The Best Daycare Centers in Lennon, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lennon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lennon
The Goddard School of Owosso
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Owosso offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers create individualized learning plans for each child, focusing on literacy, STEM, art, and physical development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. What sets this center apart is their comprehensive curriculum that includes sign language for infants, Spanish exposure, and technology integration for preschoolers, along with daily communication updates for parents through their proprietary app.
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Creative Learning Center
Creative Learning Center, Inc.
Creative Learning Center provides a nurturing environment with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and social development. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and holds degrees in early childhood education. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, outdoor learning environments, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. Their program includes daily literacy activities, math concepts, science exploration, and creative arts. The center is particularly noted for their strong parent-teacher partnerships and comprehensive progress reporting system that tracks developmental milestones.
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Little Blessings Learning Center
Little Blessings Ministries
Little Blessings Learning Center offers a faith-based early childhood program that integrates Christian values with academic preparation. Their curriculum focuses on whole-child development through structured learning centers, hands-on activities, and character education. The center maintains certified teachers with ongoing professional development and features secure facilities with surveillance systems, age-separated playgrounds, and spacious classrooms. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their in-house food program. The center is distinguished by their strong community involvement and emphasis on social-emotional learning through conflict resolution and empathy-building activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lennon, MI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lennon, MI?
In Lennon and the surrounding Shiawassee County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $175 to $250 per week for an infant or toddler. Licensed in-home family daycares often have slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $140 to $200 per week. These costs are generally lower than the state average, reflecting the cost of living in the region. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Some providers may also offer sibling discounts.
How can I verify that a daycare provider in Lennon is properly licensed and has a good record?
All licensed childcare providers in Michigan are regulated by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). You can use the official "Child Care Licensing Search" tool on the LARA website to look up any provider in Lennon by name or location. This will show you their license status, capacity, and any serious licensing violations or complaints. For a more local perspective, you can also contact the Great Start to Quality resource center for the Shiawassee region. They can provide quality ratings (on a 1 to 5-star scale) and help you understand a provider's inspection history. It's also highly recommended to schedule an in-person visit to observe the environment and ask the director for references from current parents.
Are there any state or local programs in Lennon that can help with childcare costs for low to middle-income families?
Yes, there are several assistance programs available. The primary program is the Michigan Child Development and Care (CDC) program, which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, work, school, or training requirements. You can apply through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Locally, the Shiawassee Great Start Collaborative is a key resource for connecting families with support. Additionally, many licensed providers in Lennon participate in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which helps ensure nutritious meals are provided. For specific application help, you can contact the Owosso/Shiawassee County MDHHS office.
What is the typical waitlist situation for daycare centers in Lennon, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Lennon's smaller size and limited number of dedicated daycare centers, popular providers often have waitlists, especially for infant care. It is very common for centers to have a 3 to 6-month waitlist, and sometimes longer. We strongly recommend that parents begin their search and put their name on lists at least 6 months before their needed start date, and if you are expecting, during the second trimester. Many in-home family daycares may have more immediate openings or shorter lists. Being flexible with your start date and considering providers in nearby towns like Owosso or Durand can also increase your options.
What are some key questions to ask during a tour of a daycare or preschool in Lennon, given the local community and climate?
Beyond standard questions about curriculum and safety, ask locally-relevant questions. Inquire about their policy for outdoor play during Michigan's cold winters and hot summers—do they have adequate indoor gross motor space for days when the playground is inaccessible? Ask how they incorporate local community events, like the Lennon Summer Festival or trips to the local library. Given the rural/suburban setting, ask about their transportation policies for school-age children to and from Lennon Elementary. Also, ask about their emergency preparedness for severe weather common to Mid-Michigan, such as tornado drills and snow day/closure policies. Finally, ask about staff longevity; a stable team in a small town is a great indicator of a positive work environment.