a daycare for you little ones this is the best place in town!! Mrs.Tammy and Mr. Jim have been great to my family and I. My son has been attending Carousel since he was 3 years old and my daughter has been attending since she was 10 weeks old. Ms. Amy, Ms. Kilee, Ms. Joey are Ms. Tori are absolutely AMAZING! My son and daughter have a building full of Mommies that genuinely care about them. I LOVE how they love my kids and I love to see my son and daughter Happy, Healthy and Safe!! Carousel recently opened up there new center in Belleview so if you cant get your little ones into Carousel in Ocala I would highly recommend taking them to the Belleview center. It will be worth the 15 minute drive South of Ocala. Thank you Mr. Jim and Mrs. Tammy for all you do for my family and I. We appreciate you and your staff!! :-) read more

Our family is forever indebted to Carousel Early Learning Center. We have had many different children enrolled at Carousel for over four years now. Owners, Jim and Tammy, have been extremely accommodating to the needs of our children and the teachers have always been accessible. Our children have a variety emotional and educational needs. No matter what the needs, the folks at Carousel work together to achieve seamless transitions and stability. They have looked outside of the box to find ways to reach our kids. They have been flexible with unpredictable schedules. They have been tolerant of the unknowns. They have shown kindness to our family at every step. I can say that every one of our children is better because of the acceptance they have found at Carousel. We could not be on this journey without them. read more

Moved to Ocala, enrolled my son within a week,jumped straight into Carousels VPK program instantly followed with a new pair of glasses.He has struggled with his new eyes and surroundings, thankfully the teachers and directors have been so patient with our family transitions. They have engaged in his classroom struggles and worked very hard to incorporate things for his needs. They have created a very homey feel by caring for every child individually, the food is fresh, and security is tight. They offer cameras in every room with your own opportunity to take a peak while you're away from your little one. read more