The Best Daycare Centers in Fowlerville, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fowlerville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fowlerville
The Learning Tree
Independent
The Learning Tree is a highly-regarded local daycare center offering comprehensive early childhood education programs from infancy through school-age. Their curriculum emphasizes play-based learning with structured academic components, focusing on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM foundations. The center features qualified early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios, secure facilities with monitored access, and age-appropriate learning environments. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, outdoor play areas, and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. Their before/after school program serves Fowlerville Community Schools with transportation provided.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Howell serves Fowlerville families with their nationally-recognized F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with play-based discovery. Their state-licensed teachers implement developmental milestones tracking and personalized learning plans. The facility features secure entry systems, multiple age-specific playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Their comprehensive curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and character education. The school maintains excellent staff retention rates and offers flexible scheduling options with extended hours to accommodate commuting families.
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Kiddie Academy of Brighton
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Brighton provides educational childcare services to Fowlerville area families through their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development with academic preparation. Their program focuses on hands-on learning experiences, technology integration, and community awareness. The center features certified teachers with ongoing professional development, secure facilities with keypad entry, and comprehensive safety protocols including regular drills and health screenings. They offer nutritious meal programs, extensive outdoor learning environments, and strong emphasis on literacy and STEM education. Their before/after school program includes homework assistance and enrichment activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fowlerville, MI
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Fowlerville, MI?
In Fowlerville, parents primarily have access to three types of licensed childcare options. First, there are licensed childcare centers, which are larger facilities like the Fowlerville Church of the Nazarene Preschool & Childcare or the Fowlerville Head Start program. Second, licensed group homes, which care for 7-12 children in a residential setting, offering a more home-like environment. Third, licensed family homes, which care for up to 6 children (with no more than 4 under 30 months) in the provider's own residence. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) oversees all licensing, and you can search their online database for specific licensed providers in the 48836 area. Given Fowlerville's more rural setting in Livingston County, family and group homes are common and can offer flexible hours that suit agricultural or shift-work schedules common in the area.
How much does full-time daycare typically cost in Fowlerville, and are there any financial assistance programs?
In Fowlerville and the surrounding Livingston County area, full-time daycare costs are generally moderate compared to larger metro areas like Ann Arbor. For an infant, you can expect to pay approximately $225-$275 per week at a center and $175-$225 per week in a licensed family home. For toddlers and preschoolers, weekly rates typically range from $200-$250 at centers and $160-$210 at family homes. Several financial assistance options are available. The state's Child Development and Care (CDC) subsidy program helps eligible low-income working families. Locally, the Livingston County Catholic Charities and the Livingston County United Way may offer resources or referrals. Additionally, the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) offers free, high-quality preschool for eligible 4-year-olds, which is available through the Fowlerville Community Schools district and local Head Start.
Are daycare waitlists common in Fowlerville, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common, especially for infant care and at the most sought-after centers or highly recommended in-home providers in Fowlerville. Due to limited slots, particularly for children under 18 months, it is strongly advised to begin your search at least 6-9 months before you need care. For a September preschool start, inquiring by the prior January or February is wise. Many providers in the area maintain year-round waitlists. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be placed on it, and how often you should check in. Exploring options in nearby Howell or Webberville can provide alternatives if Fowlerville waitlists are too long.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to Michigan's licensing and safety standards?
During a tour in Fowlerville, look for clear evidence of Michigan LARA licensing. The license should be posted and current. Ask about staff qualifications; lead teachers in a center should have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or higher, and all staff must have background checks and recent training in CPR/First Aid and Safe Sleep practices (for infant care). Observe the child-to-staff ratios, which in Michigan are: 1:4 for infants (0-30 months), 1:8 for toddlers (30 months-3 years), and 1:12 for preschoolers (3-4 years). Check for safe, age-appropriate playground equipment and secure entrances. Also, inquire about their emergency plans for severe weather, common in Michigan, and their sick child policy to prevent illness spread.
How does Fowlerville Community Schools coordinate with local childcare providers for before and after-school care?
Fowlerville Community Schools (FCS) does not typically operate its own district-wide before/after-school childcare program. However, several licensed childcare providers in the area offer school-age programs that provide transportation to and from specific FCS elementary schools (like Fowlerville Elementary, Kreeger Elementary, and H.T. Smith Elementary). These programs, often run by local churches or childcare centers, supervise children before school, transport them via licensed vans, and pick them up after school for care until the early evening. It is crucial to confirm transportation arrangements directly with the provider. The district's website and the school offices often have lists of these partnering providers. Additionally, the district offers extracurricular activities, but these do not replace supervised care.