The Best Daycare Centers in Ashley, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ashley. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ashley
Ashley Head Start
Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency
Ashley Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support services through the federally-funded Head Start program. The center focuses on school readiness with evidence-based curriculum that addresses cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. All teachers meet Head Start qualification requirements with ongoing professional development. The program includes health screenings, nutritious meals, and strong parent involvement components. Services are tailored to support low-income families with wrap-around support including family goal-setting and community resource connections.
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Owosso KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Owosso KinderCare provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum including phonics-based reading readiness, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. The center features secure entry systems, regularly trained staff in CPR and first aid, and age-appropriate learning environments. Teachers maintain child development credentials with ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes individualized learning plans, daily communication with parents, and developmentally appropriate activities. Located approximately 15 miles from Ashley, serving families throughout Shiawassee County.
Daycare Services:
Corunna Early Childhood Center
Corunna Public Schools
Corunna Early Childhood Center operates as part of the Corunna Public School district, offering high-quality preschool programs including the state-funded Great Start Readiness Program for at-risk 4-year-olds. The center employs certified early childhood teachers and follows Michigan early learning standards with play-based and structured academic preparation. Facilities include dedicated preschool classrooms, indoor gross motor spaces, and secure playgrounds. The program emphasizes literacy development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness through evidence-based practices. Located approximately 12 miles from Ashley, serving the broader Shiawassee County region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ashley, MI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Ashley, Michigan, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Ashley, Michigan, all childcare providers caring for more than one unrelated child must be licensed by the State of Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). This includes both family homes (group and family home licenses) and childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, health and sanitation, and ongoing training. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the **LARA Child Care Licensing Search** tool online. Simply enter the provider's name or location. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers, as this ensures a baseline of safety and oversight regulated by Michigan law.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ashley, MI, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In the Ashley area and surrounding Gratiot/Shiawassee counties, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from **$175 to $250 per week**, while toddler care may be slightly lower, around **$150 to $225 per week**. Costs can vary based on the type of care (center vs. home-based), specific programs offered, and whether meals are included. For financial assistance, Michigan's **Child Development and Care (CDC) program** (often referred to as the childcare subsidy) is available for eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance requirements. You can apply through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or in-home providers in Ashley, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the rural nature of Ashley and limited number of providers, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular licensed home providers or the nearest childcare centers in surrounding towns like Owosso or St. Johns to have waitlists of **6 to 12 months**. For infants, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists **as soon as you know you are pregnant or at least 9-12 months before you need care**. For toddler or preschool spots, starting 3-6 months in advance is prudent. Be proactive, contact multiple providers, and ask specific questions about their current list length and anticipated openings.
Are there any unique local resources or organizations in the Ashley area that help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, a key local resource is the **Great Start to Quality Resource Center for Region 6**, which serves Shiawassee and surrounding counties. This is Michigan's quality rating and improvement system for childcare. You can use their **online search tool** to find and compare licensed providers in Ashley and nearby communities, view their quality ratings (1-5 stars), and read inspection reports. Additionally, you can contact the resource center directly for personalized referrals. For very local networking, the **Ashley Community Facebook group** or other town-specific social media pages can be useful for asking other parents for personal recommendations and experiences with providers.
What should I look for during an in-person visit to a daycare home or center in Ashley, given the local setting?
During a visit, first confirm their Michigan license is visibly posted. Ask about their emergency plans for severe weather common to mid-Michigan and their protocol for communication during power outages. Observe the cleanliness and safety of the space, including secure outdoor play areas. Given Ashley's location, inquire about their policy for field trips or outings—are they common, and what transportation is used? Crucially, ask about staff longevity and turnover; a stable team in a small community is a strong positive sign. Finally, trust your instincts on the caregiver's interaction with the children and their willingness to answer all your questions about daily routines, discipline policies, and sick child protocols.