The Best Daycare Centers in Perry, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Perry. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Perry
The Montessori School of Owosso
Independent Montessori School
The Montessori School of Owosso provides authentic Montessori education with certified AMS-trained teachers serving children from infancy through kindergarten. Their child-centered approach emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and individualized development. The facility features spacious, well-equipped classrooms with natural materials, secure outdoor play areas, and low student-teacher ratios. They focus on developing practical life skills, sensorial awareness, and early academic foundations through the Montessori method. The center maintains excellent safety protocols and strong parent communication, with many families traveling from Perry for their specialized educational approach.
Daycare Services:
Little Learners Preschool & Childcare
Independent Childcare Center
Little Learners offers comprehensive childcare services with a balanced curriculum that combines play-based learning with structured educational activities. Their qualified teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices across all age groups. The center features secure, modern facilities with age-specific classrooms, large outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers for literacy, STEM, and creative arts. They emphasize social-emotional development, kindergarten readiness, and provide nutritious meals and snacks. The center serves many Perry families with flexible scheduling options and reliable transportation services.
Daycare Services:
Tiny Tigers Childcare & Learning Center
Independent Learning Center
Tiny Tigers provides quality early childhood education with a focus on creating a nurturing, home-like environment while implementing research-based curriculum. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and follows state-approved early learning standards. The center offers comprehensive developmental programs including literacy enrichment, math readiness, and social skills development. Facilities include secure indoor play spaces, age-appropriate learning materials, and monitored safety systems. They maintain strong parent partnerships through regular communication and developmental progress reports, serving many families from the Perry area with reliable, consistent care.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Perry, MI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Perry, MI, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Perry, Michigan, all childcare providers caring for one or more unrelated children must be licensed by the State of Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Child Care Licensing Division. This includes family homes (group and family) and childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and ongoing training. To verify a provider's license, you can use the official "Child Care Search" tool on the Michigan.gov website. Simply enter the provider's name or Perry's zip code (48872) to view their licensing status, any past violations, and the results of their most recent inspection report. This is a critical first step for any parent in the Perry area.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Perry, MI?
The cost of childcare in Perry, MI, is generally more affordable than in larger metropolitan areas like Lansing, but it still represents a significant household expense. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay an average of $800 to $1,000 per month for full-time infant care. Licensed family home daycares may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $650 to $850 per month. For toddlers, costs often decrease by about $50-$100 per month. It's important to note that these are averages, and prices can vary based on the program's hours, curriculum, and included amenities like meals. Many Perry providers also require a one-time registration fee.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Perry, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of licensed providers in a rural community like Perry, quality daycare spots, especially for infants, can be limited and often have waitlists. It is highly recommended that parents begin their search during pregnancy, ideally 6 to 9 months before their needed start date. Popular centers and highly-regarded family homes may have waitlists that are 6-12 months long. When contacting providers, be sure to ask about their current waitlist policy, any fees to join the list, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring options in nearby towns like Owosso or Morrice can also provide more availability.
What resources are available in Perry, MI, to help low-income families afford childcare?
Families in Perry have access to Michigan's Child Development and Care (CDC) program, commonly known as the childcare subsidy. This state program provides financial assistance to eligible low-income families who are working, attending school, or participating in job training. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply online through MI Bridges or contact the Shiawassee County Department of Human Services, which serves the Perry area. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly. The Great Start to Quality resource website can also help you find participating providers.
What are some key questions to ask when touring a daycare or preschool in Perry, specifically related to local community and safety?
Beyond standard questions, parents in Perry should ask locally-relevant questions. For safety, ask about their severe weather and tornado drill procedures, given Michigan's weather. Inquire about their policy for school closures/delays (e.g., if Perry Schools are closed), and how they handle transportation if they offer before/after-school care for Perry Elementary students. Ask about outdoor play and if they take children on local outings (e.g., to the Perry Peace Park or the Shiawassee River Trail) and what their safety protocols are for those excursions. Finally, ask about their communication with parents and if they share information about local community events suitable for families.
Childcare Insights for Perry
Finding the best childcare near you is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent in Perry, Michigan. It’s about more than just a safe place for your child to spend the day; it’s about finding a nurturing environment that feels like an extension of your family and supports your child’s early development. For families in our close-knit community, the search often feels personal, and rightfully so. You’re looking for a provider who understands the rhythms of small-town life while offering the quality and reliability you need.
Start your search by considering what "best" means for your unique family. For some, a licensed in-home daycare provides a cozy, family-style setting with a small group of children, which can be a wonderful fit for younger toddlers. Others may prefer a larger, structured center-based program that offers a preschool curriculum and more social interaction. In Perry, you’ll find dedicated providers in both categories. A key local tip is to connect with other parents at the Perry Area District Library’s storytime or at the Shiawassee Family YMCA. Personal recommendations from neighbors are invaluable here, as they come with firsthand accounts of consistency, caregiver warmth, and how a child thrives in that specific setting.
When evaluating options, don’t hesitate to schedule visits and ask detailed questions. Observe if the children seem happily engaged and if the caregivers are interacting with them at their level. Inquire about daily routines, how they handle discipline, their policies on sick children, and their approach to outdoor play—something our Michigan seasons make wonderfully diverse. Ask about their licensing and staff qualifications; all reputable providers in Michigan will be licensed through the state’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), and you can verify this online. Consider the practicalities of location as well. A daycare near the Perry Schools complex or along M-52 might offer a more convenient commute, fitting seamlessly into your daily route to work or errands in Owosso.
Remember, the "best" childcare is the one where you feel a genuine sense of trust and partnership. After you’ve chosen a place, give the transition time, but also trust your instincts. Your peace of mind, knowing your child is in capable and caring hands right here in Perry, is the ultimate indicator that you’ve found the right fit. This decision is a significant step, but by tapping into local networks and prioritizing what matters most for your child’s happiness and growth, you can find a childcare solution that provides comfort and confidence for your entire family.