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About Panda Hugs Academy

We are a Creative Curriculum-based learning center located in Tampa, Florida, proudly offering VPK and the School Readiness program for eligible parents. We care for children from 6 weeks to 10 years old, providing a variety of age-appropriate resources and activities to support their development until they are fully prepared to enter school.

Since our founding in 1999, we have been committed to providing the highest quality childcare in Tampa, Florida. Our team is continuously working to enhance our facility and stay up-to-date with the latest industry practices.

At Panda Hugs Academy, we are devoted to nurturing well-rounded children who are not only academically prepared but also confident, socially engaged, and ready to form lasting friendships through meaningful interactions and learning experiences.

children in classroom playing

Our Mission and Vision

Our purpose and mission is to be a caring and educational extension of your family while providing a safe and stimulating educational experience. Our goal is to provide a social, emotional, intellectual, and physical environment that embraces the needs of each child.

As a State-of-the-Art Preparatory Preschool, our vision is to educate the complete child. We strive for this goal daily through age-specific, quality curriculum, fun learning activities, and age-appropriate responses to teachable moments. 

Our top priority is for your child to feel safe and nurtured while building their self-esteem and their love of learning. We are committed to providing the best early childhood education for young learners through highly trained and committed teachers.

Our Awards and Accolades

accredited professional preschool learning environment

We have received a wide variety of awards and accolades for the tremendous work we’ve done. We’re the recipient of the Gold Seal Quality Care award, a distinction that highlights our commitment to providing exceptional early childhood education.

This prestigious accreditation ensures that we meet rigorous state standards for safety, curriculum, and teacher qualifications, giving parents peace of mind that their children are in a nurturing and developmentally enriching environment. We are very thankful to be recognized for our dedication to excellence, and that we go above and beyond in creating a nurturing and enriching environment for young learners.

Who We Are

We believe our unique approach gives children a bright and positive start in life by fostering exploration, discovery, emotional intelligence, and the development of strong friendships.

We take pride in offering a unique, bilingual educational experience that nurtures young minds. Our spacious playgrounds give children plenty of room to play and explore, promoting physical activity and social development, all while allowing them to engage with the world around them at their own pace.

With a low child-to-teacher ratio, we provide personalized attention to every student, creating tailored educational experiences that meet individual needs. At Panda Hugs Academy, we are dedicated to nurturing well-rounded children who are not only academically strong but also confident and socially engaged.

Our facility offers a warm, hygienic environment that supports effective learning. At Panda Hugs Academy, your child will receive the care and attention they deserve, fostering a sense of safety and belonging that encourages active engagement and lasting learning.

teacher and children reding in childcare facility

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Merging Teaching and Childcare

At Panda Hugs Academy, we provide a comprehensive range of programs tailored to support children at every stage of early development. Including specialized daycare services for infants and toddlers that foster growth and early learning. For preschool-aged children, we build a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, and social skills, while our Voluntary Prekindergarten program prepares them for the transition to formal schooling. 

We believe that it’s never too early to start learning and that it’s vital to always present opportunities for children to learn and grow as soon as they start at our center. 

We also offer an engaging Afterschool program that includes enrichment activities and homework assistance, ensuring continued support beyond the school day. Additionally, we accept Early Learning Coalition (ELC) funding, including School Readiness, making our high-quality education accessible to a wider range of families.

By developing our programs with curriculum experts and childcare specialists, we’ve been able to hone in on what makes early education a success and created a learning program that allows our children to enter school seamlessly.

About Our Team

The Panda Hugs Academy family includes a diverse team of passionate educators who are committed to your child’s success.

Elma T.

Owner/VP

Elma is an accomplished entrepreneur and business owner with a strong background in early childhood education. She holds both National and Florida Directors Credentials and has a degree in Healthcare and Administration Management. Her journey began with a simple dream: to create a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for young children. This led her to acquire childcare centers where many children have started their learning journeys.

As the owner of Panda Hugs Academy, Elma has seen the positive impact of quality early education. Every day, she watches children light up with joy as they explore and learn new skills. She also sees parents relieved and confident, knowing their children are in a supportive environment. These experiences have only strengthened her commitment to making sure every child has access to excellent early education, regardless of their background. Elma’s goal is to ensure that all children in the community have the opportunities they need to succeed.

Luz E.

Assistant Director

My name is Luz Espinosa. I live in Tampa, Florida originally from New Jersey. I have three beautiful, strong and independent daughters. Two very handsome grandsons. I enjoy going on long walks at the beach, and I enjoy a good book. But my passion is dancing salsa!

I have been working in Early Education as a VPK, Two’s Teacher and Three’s Teacher for the past 8 years. I absolutely “Loved” every single moment of it! One of my greatest achievements was being able to acquire my National CDA (Child Development Associate).

It is of the utmost importance for me to continue being a part of our children’s different stages and phases of their growing development as I am a firm believer that children learn through play, in a Safe, Healthy, Loving and Nurturing Environment.

Since becoming and being offered the opportunity to becoming Assistant Director, I look forward to always ensuring our parents and our children that we meet their needs and expectations through early education when they come to Panda Hugs Academy.

Get your FREE Guide

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Get your FREE Guide

We know how hard it can be choosing the perfect place for your little ones to learn and grow. So, we have made it simple for you to find out exactly what to look for when choosing the perfect academy.

Get your copy now…

We know how hard it can be to choose the perfect place for your little ones to learn and grow. So, we have made it simple for you to find out exactly what to look for when choosing the perfect academy.

Get your copy now… 

parent childcare comparison checklist guide

What to Expect from Panda Hugs Academy

Our mission is to provide the highest quality childcare in Tampa Florida, if not the world!

As part of our commitment, we provide all of our kids with:

Healthy chef-prepared meals each day that meet dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegan, etc.

Flexible hours to accommodate parents with busy schedules (including date nights and weekends)

The opportunity to explore the surroundings with field trips

Events that allow kids to learn more about the world around them like career day, guest speakers, etc.

A music room that has kid-friendly guitars, pianos, etc.

Outdoor play that teaches little ones how to respect Mother Nature and interact with her in a meaningful way

A diverse, all-inclusive environment where all cultures and traditions are honored and respected

We would be thrilled to have you join our family in Tampa Florida. Contact us with any questions at
(813)-867-2657 or click the button below to schedule a tour!

Book a Tour at Panda Hugs Academy

The best way to discover what makes Panda Hugs Academy special is to see it firsthand. We provide engaging and interactive tours at our Tampa Florida location daily. We look forward to meeting you soon and getting to know you and your child more!

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Contact Us

15051 Bruce B Downs Blvd Tampa, FL 33647

License Number: C13HI0645

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