The Best Daycare Centers in Moline, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Moline. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Moline
KinderCare Learning Center at 28th Street
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare at 28th Street is a highly-regarded childcare center serving the Moline area with a research-based curriculum focused on early literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, with lead teachers holding degrees in early childhood education or related fields. Safety is prioritized through secured entry systems, daily health checks, and comprehensive background checks for staff. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment programs in music and physical activity. Parent communication is enhanced through regular updates and a mobile app for daily reports. Its strong reputation stems from consistent educational outcomes and high parent satisfaction in the Kent County region.
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The Goddard School of Grand Rapids
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Grand Rapids offers a premier early childhood education program serving families in Moline and surrounding areas. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) through play-based activities and hands-on learning. The school boasts highly qualified teachers with ongoing professional development and low student-to-teacher ratios. Safety protocols include keypad entry, video monitoring, and rigorous cleanliness standards. The modern facility features dedicated art and music rooms, spacious playgrounds, and a focus on individualized learning plans. Parents praise the school for its strong communication, inclusive environment, and preparation of children for kindergarten.
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Childtime of Grand Rapids
Childtime Learning Centers
Childtime of Grand Rapids provides a nurturing and educational environment for children from Moline and the greater Kent County area. The center uses a standards-based curriculum that aligns with Michigan early learning standards, focusing on cognitive, social, and physical development through structured and free-play activities. Staff members include certified early childhood educators with training in CPR and first aid. The facility is designed with safety in mind, featuring secure access, sanitization protocols, and fenced outdoor play areas. Childtime emphasizes parent partnerships with regular progress reports and family events. Its long-standing operation and positive reviews highlight its commitment to quality care and developmental support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Moline, MI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Moline, MI, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Michigan, all childcare providers caring for one or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). This includes family homes, group homes, and childcare centers. Licensed facilities in Moline must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and staff training in CPR and first aid. To verify a provider's license and view any past violations, you can use the official **LARA Child Care Licensing Search** tool online. It's highly recommended to check this database and even review the facility's most recent licensing notebook, which they are required to keep on-site for parent review.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Moline, MI?
Childcare costs in Moline are generally reflective of rural Allegan County rates, which are typically lower than in larger Michigan cities like Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo. For full-time care, you can expect to pay approximately **$175 to $250 per week** for an infant in a licensed family home or center. Toddler care may range from **$150 to $225 per week**. These are estimates, and prices can vary based on the program's hours, curriculum, and amenities. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, diapers, formula). For financial assistance, Michigan offers the **Child Development and Care (CDC) subsidy program** for eligible families.
Are there any licensed daycare centers or preschools in Moline, or will I need to look in nearby towns?
As a small, rural community, Moline itself has very limited dedicated childcare centers. Most families in Moline look to nearby towns for options. You will find a greater selection of licensed family homes, group homes, and centers in surrounding communities like **Wayland, Hopkins, and Dorr**, all within a 10-15 minute drive. Allegan, about a 20-minute drive west, also has several options. Many providers in these areas are accustomed to serving families from Moline. Utilizing the LARA search tool and filtering by zip codes of these neighboring towns is the best way to start your search.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare in the Moline area, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers serving the Moline and greater Allegan County area, quality licensed programs often have waitlists, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular family homes or centers to have waitlists of **3 to 9 months**. We strongly recommend starting your search **as early as possible**, ideally during pregnancy or at least 6 months before your needed start date. When contacting providers, be sure to ask about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position.
What local resources or organizations can help me find and evaluate childcare options near Moline?
Your primary resource is **4C West (Community Coordinated Child Care)**, which serves Allegan County. They offer a free **Child Care Referral Service** to help parents find licensed and registered providers that match their specific needs, including location, hours, and child's age. You can contact them online or by phone. Additionally, connecting with local parent groups on social media (e.g., Facebook groups for "Moline, MI" or "Allegan County Moms") can provide personal recommendations and insights into provider reputations. Your local **Allegan County Great Start Collaborative** is also a key organization focused on early childhood system building and can be a source of information.