The Best Daycare Centers in Mount Pleasant, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Mount Pleasant. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Mount Pleasant
Central Michigan University Child Development and Learning Laboratory
Central Michigan University
The CMU Child Development and Learning Laboratory is a nationally accredited, research-based early childhood education center that serves as a training facility for CMU students while providing exceptional childcare. The center implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum focused on hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and school readiness. Staff include highly qualified early childhood educators and specialists with advanced degrees. The facility features state-of-the-art classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and comprehensive safety protocols. As a lab school, children benefit from the latest research in child development while maintaining small teacher-to-child ratios and individualized attention.
Daycare Services:
Mount Pleasant Discovery Preschool
Independent
Mount Pleasant Discovery Preschool offers a comprehensive early childhood program that balances structured learning with creative exploration. The curriculum emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, scientific inquiry, and social skills through play-based and project-based approaches. Certified early childhood teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress tracking. The center features bright, well-equipped classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and a nurturing environment that promotes independence and confidence. Parent communication is prioritized through daily reports, regular conferences, and an open-door policy that encourages family involvement.
Daycare Services:
Midland Community Center Kids' Place
Midland Community Center
While located in nearby Midland, this highly-regarded center serves families throughout central Michigan, including Mount Pleasant. Kids' Place provides a comprehensive childcare program within the extensive Midland Community Center facility. The curriculum focuses on whole-child development through structured academic activities, physical education, creative arts, and social interaction. The center boasts exceptional safety standards with secure access controls, comprehensive background checks for staff, and modern security systems. Children benefit from access to the community center's swimming pools, gymnasiums, and specialized activity spaces. The program emphasizes character development, health and wellness, and school readiness with qualified teachers who maintain ongoing professional development.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Mount Pleasant, MI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Mount Pleasant, MI?
In Mount Pleasant, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $800 and $1,100 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $700 to $950 per month. Home-based daycare providers (licensed family homes) often offer slightly lower rates, ranging from $600 to $850 for infants and $550 to $750 for toddlers. These costs are generally lower than in larger Michigan cities like Grand Rapids or Ann Arbor, but it's important to note that Central Michigan University-affiliated childcare centers or those with specialized curricula may be at the higher end of the spectrum. Most facilities include meals and snacks in their tuition, but always confirm what is covered.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Mount Pleasant?
All childcare providers in Michigan must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). To verify a provider in Mount Pleasant, you can use the online "Child Care Search" tool on the LARA website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or license number and view their current license status, capacity, and any substantiated complaints or licensing violations. You can also view their most recent inspection reports. For an additional layer of due diligence, you can contact the Great Start to Quality resource center for Region 5, which includes Isabella County. They can provide information on a provider's quality rating (on a 1 to 5-star scale) and history. Always visit a facility in person and ask the director for their most recent licensing file, which they are required to make available for review.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Mount Pleasant, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at many of Mount Pleasant's highly-regarded daycare centers, particularly those affiliated with Central Michigan University (like the Child Development and Learning Laboratory) and centers with high Great Start to Quality ratings. For infant care, it is strongly advised to get on waitlists as soon as you know you are expecting, or at least 6 to 12 months before your needed start date. For toddler and preschool-age children, a 3 to 6-month lead time is more typical but can vary. Some smaller in-home providers may have more immediate openings. When touring facilities, always ask specifically about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy (if any) to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their status.
What childcare resources or referral services are available specifically for parents in Mount Pleasant and Isabella County?
The primary local resource is the **Great Start Collaborative of Isabella County**. They help connect families with licensed childcare options, provide information on quality ratings, and can offer guidance on financial assistance programs like the Child Development and Care (CDC) subsidy. You can contact them directly or access referrals through the statewide **Great Start to Quality** website and hotline. Additionally, **Central Michigan University's Student Parent Support Services** offers resources and referrals for student-parents, which is a significant population in Mount Pleasant. For immediate and ongoing needs, the **Isabella County Commission on Aging** (despite the name) often has connections to intergenerational care programs and community networks that can be helpful for all parents.
What are some unique childcare options in Mount Pleasant that cater to nontraditional schedules or student-parents?
Mount Pleasant, being a college town, has several options tailored to the community's needs. Some licensed home providers and smaller centers offer evening, weekend, or drop-in care to accommodate the schedules of CMU student-parents, healthcare workers, and shift employees at local employers like Soaring Eagle Casino. The **CMU Child Development and Learning Laboratory** sometimes offers flexible scheduling for children of students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, several local churches that run preschool programs may offer "Parents' Day Out" programs on a part-time basis. For occasional care, it's worth investigating local babysitting networks facilitated through CMU or community boards. Always ensure that any occasional or drop-in care provider is still properly licensed by the state of Michigan to ensure safety and oversight.