The Best Daycare Centers in Carrollton, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Carrollton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Carrollton
Bright Horizons at Saginaw
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Saginaw is a highly-regarded early education center serving the Carrollton area with research-based curriculum and NAEYC accreditation. The center features age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated infant rooms, toddler exploration spaces, and preschool classrooms. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes emergent learning through play, literacy development, and STEM activities. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and maintain low child-to-teacher ratios. The facility includes secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and nutritious meal programs. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular developmental assessments.
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The Goddard School of Saginaw
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Saginaw provides premium early childhood education to Carrollton families with their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). The school features purpose-built classrooms with modern educational technology, indoor gymnasium, and secure outdoor playgrounds. Curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development through play-based learning. All teachers are early childhood certified and participate in ongoing professional development. The center maintains enhanced security systems including keypad entry, comprehensive background checks, and strict health protocols. Parents receive regular updates through the Goddard Connect app with photos and daily activity reports.
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Teddy Bear Day Care & Preschool
Independent Center
Teddy Bear Day Care & Preschool is a well-established local childcare provider serving Carrollton and Saginaw County families for nearly two decades. The center offers a balanced curriculum combining structured learning with creative play, focusing on social-emotional development and school readiness skills. Their infant program emphasizes individualized care with consistent primary caregivers, while preschool classes incorporate literacy, mathematics, and science exploration. The facility features age-separated playgrounds, secure monitoring systems, and USDA-approved meal programs. Staff maintain Michigan childcare credentials and ongoing training in early childhood development and safety procedures. The center is known for its family-like atmosphere and strong community reputation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Carrollton, MI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Carrollton, MI, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Carrollton, Michigan, all childcare providers caring for one or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Community and Health Systems. This includes family homes (group and family) and childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, training (including CPR and first aid), and facility inspections. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the official **LARA Child Care Search** tool online. You can search by provider name, location (Carrollton, MI 48724), or license number. It's crucial to choose a licensed provider to ensure your child's safety and the quality of care.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Carrollton, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Carrollton and Saginaw County area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from **$800 to $1,100 per month**. Family home daycare is often slightly less, averaging **$650 to $900 per month**. Costs vary based on the provider's amenities, curriculum, and staff qualifications. For financial assistance, Michigan's **Child Development and Care (CDC) Program** (often called the childcare subsidy) helps eligible low to moderate-income working families. You apply through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's best to contact providers directly for their specific rates and inquire about any local church or community-based assistance programs in the Saginaw area.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Carrollton, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited high-quality options in a smaller community like Carrollton, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It's not uncommon for popular centers or highly-regarded home providers to have waitlists of **6 to 12 months** for infants. For toddler and preschool spots, waitlists may be shorter, around 2-6 months. We strongly recommend starting your search **as early as possible during pregnancy** if you know you will need care. Begin by researching licensed providers, scheduling tours, and getting on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee). This proactive approach is essential to secure a spot by the time your parental leave ends.
Are there any unique childcare options in Carrollton that cater to specific needs, such as non-traditional hours or care for children with special needs?
While Carrollton is a small township, it benefits from proximity to Saginaw. Standard hours (6:30 AM - 6:00 PM) are most common. Options for overnight, weekend, or very early/late care are extremely limited locally and would likely require seeking a licensed family home provider in the broader Saginaw County area who advertises such services. For children with special needs, it's important to discuss specific accommodations directly with providers. Many licensed centers and homes in the area can provide inclusive care, but their capacity varies. You can also contact the **Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority** or **Early On Michigan** for resources and referrals to providers experienced with specific disabilities or developmental supports.
What should I look for and ask during a tour of a daycare facility in Carrollton?
When touring a daycare in Carrollton, go beyond the basics. **Observe:** Is the environment clean, safe, and cheerful? Do the children seem engaged and happy? What is the staff's interaction like with the kids? **Ask specific questions:** What is your staff turnover rate? What is your sick policy and exclusion policy? Can you walk me through a daily schedule for my child's age group? How do you handle discipline and social-emotional learning? What is your outdoor play space like, and how often do children go outside? How do you communicate with parents (daily reports, apps, conferences)? Also, ask for references from current parents. Given Carrollton's size, a provider's local reputation is very important, so don't hesitate to ask other parents in the community for their experiences.