The Best Daycare Centers in Marshall, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Marshall. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Marshall
Marshall Community Children's Center
Marshall Community Children's Center
Marshall Community Children's Center is a highly-regarded nonprofit childcare facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low student-teacher ratios and holds degrees in early childhood education. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms and expansive outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program. The center stands out for its strong community involvement, family engagement events, and commitment to inclusive education that serves diverse learning needs.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Battle Creek
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Battle Creek serves Marshall families with its nationally recognized F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). This accredited facility features a play-based curriculum that incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and social development. The school employs degreed teachers who receive ongoing professional development and maintain current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The modern facility includes bright classrooms, dedicated art and music areas, and multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups. Their extended hours and flexible scheduling make them accessible to working families in the Marshall area.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Albion
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Albion provides educational childcare serving the Marshall community with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and school readiness. The academy features state-of-the-art security systems including electronic entry, surveillance cameras, and strict parent/guardian identification procedures. Their highly qualified teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and participates in continuous professional development. The facility includes age-specific learning centers, computer labs for older children, and secure outdoor playgrounds. They offer comprehensive programs including music enrichment, physical education, and technology integration. The academy is particularly noted for their transparent communication with parents through daily digital reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Marshall, MI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Marshall, MI?
In Marshall, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For center-based care, you can expect to pay approximately $800 to $1,100 per month for an infant, and slightly less for toddlers, around $750 to $950 per month. Home-based daycare (licensed family homes) often offers more affordable rates, typically ranging from $600 to $850 per month. These costs are generally lower than in larger Michigan cities like Ann Arbor or Grand Rapids but have been rising. It's important to ask what is included in tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, curriculum). Additionally, many families in Calhoun County qualify for assistance through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Child Development and Care (CDC) program, which can significantly offset costs based on income.
How can I verify that a daycare in Marshall is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All licensed childcare centers and group/family homes in Marshall must be regulated by the State of Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). You can verify a provider's license and view their compliance history for free online through the Michigan LARA Child Care Licensing search tool. Simply enter the provider's name or location. This report will show the license status, capacity, any substantiated complaints, and results of recent inspections. You can also contact the local Great Start to Quality resource center, which serves Calhoun County, for help navigating these records and understanding what violations mean. Always visit a potential daycare and ask the director to discuss any past violations and how they were corrected.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Marshall, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlists are common for infant care spots in Marshall, especially at the more sought-after centers and licensed home providers. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search during the second trimester of pregnancy, at least 6-9 months before their needed start date. For toddler or preschool-age openings, a 3-6 month lead time is advisable. Some providers in town may have shorter lists or immediate openings, but planning ahead is crucial. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often do they update families? What is the typical wait time for my child's age group? Exploring multiple options, including both centers and licensed family homes, increases your chances of securing a spot.
What are my options for part-time or drop-in childcare in Marshall, MI?
Full-time care is more prevalent, but part-time and occasional drop-in care options do exist in Marshall. Some licensed family home daycares may offer flexible part-time schedules (e.g., 2-3 days a week). For drop-in or occasional care, your best local resources are often in-home babysitting networks or nanny shares coordinated through community groups. The Marshall Area Community Services (MACS) or the Calhoun County Great Start Collaborative may have referrals. Additionally, the Marshall Area YMCA may offer parents' night out programs or seasonal day camps for school-age children. For regular part-time needs, be upfront with providers during your search, as many structure their enrollment and pricing around full-time slots.
What resources are available in Marshall to help me evaluate and choose a quality childcare program?
The primary resource for evaluating quality is **Great Start to Quality**, Michigan's quality rating and improvement system. You can use their website to search for programs in Marshall's 49068 zip code and see their rating (1 to 5 stars). A higher star rating indicates a program that exceeds minimum licensing standards in areas like curriculum, staff qualifications, and learning environment. Locally, you can contact the **Great Start Collaborative of Calhoun County** for personalized referrals and support. They can help you understand what to look for during a visit. Also, talk to other parents at the Brooks Memorial Fountain playground or through local Facebook groups like "Marshall, MI Community" for firsthand recommendations and insights into the culture and reliability of different providers.