The Best Daycare Centers in Goodells, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Goodells. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Goodells
Little Lambs Christian Learning Center
Little Lambs Christian Learning Center
Little Lambs Christian Learning Center is a highly-regarded faith-based childcare facility serving the Goodells community with a comprehensive educational program. They offer a Christ-centered curriculum that integrates biblical principles with early childhood education standards. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, certified early childhood educators, and a secure facility with monitored access. Their program includes age-appropriate learning activities, outdoor play areas, and developmental milestone tracking. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, strong communication, and the center's commitment to both academic and spiritual development.
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The Goddard School of Fort Gratiot
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Fort Gratiot is a premium early childhood education center located approximately 15 minutes from Goodells. As part of the nationally recognized Goddard system, they offer a play-based learning approach through the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). The facility features state-certified teachers, modern security systems including keypad entry, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, STEM, and social-emotional development with daily updates provided to parents through a proprietary mobile app. The center maintains excellent staff retention and offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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Kiddie Academy of Port Huron
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Port Huron provides educational childcare services to families in the Goodells area through their Life Essentials® curriculum, which focuses on character development, STEM learning, and school readiness. The center features degreed lead teachers, secure entry systems, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Their facility includes dedicated age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gross motor space, and outdoor playgrounds. The academy emphasizes communication with daily activity reports and parent portals, along with nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently note the strong academic preparation and caring staff that create a supportive learning environment for children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Goodells, MI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Goodells, MI, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Goodells, Michigan, all childcare centers and family home daycares caring for more than one unrelated child must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, training, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the official "Child Care Search" tool on the Michigan.gov website. You can search by provider name, location, or license number. It's crucial to check this, as it provides access to inspection reports and any licensing history or violations. For very small, informal care (like a neighbor watching one child), licensing may not be required, but for structured daycare, a valid license is a non-negotiable starting point for your search in St. Clair County.
What is the typical cost range for full-time infant and toddler daycare in Goodells and the surrounding St. Clair County area?
Childcare costs in Goodells and the wider rural St. Clair County area are generally more affordable than in major metropolitan areas of Michigan, but prices vary by type of care. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $175-$250 per week for full-time infant care. For toddler care, the range is typically $150-$225 per week. Licensed family home daycares often offer slightly lower rates, ranging from $125-$200 per week. These are estimates, and specific rates depend on the program's amenities, hours, and whether meals are included. It's important to ask what the weekly fee covers (e.g., diapers, wipes, formula, meals). For financial assistance, Michigan's Child Development and Care (CDC) program can help eligible families; you can apply through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
Are there long waitlists for daycare openings in Goodells, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Due to the rural nature of Goodells and limited high-density childcare centers, quality licensed providers—especially those with excellent reputations—often have waitlists, particularly for infant spots. It's not uncommon for popular family home daycares or the nearest centers in nearby towns like Capac or Yale to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months. The best strategy is to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy or 6-8 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers to get on their waitlists, even if you have a first choice. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). Regularly follow up with providers every few months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search radius to include neighboring communities in St. Clair County.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically in the Goodells area?
Parents in Goodells primarily have three types of licensed childcare options. First, **Licensed Family Home Daycares**: These are small, home-based settings often run by one or two caregivers, offering a family-like environment. They are common in rural areas like Goodells. Second, **Licensed Childcare Centers**: These are larger facilities, though fewer in number directly in Goodells; you may need to look toward nearby towns such as Capac, Emmett, or Port Huron for more center-based options. Third, **Preschool Programs**: Often part of local school districts (like East China School District) or churches, these typically serve children ages 3-5 and may offer half-day or full-day options. Given the rural setting, informal care arrangements with neighbors or relatives are also prevalent, but these may not be licensed.
What local resources or organizations in St. Clair County can help me find and evaluate childcare in Goodells?
The primary local resource for childcare search and referral in St. Clair County is the **Great Start Collaborative of St. Clair County**. They work under the Michigan Department of Education and provide a wealth of information, including a local provider list and guidance on quality indicators. You can contact them directly or visit their website. Additionally, the **St. Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA)** often has information on early childhood programs and may host community resource fairs. For hands-on help, consider asking for recommendations in local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Goodells Community" or "St. Clair County Moms"). Your pediatrician's office in the Port Huron or Yale area may also have trusted referrals for providers serving the Goodells community.