The Best Daycare Centers in Bedford, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bedford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bedford
The Goddard School of Temperance
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Temperance offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. All teachers are qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What makes this center stand out is their balance of play-based and academic learning, comprehensive safety protocols, and strong parent communication system with daily activity reports and regular progress updates.
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Kiddie Academy of Lambertville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Lambertville provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that emphasizes character development, STEM activities, and literacy. The center features secure keypad entry, dedicated age-appropriate learning environments, and nutritious meal programs. Their staff includes certified early childhood educators with specialized training in developmental milestones. The academy stands out for its technology-integrated learning, comprehensive safety measures including background-checked staff, and strong focus on preparing children for kindergarten readiness through structured yet flexible learning experiences.
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La Petite Academy of Toledo (Sylvania)
La Petite Academy
La Petite Academy in Sylvania offers a research-based curriculum focused on school readiness and whole-child development. Their program includes early literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies integrated with character education. The facility features secure environments with coded entry systems, age-specific learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds. Teachers are trained in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. This center stands out for their balanced approach to learning through play and structured activities, comprehensive safety protocols including regular safety drills, and strong emphasis on social-emotional development and kindergarten preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bedford, MI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Bedford, MI, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Bedford, Michigan, all childcare centers and group homes caring for more than six children must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Family homes caring for 1-6 unrelated children can be either licensed or registered. Licensing involves rigorous inspections for health, safety, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/first aid), and program standards. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the LARA Child Care Search tool online or contact the local Great Start to Quality resource center, which serves Monroe County. Always ask to see the current license during your tour.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Bedford, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Bedford area (Monroe County), average costs for full-time infant daycare typically range from $225 to $325 per week, depending on the type of facility (center vs. home-based) and the specific programs offered. This is slightly below the state average for Michigan. For financial assistance, Michigan's Child Development and Care (CDC) program helps eligible low-income working families. Additionally, the Monroe County Intermediate School District's Early On and Great Start programs may offer resources or sliding-scale options. It's also worth inquiring directly with providers about any sibling discounts or private scholarships they might offer.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Bedford, and when should I start looking for care?
Waitlists in Bedford can vary significantly. For highly sought-after centers and especially for infant spots (which have stricter staff-to-child ratios), waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long. For toddler and preschool-age children, it may be 3-6 months. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy for infant care. For other ages, start at least 4-6 months before your needed start date. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask specific questions about their list movement, and consider both centers and licensed home-based options to increase your chances.
What are some key factors to consider when choosing between a licensed home daycare and a childcare center in Bedford?
Choosing between a home daycare and a center in Bedford involves weighing several local factors. Licensed home daycares often offer a smaller, family-like setting with mixed-age groups, potentially more flexible hours, and may be slightly less expensive. Centers typically provide a more structured educational curriculum, multiple staff members for coverage, and often have larger facilities with dedicated outdoor spaces. In Bedford, consider your commute—home-based providers may be more residential, while centers like those near US-23 or in Temperance may be more convenient for commuters. Also, check their quality ratings on the Great Start to Quality scale (Michigan's quality rating system) to compare programs objectively.
Are there any unique outdoor or enrichment programs offered by daycares in Bedford that take advantage of the local area?
Yes, several Bedford-area daycares incorporate the local environment into their programs. Given the community's proximity to Lake Erie and numerous parks like Indian Creek Park, some providers emphasize nature-based play, outdoor exploration, and seasonal activities like leaf collecting or winter sports. Enrichment programs can include partnerships with local organizations for music or movement classes, and some centers may offer introductory Spanish. Furthermore, with Bedford's strong agricultural surroundings, some programs may include gardening projects or visits to local farms. When touring, ask specifically about their daily outdoor time and how they integrate local community resources into their curriculum.
Childcare Insights for Bedford
Finding the right childcare arrangement is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, and for many parents in Bedford, Michigan, a part-time schedule is the perfect fit. Whether you’re balancing work shifts, furthering your education, or simply seeking socialization and structured play for your little one a few days a week, knowing your local options can bring immense peace of mind. The search for "part time daycare near me" in our community is about more than just availability; it’s about finding a nurturing extension of your family that understands the unique rhythm of life here in Bedford.
Bedford Township, with its blend of suburban comfort and close-knit community feel, offers several avenues to explore for part-time care. Many local licensed home daycares often provide flexible schedules, which can be ideal for parents who don’t require a traditional five-day-a-week program. These smaller settings can offer a cozy, family-like atmosphere that is comforting for young children. Additionally, there are established childcare centers in and around the Temperance and Lambertville areas that may offer part-time or drop-in options. It’s always worthwhile to call and inquire directly, as flexibility can vary. Don’t overlook local churches and community centers, as some host preschool programs that operate on a partial-week schedule, perfectly aligning with a part-time need.
When evaluating part-time daycare in Bedford, consider the practicalities of our location. Proximity to major routes like Secor Road or Sterns Road might be a priority for your commute. Inquire about their policies for days when Bedford schools have closures or snow days, as this can affect your schedule. Given Michigan’s beautiful seasons, ask about outdoor play areas and how often children get to enjoy them—a vital part of any childhood here. Building a relationship with your provider is key, especially in a part-time arrangement. A good caregiver will make the effort to communicate thoroughly about your child’s day, even if they are only there a few times a week, ensuring you never feel out of the loop.
Start your search by connecting with other Bedford parents through local community groups on social media or at places like the Bedford Branch Library. Personal recommendations are invaluable. Once you have a few names, schedule visits. Observe how the caregivers interact with the children and trust your instincts about the environment. Be clear about your needed days and hours from the start, and understand all costs and policies for your specific part-time schedule. Remember, the goal is to find a safe, engaging, and loving space where your child feels secure and happy, even on their part-time days. Taking the time to find the right fit means you can head to work or tackle your responsibilities with confidence, knowing your child is well-cared for right here in our community.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Bedford: