The Best Daycare Centers in Huntington Woods, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Huntington Woods. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Huntington Woods
The Goddard School of Berkley
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Berkley offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, and live streaming cameras for parent monitoring. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and social-emotional skills. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated art and music spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, cleanliness, and the developmental progress children make.
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Bright Horizons at Royal Oak
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Royal Oak provides research-based early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The center features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees and ongoing professional development. Safety measures include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. The facility offers spacious classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site. The center is particularly noted for its strong parent partnership approach and extensive communication through daily reports and parent conferences.
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Berkley Building Blocks Child Development Center
Independent
Berkley Building Blocks is a highly-regarded independent childcare center known for its play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, experienced early childhood educators, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes literacy development, mathematics readiness, and social skills. The facility includes secure monitored access, newly renovated classrooms, multiple outdoor play areas, and a dedicated indoor gym for physical activity. Parents consistently highlight the warm, family-like atmosphere, exceptional teacher retention, and the center's commitment to individualized attention for each child's development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Huntington Woods, MI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Huntington Woods, MI?
In Huntington Woods and the surrounding Oakland County area, full-time daycare costs are generally above the state average due to the community's high quality of life and proximity to Detroit. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers, monthly fees typically range from $1,200 to $1,600. In-home licensed daycare options may be slightly less expensive, often ranging from $900 to $1,300 monthly. It's important to note that many facilities include meals, snacks, and curriculum in their tuition, but you should always confirm what is covered. Given the competitive market, early inquiry is recommended as spots can be limited.
Are there any licensed in-home daycare providers within Huntington Woods itself, and how do I verify their licensing?
Yes, there are several licensed in-home daycare providers (also known as Family Child Care Homes) operating within Huntington Woods. These smaller settings often offer a home-like environment with mixed-age groups. To find and verify a provider's licensing status, you must use the State of Michigan's official online resource, the **Child Care Licensing Database** maintained by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). You can search by the provider's name, city, or zip code (48070). This database will show you their current license status, any past violations, and their maximum capacity. The Huntington Woods City Hall or the Berkley School District's community education department may also have local referrals.
How long are the waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Huntington Woods, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for the most sought-after daycare centers and preschools in Huntington Woods can be significant, especially for infant rooms which have strict staff-to-child ratios. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, or even longer for centers affiliated with highly-rated preschool programs. For parents expecting a child, it is advisable to begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool-age entry, starting your search at least 4-6 months in advance is prudent. Be sure to ask specific questions about how the waitlist works, if a deposit is required to hold a spot, and how often you need to confirm your continued interest.
What local resources or organizations in Huntington Woods can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
A key local resource is the **Huntington Woods Recreation Department**. They often have information on licensed providers and may run preschool or early childhood programs themselves. For a broader, vetted search, parents should contact **Oakland County's Great Start to Quality Resource Center**, which is part of Michigan's quality rating and improvement system. Their referral specialists can provide a list of licensed providers in the 48070 area and detail their quality ratings (1-5 stars). Additionally, the **Berkley School District's Early Childhood program** is a valuable contact, and many parents find recommendations through local community Facebook groups like "Huntington Woods Families."
What are the key differences between a daycare center and a preschool program for 3-5 year-olds in Huntington Woods, and are there combined options?
In Huntington Woods, daycare centers typically offer full-day, year-round care for a wide age range, focusing on both custodial care and age-appropriate learning. Preschool programs are often more academically structured, part-day (e.g., 9 AM-12 PM), and may follow the traditional school calendar (September-May). However, the lines are frequently blurred. Many local daycare centers offer robust preschool curricula within their full-day schedule, and many standalone preschools (like those at churches or the recreation department) offer "wrap-around" daycare to cover working parents' hours. The **Berkley School District** also offers developmental preschool programs. When touring, ask specifically about the educational philosophy, teacher qualifications, and daily structure to find the right fit for your child's learning and your family's scheduling needs.
Nearby Cities
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