The Best Daycare Centers in Filion, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Filion. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Filion
Tiny Treasures Daycare & Preschool
Tiny Treasures Daycare
Tiny Treasures is a highly-regarded local daycare serving the Filion area with a comprehensive educational program. They feature a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios with all lead teachers holding early childhood education credentials. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers for different age groups. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, regular communication, and the center's focus on developmental milestones.
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Huron County Head Start
Huron Intermediate School District
Huron County Head Start provides high-quality early childhood education to families throughout Huron County, including Filion. The program uses a research-based curriculum focused on school readiness, with comprehensive services including health screenings, nutrition programs, and family support. Certified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education lead classrooms with evidence-based teaching practices. The center emphasizes inclusive education and provides specialized support for children with disabilities. Families appreciate the holistic approach to child development and strong community partnerships.
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Creative Beginnings Childcare Center
Creative Beginnings
Creative Beginnings serves the Filion community with a well-established reputation for quality childcare. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired activities with traditional early learning standards, featuring hands-on learning stations and outdoor classroom spaces. The center employs degreed early childhood professionals and maintains state-exceeding staff-to-child ratios. Safety features include secured premises, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. The center is noted for its nutritious meal program, extensive parent involvement opportunities, and flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Filion, MI
What are the typical costs for daycare in Filion, MI, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Filion, MI, daycare costs can vary significantly based on the child's age and the type of care. For an infant in a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $800 to $1,100 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $700 to $950 per month. Home-based family daycare is often more affordable, ranging from $600 to $850 monthly. These rates are generally lower than those in larger Michigan cities like Detroit or Ann Arbor but are consistent with the Thumb region. For financial assistance, Michigan's Child Development and Care (CDC) program is the primary state subsidy for eligible families based on income and need. Additionally, local organizations like the Sanilac County Community Foundation may occasionally offer grants or support, and some providers participate in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to help with meal costs. It's crucial to contact providers directly for exact rates and inquire about potential sibling discounts.
How can I verify if a daycare or home-based childcare provider in Filion is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Michigan caring for more than one unrelated child must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). To verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, parents should use the official online resource: the **LARA Child Care Licensing Search Tool**. You can search by provider name, location (Filion, MI 48432), or license number. This public database shows the license status (active, suspended, expired), capacity, ages served, and any substantiated licensing violation reports from the past few years. For home-based providers (family daycare), also ensure they are registered with LARA. Given Filion's small, rural nature, many providers may be licensed family homes. You can also contact LARA's Child Care Licensing Office for the Eastern Upper Peninsula & Northern Lower Peninsula region for additional verification. Always visit the facility in person to assess the environment alongside the online record.
What is the availability and typical waitlist situation for daycare spots in Filion, especially for infants?
Due to Filion's small, rural community size, licensed daycare options are limited, and availability can be very tight, particularly for infants (under 12 months). It is common for the few licensed providers in and around Filion to have waitlists, sometimes several months long. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date. Expanding your search to nearby towns like Croswell, Lexington, or Sandusky may increase options, though waitlists are common there as well. Many families in the area rely on licensed family daycare homes, which have smaller capacities (up to 6 children) and may have more frequent openings but fill quickly. Networking through local community groups, churches, or the Sanilac County MSU Extension office can sometimes help find openings. Persistence and flexibility with start dates are key.
Are there any unique seasonal or agricultural considerations for childcare in Filion given its location in Michigan's Thumb region?
Yes, Filion's location in a predominantly agricultural area (Sanilac County) presents unique considerations. Many families are involved in farming, which can lead to a need for extended or non-traditional childcare hours during peak planting and harvest seasons (spring and fall). Some local family daycare providers may offer flexible early morning, evening, or weekend hours to accommodate these schedules, but this is not universal and must be discussed upfront. Additionally, some summer programs may have a focus on nature and agriculture. Conversely, during the slower winter months, some providers may have more availability. It's also important to consider that some providers may close for certain local events like the Sanilac County 4-H Fair. When touring facilities, ask specifically about their experience with and policies for farm families' fluctuating schedules.
What types of daycare and preschool programs are available in Filion, and do any offer early childhood education curricula?
Options in Filion itself are primarily licensed family daycare homes, which provide care in a home setting for small groups of mixed ages. For center-based programs or structured preschool curricula, parents often need to look in nearby larger towns. However, some family daycare providers in Filion may incorporate educational elements like play-based learning or follow informal curricula. For formal preschool programs (often for ages 3-5), the closest public school options are typically through the **Cros-Lex Community Schools** (Croswell-Lexington) district, which may offer Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) — Michigan's state-funded preschool for at-risk 4-year-olds — or tuition-based preschool. Some private centers in Sandusky or Lexington may offer curricula like HighScope or Creative Curriculum. For infants and toddlers, educational programming is less formal but should focus on developmental milestones. Always ask providers about their daily schedule, learning philosophy, and how they prepare children for kindergarten.