The Best Daycare Centers in Dearborn, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Dearborn. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Dearborn
The Goddard School of Dearborn
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Dearborn offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM curriculum components, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide daily communication through their proprietary mobile app. The school emphasizes character development and prepares children for kindergarten through structured yet flexible learning environments.
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The Learning Experience - Dearborn
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Dearborn provides comprehensive early education with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, foreign language, and social skills development. The center features modern security systems including keypad entry and surveillance cameras. Their highly qualified staff includes certified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The facility offers nutritionally balanced meals, large indoor play areas, and structured outdoor time. Their philanthropy curriculum teaches children the importance of giving back to the community. Parent engagement is prioritized through regular progress reports and family events.
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Bright Horizons at Ford Motor Company
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Ford Motor Company offers high-quality corporate childcare with research-based World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and developmental milestones. The center serves both Ford employees and community families, featuring state-of-the-art security including biometric access and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their educated teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low child-to-teacher ratios. The program includes language development, emergent mathematics, and creative expression through art and music. The facility provides organic meals and snacks, and maintains rigorous health and safety protocols with on-site nursing support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Dearborn, MI
What are the typical costs for full-time infant daycare in Dearborn, MI, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Dearborn, the average cost for full-time infant daycare (children under 18 months) ranges from approximately $1,200 to $1,600 per month. This can vary based on the type of center, its amenities, and specific location within the city. For financial assistance, Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) administers the Child Development and Care (CDC) subsidy program for eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to contact the Great Start to Quality Southeast Resource Center, which serves Wayne County, for personalized referrals and assistance navigating subsidy options.
How can I verify a daycare center's license and inspection history in Dearborn?
All licensed childcare providers in Dearborn must comply with Michigan's licensing rules. The primary tool for verification is the **Great Start to Quality** website or database, Michigan's official quality rating and improvement system. Here, you can search for any licensed home or center-based program to view its current license status, its quality rating (1-5 stars), and detailed inspection reports noting any violations and compliance history. You can also contact the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Child Care Licensing Division, for the most official record. Always ask a provider for their license number to facilitate your search.
Are there many daycare centers in Dearborn that offer bilingual (English-Arabic) programs, and how do I find them?
Yes, given Dearborn's significant Arab-American community, there are several daycare centers and home-based providers that offer bilingual English-Arabic programming or have staff fluent in Arabic. This can be a key factor for cultural and linguistic continuity. To find them, you can use the "Advanced Search" filters on the Great Start to Quality website to look for programs in Dearborn and note any that list language offerings in their profile. Additionally, local community centers like the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) or the Dearborn Public Schools Early Childhood programs may have referrals. Networking within local parent groups on social media is also a very effective way to get personal recommendations for bilingual care.
What is the average waitlist time for highly-rated daycare centers in Dearborn, and when should I start looking?
For centers with high Great Start to Quality ratings (4 or 5 stars) or those with excellent local reputations, waitlists can be substantial. It's not uncommon for these programs, especially for infant rooms, to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. For parents in Dearborn, the best practice is to begin researching and touring centers as soon as you know you will need care, ideally during pregnancy if planning for an infant. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $50-$100) to secure a spot. For less immediate needs, such as care for a toddler, starting your search 3-6 months in advance is still strongly advised.
What are the options for drop-in or occasional childcare in Dearborn for parents with irregular schedules?
While less common than full-time enrollment, there are some options for flexible care in Dearborn. Certain larger childcare centers may offer part-time or "flex care" slots if space is available, though priority is usually given to full-time families. A more reliable option for occasional care is to seek licensed family daycare homes, as some may accommodate drop-in care. Additionally, you can explore registered babysitter networks or services like Care.com, filtering for providers in Dearborn who offer occasional care. For a more structured option, some local gyms (like the Dearborn Family YMCA) or recreation centers may offer parent's night out programs or short-term care for members, though these are typically for children who are potty-trained. Always ensure any occasional caregiver is properly vetted and, if required, licensed.