The Best Daycare Centers in Lakeside, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lakeside. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lakeside
The Goddard School of St. Joseph
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in St. Joseph offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional learning with highly qualified teachers who hold degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents through their proprietary mobile app. The school is known for its comprehensive safety protocols and nutritional meal programs.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of St. Joseph
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of St. Joseph provides Life Essentials® curriculum that combines academic preparation with character development. Their program emphasizes project-based learning, technology integration, and hands-on activities. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. All teachers receive ongoing professional development and many hold early childhood credentials. The academy offers flexible scheduling options and maintains strong parent partnerships through regular progress reports and family engagement events. Their health and safety protocols exceed state requirements.
Daycare Services:
Apple Tree Children's Center
Independent
Apple Tree Children's Center is a family-owned childcare facility serving the Lakeside area with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum elements. Their program focuses on developing the whole child through structured activities, free play, and outdoor exploration. The center features bright, well-equipped classrooms, secure outdoor play spaces, and a nutrition program that includes healthy meals and snacks. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with many having decade-long tenures. The center is praised for its warm, nurturing environment and strong emphasis on social skills development and school readiness preparation.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lakeside, MI
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lakeside, MI, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Lakeside and the surrounding Berrien County area, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $800 to $1,200 per month. For toddlers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $700 to $1,000 per month. These rates can vary based on the type of provider (in-home vs. center-based) and the specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Michigan's Child Development and Care (CDC) program is a key resource for eligible families in Lakeside. This state-subsidized program helps low-income working families, those in training, or those attending school. Additionally, local organizations like the Berrien Community Foundation may offer grants or scholarships. It's highly recommended to contact the Great Start to Quality Southwest Resource Center, which serves our region, for personalized guidance on costs and aid.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Lakeside, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to high demand and limited licensed center capacity in the Lakeside area, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It's common for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To improve your chances, start your search and get on lists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. Be proactive: contact multiple centers (consider nearby towns like St. Joseph or Bridgman as well), get on their lists, and follow up every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Many centers in Michigan use the Great Start to Quality website as a central directory, so check there for updated openings. Also, consider licensed family home daycares, which may have shorter wait times and offer a more home-like setting in the Lakeside community.
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Michigan, and how can I verify a provider's license and complaint history in Lakeside?
All childcare centers and family homes caring for more than one unrelated child in Michigan must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Key requirements include background checks for all staff, health and safety training (including CPR and first aid), ongoing professional development, and adherence to strict staff-to-child ratios based on age. To verify a Lakeside provider's license and review any past violations, you must use the official **Great Start to Quality** website or call their resource center. This free state-run resource provides detailed profiles showing a provider's license status, inspection reports, substantiated complaints, and their quality rating (on a 1 to 5-star scale). Never hesitate to ask a provider directly for their license number and to see their most recent inspection report.
Are there any unique seasonal or part-time childcare options available in Lakeside, given its location near Lake Michigan?
Yes, Lakeside's seasonal tourism and agricultural economy create unique childcare needs and opportunities. During the busy summer months, some local daycare providers may offer short-term or seasonal slots for families who are seasonal residents or workers. Additionally, the Berrien County area offers specific part-time preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds, often through local school districts like Lakeshore Public Schools or community organizations. For school-age children, the Lakeshore Public Schools district and local parks and recreation departments typically run summer day camps and school-break programs that provide full-day care. It's best to inquire directly with providers about flexible arrangements and to explore programs at the **Jean Klock Park** or the **Lakeside Community Center** for seasonal activity-based care options.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility or home in the Lakeside area?
When touring a potential daycare in Lakeside, go beyond the basics. First, observe the cleanliness and safety: check for secure entrances, covered electrical outlets, safe outdoor play areas, and general tidiness. Notice the interactions: are caregivers engaged with children at their level, speaking kindly, and is the overall atmosphere happy and calm? Ask about their daily schedule, philosophy on discipline and learning, and how they handle emergencies. Given our Michigan weather, inquire about their policy for outdoor play in winter and on hot summer days. Specifically for Lakeside, ask about their plan for lake-effect snow days or severe weather—are they prepared with generators or backup heat? Finally, trust your instincts about the environment and ask for references from other local parents.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Lakeside: