The Best Daycare Centers in Hazel Park, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hazel Park. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hazel Park
The Goddard School of Madison Heights
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Madison Heights offers a premier early childhood education program serving families throughout the Hazel Park area. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on play-based learning across seven learning domains. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, security cameras, and strict parent authorization protocols. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, STEM labs, and dedicated art studios. Their comprehensive curriculum includes Mandarin Chinese instruction, yoga, and music programming.
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Bright Horizons at Madison Heights
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Madison Heights provides high-quality early education and preschool programs for Hazel Park families. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes emergent learning through hands-on exploration and project-based activities. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and rigorous health protocols. The facility offers spacious classrooms with natural lighting, dedicated motor skills development areas, and outdoor learning environments. Their emergent curriculum adapts to children's interests while ensuring kindergarten readiness through literacy-rich environments and STEAM activities.
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Kiddie Academy of Ferndale
Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising
Kiddie Academy of Ferndale serves Hazel Park families with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances education, play, and character development. Their approach integrates STEM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills through structured daily routines and hands-on activities. The center features secure access controls, comprehensive camera systems, and strict health and safety protocols. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with ongoing assessment tracking. The facility includes interactive whiteboards, age-specific learning centers, and safe outdoor play spaces. Their Character Essentials® program focuses on building positive character traits while their technology-enhanced classrooms prepare children for elementary school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hazel Park, MI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hazel Park, MI?
In Hazel Park, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For center-based care, you can expect to pay between $225 and $350 per week for an infant, and slightly less for toddlers, typically ranging from $200 to $300 per week. Licensed home-based daycare in the area often offers a more affordable option, generally ranging from $150 to $250 per week. These costs are influenced by factors such as staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and included amenities like meals. It's important to note that Michigan offers assistance programs like the Child Development and Care (CDC) subsidy for eligible families, which can significantly offset these expenses. Always inquire directly with providers for their most current rates and any potential registration or supply fees.
How can I verify that a daycare in Hazel Park is properly licensed and has a good safety record?
All licensed childcare providers in Hazel Park must be regulated by the State of Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history for free through the **Michigan Online Child Care Licensing System**. Simply search by the provider's name or location. This public database will show you the license status, any past violations, and the results of their most recent inspections. For an additional layer of insight, you can contact the local resource and referral agency, **Great Start to Quality Southeast**, which serves Oakland County. They can provide quality ratings (on a 1-4 star scale) and help parents understand inspection reports. Always visit a facility in person to observe safety protocols firsthand.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Hazel Park, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers and licensed home providers in Hazel Park, especially for infants under 18 months. Due to strict state-mandated staff-to-child ratios for younger children, availability is often limited. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search **at least 6 to 9 months before their needed start date**, and even earlier if possible. For popular centers, getting on a waitlist during pregnancy is not unusual. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their current waitlist length, any fees to join the list, and how often they update families on their status. Exploring multiple options, including both centers and licensed home daycares, will increase your chances of securing a spot.
What types of childcare assistance or subsidy programs are available to Hazel Park residents?
Hazel Park families have access to several state and federal programs to help with childcare costs. The primary program is Michigan's **Child Development and Care (CDC) subsidy**, which is income-based and can cover a portion of daycare costs for working families, those in training, or attending school. Eligibility is determined by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Additionally, the state's **Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)** offers free, high-quality preschool for eligible 4-year-olds. For local resources and application assistance, parents can contact the **Oakland County Great Start Collaborative** or the **Hazel Park School District's early childhood office**. Some local daycare providers may also offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Beyond traditional daycare centers, what are some local options for part-time or non-traditional hour care in Hazel Park?
For parents with shift work, weekend obligations, or who only need part-time care, Hazel Park offers several alternatives. Many licensed family home daycares offer more flexible hours than larger centers and may accommodate evenings or weekends. You can search for these providers specifically on the Michigan licensing website. Additionally, **drop-in childcare centers** located in nearby cities like Madison Heights or Royal Oak can be a solution for occasional needs. For school-age children, the **Hazel Park Community Center** and the **Hazel Park School District** often run before-and-after-school programs and holiday camps. Building a network with other local parents for shared nanny arrangements or babysitting co-ops is another practical strategy common in the community. Always ensure any non-traditional provider you use is properly licensed for the hours and care they are providing.
Childcare Insights for Hazel Park
Finding reliable weekend childcare can feel like searching for a hidden treasure, especially when you need coverage for work shifts, appointments, or simply some essential time to recharge. For parents in Hazel Park, Michigan, the quest for "weekend daycare near me" requires a blend of local knowledge and proactive planning. While traditional Monday-through-Friday centers often close on weekends, there are still viable and nurturing options to explore right in our community and the surrounding areas.
Your first and most valuable step is to tap into the local networks that make Hazel Park such a connected city. Consider speaking with other parents at Hazel Park Early Childhood Center or at neighborhood parks like Green Acres Park. Personal recommendations often lead to discovering trusted home-based providers or nannies who offer flexible weekend hours. Additionally, local Facebook groups, such as "Hazel Park Community Forum" or "Hazel Park, MI – What's Happening," can be goldmines for posts about available babysitters or small-scale childcare services operating on Saturdays and Sundays. Don’t underestimate the value of asking your weekday daycare provider directly; sometimes staff members are interested in occasional weekend babysitting for familiar children.
When evaluating weekend care, whether it's a dedicated facility or an in-home arrangement, prioritize clear communication. Discuss your specific needs upfront—whether you require care every weekend or on a more sporadic basis. Be sure to inquire about their daily structure, meal provisions, and safety protocols. Given Hazel Park’s close-knit feel, you may find comfort in choosing a provider who is already integrated into the community. It’s also wise to consider expanding your search slightly into neighboring cities like Ferndale, Madison Heights, or Royal Oak. These areas sometimes have larger childcare centers or drop-in programs that offer weekend sessions, which can be a perfect solution for occasional needs.
Finally, planning ahead is your greatest ally. Weekend childcare spots, especially the most reliable ones, tend to fill quickly. Start your search well before you need the service, and be prepared to schedule interviews or trial visits. Trust your instincts as a parent; the right caregiver will make you feel confident and your child feel secure. Remember, securing quality weekend care in Hazel Park isn't just about finding a solution—it's about building a supportive extension of your family's village, giving you peace of mind while you handle your responsibilities or enjoy some well-deserved rest. With a little local insight and perseverance, you can find the flexible support that makes our busy lives in Hazel Park more manageable and balanced.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Hazel Park: