The Best Daycare Centers in Farmington, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Farmington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Farmington
Creative Learning Center
Independent
Creative Learning Center offers a comprehensive educational program focusing on whole-child development through play-based learning and structured curriculum. The center features low student-teacher ratios, certified early childhood educators, and a security-coded entry system. Their curriculum includes STEAM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and provides nutritious meals. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced staff, and strong communication about child progress and daily activities.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Farmington Hills provides a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The center features state-certified teachers, comprehensive security systems including keypad entry and surveillance, and modern facilities with dedicated learning centers. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. The school maintains small class sizes and offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure. Parents highlight the professional staff, clean facilities, and excellent academic preparation.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Farmington Hills
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves the Farmington area with a research-based curriculum that focuses on cognitive, emotional, and physical development. The center features a secured entrance, trained teachers with early childhood credentials, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on math and science activities, and character development. The facility includes multiple playgrounds, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and provides balanced meals. The center is noted for its structured daily routines, experienced long-term staff, and comprehensive safety protocols including regular emergency drills and health screenings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Farmington, MI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Farmington, MI, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Farmington, 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 must be either licensed or registered. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. You can verify a provider's license status and view any past violations by using the "Child Care Search" tool on the LARA website or by contacting the Oakland County Great Start to Quality Resource Center, which serves the Farmington area. It's a critical first step in your search.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Farmington, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Farmington, the average cost for full-time infant daycare at a licensed center typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. Home-based programs may be slightly less, averaging $900 to $1,300 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like program amenities, staff qualifications, and curriculum. For financial assistance, Michigan's Child Development and Care (CDC) program provides subsidies to eligible families based on income and need. Additionally, the Oakland County Great Start Collaborative can help connect you to local resources and scholarships. Many centers in Farmington also offer sibling discounts.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Farmington, and when should I start looking?
For popular and highly-rated daycare centers in Farmington, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It's not uncommon for families to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. We strongly recommend starting your search and touring facilities as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester if expecting. For toddler or preschool openings, a lead time of 3-6 months is more common but still advisable. Be sure to ask each center about their specific waitlist process, any fees to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position.
What are some key differences between the preschool programs offered through Farmington Public Schools (FPS) and private daycare centers in the area?
Farmington Public Schools offers the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), a state-funded preschool for qualifying 4-year-olds, and the Farmington Early Childhood Center (FECC), which provides tuition-based and special education preschool. These are typically part-day, school-year programs. Private daycare centers in Farmington, on the other hand, usually offer full-day, year-round care with a more extended schedule to accommodate working parents. Their preschool curriculum is often integrated into the daily childcare. The FPS programs are excellent for structured early education, while private centers provide a more comprehensive childcare solution. Eligibility, hours, and cost structures are the primary differences.
Are there daycare options in Farmington that offer flexible or non-traditional hours for parents with shift work?
Finding flexible-hour childcare in Farmington can be challenging but not impossible. While most traditional centers operate on a standard 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule, some licensed group homes or family childcare providers may offer earlier drop-offs, later pick-ups, or occasional overnight care. Your best resource is to contact the **Great Start to Quality Resource Center for Oakland County**, which can help filter searches for providers offering evening, weekend, or variable-hour care. Additionally, exploring nanny shares with other local families or using reputable backup care services in the greater Detroit metro area can help fill gaps for non-traditional schedules.