The Best Daycare Centers in Homer, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Homer. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Homer
The Goddard School of Marshall
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Marshall provides a premier early childhood education program serving families throughout Calhoun County, including Homer. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Features state-certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facility with keypad entry. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and character development. Offers nutritious meals and snacks, indoor gymnasium, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Parents praise the consistent communication through daily reports and the school's commitment to individualized attention.
Daycare Services:
Community Children's Center of Albion
Community Children's Center
This non-profit childcare center serves families across Calhoun County with a comprehensive early education program. Utilizes Creative Curriculum with focus on developmental milestones and school readiness. Features highly qualified teaching staff with ongoing professional development, secure facility with surveillance systems, and USDA-approved meal program. Emphasizes social-emotional learning, literacy development, and hands-on exploration. Offers extended hours to accommodate working families and provides transportation for school-age children. Parents consistently note the caring environment and strong community connections that make this center stand out in the region.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare at Marshall
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare's Marshall location provides nationally accredited early childhood education serving the broader Homer area. Their research-based curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, and social skills development. Features dedicated early childhood educators with ongoing training, secure building with strict check-in procedures, and age-appropriate learning centers. Offers phonics-based reading readiness program, STEM activities, and character education. Provides healthy meals and snacks included in tuition, with accommodations for dietary restrictions. Parents appreciate the structured daily routine, regular progress updates, and the center's commitment to creating a nurturing learning environment for all children.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Homer, MI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Homer, MI, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Homer and the surrounding Calhoun County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week, while care for a toddler or preschooler is generally between $150 and $200 per week. These rates are often lower than in larger Michigan cities like Ann Arbor or Grand Rapids. For financial assistance, Michigan's Child Development and Care (CDC) program is the primary resource for eligible families. Locally, you can apply through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) office in Marshall or Battle Creek. Additionally, some Homer-area providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify that a daycare or home-based childcare in Homer is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare providers in Michigan are regulated by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). You can verify a provider's license, view any past violations, and check their star rating (Michigan's Great Start to Quality rating system) online through the official Michigan.gov/lara childcare search tool. When touring a facility in Homer, ask to see their current license, check for visible emergency plans and evacuation routes, observe staff-to-child ratios, and inquire about staff training in CPR and First Aid. For home-based providers, also ensure the home is childproofed and that there is a safe outdoor play area. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other local parents.
What is the availability and waitlist situation for infant care in Homer, and when should I start looking?
Infant care slots in Homer are limited due to stricter staff-to-child ratios, and it's common for reputable centers and licensed home providers to have waitlists. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search during the second trimester of pregnancy. Many families in Homer also consider providers in nearby towns like Albion, Marshall, or Tekonsha to increase options. Contacting providers directly to ask about their current waitlist length and policy (e.g., if a deposit is required to hold a spot) is crucial. Some providers may give priority to siblings of current enrollees.
Are there any unique childcare options in Homer that cater to farm families or non-traditional work hours?
Given Homer's rural setting in an agricultural community, some licensed family home providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate farm families' early mornings or seasonal schedules. While there are no large 24-hour centers, it's important to discuss your specific needs directly with providers. Some may offer before/after school care that aligns with school schedules at Homer Community Schools. For true shift work, your best bet may be to network within the community to find a licensed home provider willing to create a custom arrangement or to explore a nanny share with another local family.
What resources are available in Homer for finding and comparing different childcare providers?
The primary resource for finding licensed childcare is the Great Start to Quality website, which is Michigan's quality rating system. You can search by zip code (49245) and filter by type (center or home), age group, and quality rating. Locally, you can contact the **Great Start Collaborative of Calhoun County** for referrals and guidance. They are based in Battle Creek but serve the entire county. For personal recommendations, the Homer Community Facebook page and local parent groups are active and can be excellent sources of word-of-mouth reviews and experiences with specific providers in the area.