The Best Daycare Centers in Madison Heights, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Madison Heights. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Madison Heights
The Goddard School of Madison Heights
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Features state-certified teachers, low student-to-teacher ratios, and comprehensive safety protocols including secured entry systems. Curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, social-emotional development, and creative arts. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment programs. Known for strong parent communication through daily activity reports and regular progress updates.
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Kiddie Academy of Madison Heights
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy provides Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development with academic readiness. Features structured learning environments with certified early childhood educators and developmentally appropriate activities. Safety measures include electronic entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and health screening protocols. Program emphasizes literacy development, math concepts, science exploration, and social skills. Offers nutritious meal programs, indoor gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. Parents appreciate the consistent communication and detailed progress tracking.
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The Learning Experience - Madison Heights
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience features proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that combines academic foundation with social skills and confidence building. Includes early literacy, mathematics, and science programs along with enrichment activities like yoga, music, and philanthropy. Staff includes degreed teachers with specialized early childhood training. Facility offers secure environments with camera monitoring, age-specific learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds. Known for strong emphasis on phonics-based reading readiness and kindergarten preparation programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Madison Heights, MI
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Madison Heights, MI?
In Madison Heights, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, averaging between $1,000 and $1,400 per month. Home-based daycare options (licensed family homes) can be more affordable, often ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like the center's curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities (e.g., meals, enrichment programs). It's important to note that Michigan offers assistance programs like the Child Development and Care (CDC) subsidy for eligible families to help offset these expenses.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Madison Heights is properly licensed and has a good record?
All licensed childcare providers in Madison Heights 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 official **Michigan Online Childcare Licensing System**. Simply search by the provider's name or location. This public database shows the license status, capacity, any substantiated complaints, and results of routine inspections. Additionally, you can contact the Oakland County Great Start to Quality resource center, which rates local programs on a quality scale (1-5 stars) beyond basic licensing, offering deeper insight into a program's educational and safety standards.
Are there many daycare centers in Madison Heights that offer flexible hours for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
While most traditional daycare centers in Madison Heights operate on a standard schedule (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM), options for evenings, overnight, or weekend care are limited. Your best bet for flexible hours is to seek out licensed family home daycares, as some providers may offer more personalized scheduling. For consistent non-traditional shifts, you may need to look at centers in nearby industrial or hospital corridors, such as in Troy or Royal Oak, which sometimes cater to healthcare and shift workers. It's crucial to start your search early, communicate your schedule needs clearly, and inquire about potential extra fees for care outside standard hours.
What is the typical waitlist situation for daycare centers in Madison Heights, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to high demand and limited infant/toddler slots, many reputable daycare centers in Madison Heights have waitlists, especially for infants. It is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists **6 to 12 months before your needed start date**. For popular centers, waitlists can be 9-12 months long. When touring facilities, always ask about their specific waitlist process: whether there's a fee to join, how often they update parents, and if they give priority to siblings of current enrollees. Exploring multiple options, including licensed home daycares (which often have shorter waitlists), is a practical strategy to secure care in a timely manner.
What are some local resources in Madison Heights or Oakland County to help me find and choose quality childcare?
A key local resource is **Great Start to Quality – Oakland County**, which is Michigan's quality rating and improvement system for early childhood programs. Their website and referral specialists can help you search for and compare licensed providers in Madison Heights based on their star rating (1-5 stars). You can also contact the **Oakland County Michigan 4C Association (Community Coordinated Child Care)** for referral services and information on financial assistance programs. For hands-on support, consider attending early childhood fairs often hosted by the Madison Heights Public Library or the Madison Heights Parks and Recreation Department, where you can meet local providers and gather information directly.
Nearby Cities
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