The Best Daycare Centers in Oxford, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Oxford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Oxford
Oxford Early Learning Center
Independent
Oxford Early Learning Center is a highly-regarded local facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones through play-based learning and structured activities. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, maintaining low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and modern security monitoring. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and dedicated learning centers for literacy, STEM, and creative arts. Parents praise the center's communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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The Goddard School of Lake Orion
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Oxford in neighboring Lake Orion, The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program serving the broader Oxford community. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. The school features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in education, ongoing professional development, and low student-teacher ratios. The modern facility includes secure entry systems, sanitization protocols, age-appropriate playgrounds, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. The curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and character development. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, structured learning environment, and comprehensive developmental tracking.
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Rainbow Child Care Center of Rochester Hills
Rainbow Child Care Center
Rainbow Child Care Center in nearby Rochester Hills serves families throughout the Oxford area with their comprehensive early education programs. Their proprietary Sun Smart® curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning experiences. The center maintains high safety standards with secured facilities, health screening protocols, and emergency preparedness training. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development requirements. The facility features spacious classrooms, multiple outdoor play areas, and dedicated spaces for music, movement, and creative expression. The center is noted for its nutritious meal program, inclusive environment, and strong parent partnership approach with regular progress updates and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Oxford, MI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Oxford, MI?
In Oxford, MI, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,100 to $1,400 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the cost typically ranges from $950 to $1,200 per month. In-home licensed family daycare homes are often slightly more affordable, ranging from $800 to $1,100 monthly. These rates are generally in line with Oakland County averages. It's important to note that many facilities in Oxford include meals and basic supplies in their tuition, but you should always confirm what is covered. Some providers may also offer sibling discounts.
How do I verify a daycare provider's license and inspection history in Michigan?
All licensed childcare providers in Oxford must be registered with the State of Michigan. You can verify a provider's license and view their compliance history through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) online portal called "MiChildCare." This public search tool allows you to look up any licensed center or home by name or location. It shows the license status, capacity, and any past licensing violations or complaint investigations. We strongly recommend using this free resource before enrolling your child. You can also contact LARA's Child Care Licensing Division at 866-685-0006 for additional information.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Oxford, and how can I secure a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler rooms at many of the popular daycare centers and highly-regarded in-home providers in Oxford, especially given the community's growth. It is not unusual for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long for infant care. To secure a spot, we recommend starting your search during pregnancy. Contact multiple providers to get on their waitlists, which may require a non-refundable deposit. Be proactive and follow up every few months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Lake Orion or Addison Township for more options, though this will impact your commute.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Oxford?
While full-time care is most common, there are part-time and flexible options in Oxford. Some licensed family daycare homes may offer 2-3 day per week schedules or even drop-in care, depending on availability. A few centers may offer part-time preschool programs for children ages 3-5, but infant and toddler part-time spots are rare. Another growing option is to use a licensed nanny share with another local family, which can offer more schedule flexibility. For occasional care, you might explore services like Care.com or local Facebook parenting groups (e.g., "Oxford, MI Moms") where babysitters and occasional caregivers are often advertised.
What resources are available in Oxford to help low-income families afford quality childcare?
Families in Oxford may qualify for financial assistance through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Child Development and Care (CDC) program, often referred to as the childcare subsidy. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or school requirements. You can apply online through MI Bridges or contact the Oakland County MDHHS office. Additionally, some local daycare providers may offer limited sliding-scale slots based on income. For guidance, you can contact the Early Childhood Investment Corporation's "Great Start to Quality" resource center for Oakland County, which helps connect families with quality-rated providers and information on funding.