The Best Daycare Centers in Gregory, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Gregory. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Gregory
Bright Horizons at Brighton
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Brighton is a nationally accredited childcare center located just 15 minutes from Gregory. They offer a comprehensive educational curriculum focused on school readiness and whole-child development. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, low student-teacher ratios, and state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive background checks. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated infant care areas with individualized developmental plans.
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The Goddard School of Brighton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Brighton provides high-quality early childhood education serving families in the Gregory area. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) balances academic readiness with social development and creative expression. The school features STEM learning labs, literacy-rich environments, and daily communication with parents through their proprietary app. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the center maintains rigorous safety protocols including secured entry, comprehensive health screenings, and regular safety drills. The facility includes multiple playgrounds, indoor motor skills areas, and dedicated art and music spaces.
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Kiddie Academy of Hartland
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Hartland offers educational childcare just 20 minutes from Gregory with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, STEM learning, and literacy. The academy focuses on preparing children for kindergarten through structured learning centers and hands-on activities. Their security features include electronic entry systems, live-streaming video monitoring for parents, and strict pick-up authorization procedures. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and provides ongoing professional development. Facilities feature age-separated learning environments, commercial-grade kitchen for nutritious meals, and expansive outdoor play areas with natural elements and safety surfaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Gregory, MI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Gregory, Michigan, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Gregory, 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 can be either licensed or registered. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a facility's license, you can use the online **LARA Child Care Search** tool. You can search by provider name, location (like Gregory, MI 48137), or license number. It's crucial to check for any licensing history, including complaints or violations, which are public record. This verification is a key first step for any parent in Livingston County.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Gregory, MI?
The cost of childcare in Gregory and the surrounding Livingston County area is generally in line with statewide averages, but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately **$225 to $325 per week** for full-time infant care. For toddlers, the cost may drop slightly to around **$200 to $300 per week**. In-home family daycare is often more affordable, typically ranging from **$150 to $250 per week**. These costs are influenced by factors like program amenities, staff qualifications, and meal provisions. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., diapers, wipes, meals). For financial assistance, Michigan families can apply for the **Child Development and Care (CDC) subsidy** through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Gregory, and what strategies can I use to secure a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in Gregory and the broader Livingston County region, especially for centers affiliated with employers or with strong local reputations. It's not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long for infants. To navigate this, start your search **during pregnancy** if possible. Contact multiple providers (both centers and licensed home-based options) to get on their lists. Don't just rely on one. Follow up with a polite phone call or email every 2-3 months to confirm your spot remains on the list and express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to neighboring communities like Brighton or Hamburg Township, which may have more options with potentially shorter wait times.
What local resources or organizations in Gregory can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Parents in Gregory have several valuable local resources. The primary resource is **Great Start to Quality Livingston**, which is part of Michigan's quality rating and improvement system. Their website and resource specialists can provide free referrals to licensed providers in your zip code and show each program's quality rating (1-5 stars). Additionally, the **Livingston County United Way's 2-1-1** service can connect you to childcare resource information. For more personalized help, consider contacting the **Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA)**, which supports early childhood programs in the county. Local parent groups on social media (e.g., Facebook groups for Gregory or Livingston County parents) are also excellent for getting firsthand recommendations and experiences.
What are the typical operating hours for daycare centers in Gregory, and is there flexibility for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Most traditional daycare centers in Gregory operate on a standard schedule, typically from around **6:30 or 7:00 AM to 5:30 or 6:00 PM**, Monday through Friday. However, options for evenings, overnight, or weekend care are extremely limited within Gregory itself. Parents with shift work, healthcare schedules, or other non-traditional hours may need to explore a few alternatives. Some licensed family home daycares may offer more flexible hours by individual arrangement. Your best bet is to search specifically for providers advertising "flexible hours" or "shift care" on the Great Start to Quality website. You may also need to look toward larger employment centers like Brighton or Ann Arbor, where 24-hour facilities are more likely to exist, though this will involve a longer commute for drop-off and pick-up.