Palmetto Bay Preschool, est. 1966
Palmetto Bay, Florida · Est. 1966

A leader in education for over 60 years

Play-based preschool and VPK for kids 12 months to 5 years old in Palmetto Bay.

Our accreditations & state programs

  • Gold Seal Quality Care, Florida Department of Education
  • APPLE Accreditation
  • Florida VPK provider
  • Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe, School Readiness provider
  • Step Up For Students provider
Who We Are

Rooted in Palmetto Bay since 1966

For three generations, families across Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, Pinecrest, and Kendall have trusted us with their youngest learners. We welcome children from 12 months through age 5, led by our director Dr. Krystal Ribot, who holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology.

Warm classrooms, small class sizes, and hands-on learning that includes ballet, robotics, soccer, and acro help every child feel safe, seen, and ready to grow.

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School Readiness, VPK & Step Up

We are School Readiness, VPK, and Step Up providers.

Help paying for preschool

  • Free VPK for 4-year-olds through Florida’s state-funded program.
  • We accept Early Learning Coalition School Readiness vouchers.
  • We’re a listed Step Up For Students provider. Step Up funds can cover registration, materials, uniforms, and tuition.
  • Our team can help you with VPK enrollment.
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Accredited & Gold Seal

APPLE Accredited, and part of the Florida Department of Education Division of Early Learning Gold Seal of Quality Care Program.

Quality you can check

  • APPLE Accredited, so every lead teacher holds a CDA credential.
  • Gold Seal Quality Care provider with the Florida Department of Education Division of Early Learning.
  • Licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families, license #C11MD1184.
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Meals Included

Breakfast, lunch, and snack cooked on-site daily by our chef.

Fresh from our kitchen

  • Breakfast, lunch, and snack cooked fresh every day by our in-house chef.
  • A Hispanic menu with whole grains, fruits, veggies, protein, and milk daily.
  • Many organic options and kid-friendly meals.
  • We are a pork-free and nut-free school. Children with food allergies may bring meals from home.
  • Part of the Florida Child Care Food Program.
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Enrichment Classes

We offer classes in robotics, soccer, acro, self-defense, music, and ballet.

Beyond the classroom

RoboticsSoccerAcroSelf-DefenseMusicBallet

Ask about class days and availability when you visit.

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“
The teachers greeted us with a warm welcome and cared for our baby with the utmost love. She learned and thrived. This is no ordinary daycare.
Adela Lago · Google review
Our Programs

Learning for every age & stage

Small classes grouped by age, each built around how children really learn: through play, exploration, and gentle guidance.

Young toddlers building with blocks on the classroom rug
Ages 12 to 18 months

Young Toddlers

Ratio 1:5

Toddlers doing a hands-on science activity with their teacher
Ages 2 to 3 years

Toddlers

Ratio 1:7

Preschoolers stretching with their teacher
Ages 3 to 4 years

Preschoolers

Ratio 1:9

VPK students practicing letters with their teacher
Ages 4 to 5 years

VPK

Ratio 1:11

✓ Free State-Funded VPK
A Day With Us

Big-hearted care, thoughtfully done

Play-based curriculum

Developmentally-appropriate learning that keeps wonder and joy at the center of every day.

Low teacher-to-child ratios

Small groups mean more attention, deeper bonds, and children who feel truly known.

Safe & secure campus

Secure entry, trained staff, and clear daily communication so you always have peace of mind.

A trusted local legacy

Over 60 years serving Palmetto Bay families. Many of our former students now send their own children.

Flexible full & half day

Schedules that fit working families, with early care from 7:00 AM.

Outdoor discovery

Shaded play areas and nature-based learning under the South Florida sun.

Dr. Krystal Ribot, Director of Palmetto Bay Preschool
Meet Our Director

Dr. Krystal Ribot

PhD, Developmental Psychology

Palmetto Bay Preschool is led by Dr. Krystal Ribot. She earned her PhD in Developmental Psychology from Florida Atlantic University, where she studied how young children build language. Her research has appeared in journals like Child Development, The Journal of Pediatrics, and Developmental Psychology, and she is a former college psychology professor. She brings that same understanding of early learning into every classroom.

As a mother of three, Dr. Krystal leads with warmth and transparency, building a program where evidence-based teaching in literacy, math, science, art, music, and fitness meets the pure joy of play.

🎓 PhD, Florida Atlantic University 📚 Published Researcher 👩‍🏫 Former College Professor
Loved by Local Families

What parents are saying

★★★★★

“He finishes up his 2nd year this month and he is still as excited and thrilled to go as he was on day 1… We worried about the transition to new ownership, but that concern was quickly wiped away when we realized that Mrs. Krystal has nothing but the children’s best interest at heart.”

Hanna D. · Google review
★★★★★

“Since my daughter has been attending, she’s advanced so much. She’s actually using the information she learns in her everyday vocabulary and activities.”

Jay Ewing · Google review

★ 4.7 on Google · Read all 20 reviews →

Visit Us

Book a tour!

Tours run Monday to Friday between 9:00 and 11:30 AM. Pick a time below. Need another time? Call us at (305) 235-2993 for more options.

Plan your visit

9771 E Indigo StMiami, FL 33157
Call or text(305) 235-2993
HoursMonday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
ServingPalmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, Pinecrest & Kendall
1Pick a day and time

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2Tell us about your family

Prefer to call? (305) 235-2993

Questions, Answered

Frequently asked questions

What ages does Palmetto Bay Preschool serve?

Palmetto Bay Preschool serves children from 12 months through 5 years in four classrooms: Young Toddlers, Toddlers, Preschoolers, and VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) for ages 4 to 5.

Do you offer free VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten)?

Yes. We are an approved Florida VPK provider. Eligible 4-year-olds who live in Florida can attend our state-funded VPK program at no cost. Our team can help you complete VPK enrollment.

Where is Palmetto Bay Preschool located?

We are located at 9771 E Indigo St, Miami, FL 33157, in the Palmetto Bay area, and proudly serve families throughout Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, Pinecrest, and Kendall in Miami-Dade County.

What are your hours of operation?

We are open Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with flexible full-day and half-day schedules to fit working families.

Is the preschool licensed and accredited?

Yes. Palmetto Bay Preschool is licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), license #C11MD1184, is APPLE Accredited, and holds Gold Seal Quality Care status. We have served the community since 1966.

What is your teacher-to-child ratio?

Our ratios are 1:5 for Young Toddlers, 1:7 for Toddlers, 1:9 for Preschoolers, and 1:11 for VPK, so every child gets individual attention.

How do I enroll or schedule a tour?

Book a tour right on our website, or call us at (305) 235-2993. We’ll show you the classrooms, introduce our teachers, and walk you through enrollment and VPK registration.