The Best Daycare Centers in Durand, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Durand. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Durand
Bright Horizons at Durand
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Durand offers a comprehensive early education program with their proprietary World at Their Fingertips curriculum, emphasizing literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and modern learning materials. The center is known for its strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, plus nutritional meal programs and robust safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Kiddie Academy of Owosso
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Owosso serves the Durand area with their Life Essentials curriculum that focuses on character development, STEM education, and school readiness. The center features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development, secure facilities with coded entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes hands-on learning activities, technology integration, and regular developmental assessments. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, clean facilities, and the visible progress children make in social and academic skills. The academy offers flexible scheduling and nutritious meals prepared on-site.
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Learning Care Group - La Petite Academy of Flint
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy of Flint provides quality childcare services to families in the Durand region with their proprietary Early Foundations curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The center features degreed early childhood educators, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. Their program includes regular parent-teacher conferences, progress reports, and portfolio assessments. The academy is particularly noted for its strong kindergarten readiness program, diverse learning materials, and commitment to creating inclusive environments that support children's individual learning styles and needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Durand, MI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Durand, MI, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Durand, MI, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant, you can expect to pay approximately $175-$225 per week, while toddler care typically ranges from $150-$200 per week. Preschool-age care often costs $130-$180 per week. These rates are generally lower than those in larger Michigan metropolitan areas. For financial assistance, Michigan's Child Development and Care (CDC) program is the primary resource for eligible families. Locally, you can apply through the Shiawassee County Department of Human Services in nearby Corunna. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's advisable to inquire directly with daycare centers like Durand Area Preschool & Childcare Center or home-based providers about any private assistance or payment plans they might offer.
How do I verify if a daycare or home-based childcare provider in Durand is properly licensed and what should I look for in their inspection reports?
All licensed childcare providers in Durand must be registered with the State of Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). You can verify a provider's license and view their compliance history for free online through the LARA Child Care Licensing Search tool. When reviewing a provider, ensure their license is "Active" and check for any "Substantiated" complaints or rule violations. For Durand-specific providers, you can also contact the Great Start to Quality Northeast Resource Center, which serves Shiawassee County, for additional support. During a visit, ask to see their current license and their most recent licensing notebook, which should be publicly available on-site. Look for certificates indicating staff are trained in CPR, First Aid, and Safe Sleep practices for infants.
What is the availability of infant daycare spots in Durand, and how far in advance should I get on a waitlist?
Infant daycare spots in Durand are often limited due to stricter staff-to-child ratios (1:4) required by Michigan law, making them the most sought-after openings. In a smaller community like Durand, there may only be a handful of licensed providers accepting infants. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as possible, ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy. Some popular centers and home-based providers in the area have waitlists that can be 6 to 12 months long. Be proactive by contacting all licensed providers in Durand and the surrounding areas like Lennon or Vernon. Putting your name on multiple lists is a common strategy. The Great Start to Quality website also has a search function that can show providers with reported infant openings.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Durand that offer specialized programs, such as for children with special needs or faith-based education?
Durand offers a couple of specialized options. For faith-based education, St. Mary's School in Durand offers a preschool program rooted in Catholic tradition. For public preschool programs, including those for children with developmental delays or special needs, the Durand Area Schools district operates the Durand Early Childhood Center. This center provides Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) preschool for qualifying families and special education services. For ongoing daycare with specialized support, you would need to discuss individual needs directly with providers, as smaller home-based settings may have limited resources. For more comprehensive special needs services, families often look to larger centers or therapeutic programs in nearby Flint or Owosso. Always inquire about a provider's experience and training with specific needs during your interview.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Durand Area Schools district?
For school-age children attending Durand Area Schools, the primary option for before and after-school care is often provided through the district's own programs or community partnerships. The Durand Area Schools Community Education department typically organizes "Kids' Club" or similar latchkey programs held at one of the elementary schools. These programs usually operate from around 6:30-8:30 AM and 3:00-6:00 PM on school days. Some local licensed home daycare providers may also offer transportation to and from specific schools like Robert Kerr Elementary or Durand Middle School. Additionally, the Durand Memorial Library and the Durand Area Parks and Recreation Department offer seasonal camps and activities on school holidays and during the summer that can supplement childcare needs. It's crucial to register early, as these programs have limited capacity.