The Best Daycare Centers in Commerce Township, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Commerce Township. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Commerce Township
The Goddard School of Commerce
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Commerce offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, and live streaming cameras for parent monitoring. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and character development programs. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art and music rooms, and modern classroom environments designed to stimulate learning through exploration and discovery.
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Kiddie Academy of Commerce
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Commerce implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that emphasizes character education, technology integration, and hands-on learning experiences. The center features highly qualified staff with ongoing professional development, secure electronic entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their program includes daily communication with parents through the Academy Link® mobile app, nutritious meals prepared on-site, and age-appropriate learning centers that promote cognitive, physical, and social development. The facility offers spacious classrooms, outdoor play areas, and specialized learning materials aligned with Michigan early learning standards.
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The Learning Experience - Walled Lake
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in nearby Walled Lake serves Commerce Township families with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates early literacy, mathematics, and social skills development. The center features highly trained educators with specialized certifications in early childhood development, advanced security systems including biometric entry, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Their unique programs include philanthropy curriculum, foreign language exposure, and movement programs. The modern facility includes interactive whiteboards, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and bright, engaging classroom environments designed to foster independence and school readiness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Commerce Township, MI
What are the typical costs for full-time infant and toddler daycare in Commerce Township, MI?
In Commerce Township and the surrounding Oakland County area, daycare costs are generally in line with the state average but can vary based on the type of facility. For a licensed childcare center, full-time care for an infant (under 18 months) typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,400 per month. Licensed home-based daycares in the area often offer slightly lower rates, ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly for full-time care. It's important to note that these are base rates; some centers may have additional fees for registration, supplies, or meals. We recommend contacting several providers directly for their most current pricing and to inquire about any potential financial assistance programs, such as the Michigan Department of Education's Child Development and Care (CDC) subsidy.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Commerce Township, and how can I secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers in Commerce Township can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To improve your chances of securing a spot, we advise parents to begin their search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before your needed start date. When contacting centers, ask specific questions: the estimated wait time for your child's age group, whether a deposit is required to hold a spot, and how often the list is updated. Also, consider expanding your search to include high-quality licensed home daycares in Commerce Township and neighboring communities like Walled Lake or Wixom, as they may have more immediate availability and offer a similar level of care.
What are the key licensing and safety regulations I should verify for a daycare in Michigan?
All childcare providers in Commerce Township must be licensed by the State of Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Key regulations parents should verify include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:10 for preschoolers), maximum group sizes, and background checks for all employees. Licensed providers must also meet health and safety standards for facilities, have emergency plans, and ensure staff have training in CPR, First Aid, and child development. You can and should ask any prospective daycare for their license number and then look up their official licensing file online through LARA's website to review their compliance history, including any past violations. This public record is a crucial tool for ensuring the provider meets state-mandated safety standards.
Are there any unique childcare programs or resources specific to the Commerce Township community?
Yes, Commerce Township and the Huron Valley area offer several community-specific resources. The Commerce Township Parks and Recreation Department often hosts seasonal preschool programs, parent-child classes, and summer camps that can supplement traditional daycare. For school-age children, the Huron Valley Schools district offers before and after-school care programs (often called "SACC" - School Age Child Care) at many elementary schools, which is a convenient option for working parents. Additionally, the Commerce Township Community Library is a fantastic resource for early literacy programs like storytimes, which are great for socialization. For parents seeking support, local Facebook groups (e.g., "Commerce Township, MI Community" or "Huron Valley Moms") are active platforms where parents frequently share recommendations and openings for local in-home daycares.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare center or home in Commerce Township?
An in-person tour is essential. In Commerce Township, beyond observing general cleanliness and safety, pay close attention to local factors. Observe the staff's interactions with children—are they engaged and responsive? Ask about their outdoor play policy, especially given Michigan's seasons; a good provider will have safe outdoor space and a plan for active play year-round. Inquire about their sick policy and how they handle common childhood illnesses to gauge their alignment with your family's needs. For centers, ask about their security procedures for drop-off and pick-up. For home daycares, ensure the dedicated childcare space is safe and stimulating. Finally, trust your instincts about the environment's warmth and the director's or provider's communication style. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other Commerce Township parents.
Childcare Insights for Commerce Township
Finding reliable weekend childcare can feel like searching for a hidden treasure, especially here in Commerce Township where our community thrives on family activities and often, non-traditional work schedules. Whether you’re a healthcare worker, have weekend commitments, or simply need a few hours to recharge, knowing your options for weekend daycare nearby is essential for peace of mind. The search for "weekend daycare near me" in Commerce Township, MI, requires a slightly different approach than seeking standard weekday care, but rest assured, solutions do exist within and around our community.
First, it’s important to understand that most traditional daycare centers operate Monday through Friday. Your most likely sources for weekend care in our area will be specialized drop-in daycare centers, certain in-home licensed providers, or trusted babysitting networks. A great starting point is to explore family-centric facilities in nearby hubs like Wixom, Novi, or Milford, as they sometimes offer weekend hours or can point you toward local resources. When calling, be direct and ask if they offer Saturday or Sunday care, even if it’s on a flexible or pre-registered basis. Another invaluable resource is the Commerce Township community itself. Consider joining local parent groups on social media, such as those for Commerce Township or Oakland County moms and dads. These forums are goldmines for personal recommendations for babysitters or small-scale providers who accommodate weekend hours. You’ll often find that other parents in our neighborhoods have already vetted these individuals.
When evaluating a potential weekend care option, whether a center or an in-home provider, ask specific questions tailored to the unique weekend setting. Inquire about their hours of operation; some may only be open for partial days on weekends. Discuss their typical weekend activities—since outings might be different than during the week, how do they keep children engaged? Safety and credentials remain paramount. Always verify that the provider is licensed by the State of Michigan, and don’t hesitate to ask for references from other parents who use their weekend services. Given the more relaxed pace of a weekend, it’s also wise to understand their policy on screen time and what a typical day’s schedule looks like.
For families in Commerce Township, planning ahead is your best strategy. Weekend care spots, particularly with highly recommended providers, can fill quickly. Consider setting up a trial visit on a weekend before you actually need the care. This allows your child to become familiar with the environment and gives you a true sense of the weekend atmosphere. Remember to factor in travel; while something in neighboring Walled Lake might be close, ensure the drive fits comfortably into your weekend plans. Building a relationship with a local babysitter or two who are available for weekend dates can also create a perfect hybrid solution, offering flexibility for those occasional needs. With a bit of proactive research and networking within our tight-knit Commerce Township area, you can find the supportive weekend care that lets you manage your commitments while knowing your child is in safe, caring hands.