The Best Daycare Centers in Milford, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Milford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Milford
Milford Children's House
Independent Montessori School
Milford Children's House is a highly-regarded Montessori school offering authentic Montessori education for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. The center features specially trained AMI-certified teachers who follow Maria Montessori's educational philosophy, emphasizing hands-on learning, independence, and individualized development. The facility includes beautiful, well-organized classrooms with natural materials, child-sized furniture, and carefully designed learning environments. Their infant program focuses on responsive care and sensory development, while the preschool curriculum covers practical life skills, language development, mathematics, and cultural studies. The school maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and emphasizes peaceful, respectful interactions in a nurturing environment that encourages natural curiosity and love of learning.
Daycare Services:
Creative Learning Center
Independent Early Childhood Center
Creative Learning Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. The center features experienced early childhood educators with degrees in child development and education, offering structured learning activities balanced with creative exploration. Their program includes daily literacy activities, math concepts, science exploration, art, music, and physical education. The facility includes secure, age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. They emphasize social-emotional development, character education, and preparing children for kindergarten success. The center maintains rigorous safety protocols, including secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive health and cleanliness standards.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Commerce Township serves the Milford area with a nationally recognized F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials and ongoing professional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), language development, and social studies through hands-on projects and play-based activities. The modern facility includes secure, technology-enhanced classrooms, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and dedicated spaces for music, art, and movement. Goddard's safety standards include secure keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and rigorous health protocols. The school emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Milford, MI
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Milford, MI, and what factors influence the price?
In Milford, Michigan, the average cost for full-time infant daycare 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. These prices are influenced by several local factors, including the type of facility (corporate chain vs. in-home licensed provider), the staff-to-child ratio, the inclusion of meals and enrichment programs (like early literacy or outdoor learning), and the specific location within the Milford area. Licensed centers in newer commercial developments may be at the higher end, while registered in-home daycares in residential neighborhoods often offer more competitive rates. It's important to note that these costs are generally consistent with the broader Oakland County and Metro Detroit region.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Milford?
All licensed childcare providers in Milford, Michigan, are regulated by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), specifically through the Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS). Parents can and should use the official "Child Care Licensing Search" tool on the Michigan.gov website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, city (Milford), or zip code to view the facility's current license status, capacity, any substantiated complaint investigations, and the dates of their most recent licensing inspections. You can also contact the local Great Start to Quality resource center for Southeast Michigan, which provides free referrals and can help you understand a provider's quality rating (on a 1 to 5-star scale) based on state standards.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Milford, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many of the popular daycare centers and preschools in Milford, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move begin their search and place deposits 6 to 12 months before their needed start date. For toddler and preschool-age openings, 3 to 6 months of lead time is often necessary. The demand is driven by Milford's family-oriented community and limited number of large centers. When touring facilities, always ask about their specific waitlist policy, including any non-refundable fees to hold a spot and how often they update families on their position.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Milford?
While full-time care is most common, Milford does offer several part-time and flexible options. Many licensed in-home daycare providers are more willing to accommodate part-week schedules (e.g., 2 or 3 days a week) than larger centers, which often prioritize full-time enrollments. Some church-affiliated preschools in the area, such as those at local congregations, offer half-day programs for preschoolers that can be combined with other care. Additionally, you can explore drop-in care services at some local fitness centers or utilize registered babysitting networks through community groups like the Milford Mothers' Club. For true flexibility, nanny shares arranged with another local family are becoming an increasingly popular solution in Milford neighborhoods.
What local resources or organizations in Milford can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Milford parents have several excellent local resources. First, the **Huron Valley Community Coalition** often shares information on family services. The **Milford Public Library** is a hub for parenting resources and may host events connecting families with local providers. For structured support, contact **Great Start Collaborative - Oakland** (part of the statewide system), which offers free, personalized referrals and guidance on quality indicators. Additionally, the **Milford Mothers' Club** and **Milford Dads' Group** on social media are invaluable for getting candid, word-of-mouth recommendations and reviews from other parents in the community about their experiences with specific daycares, nannies, and preschools in the immediate area.