The Best Daycare Centers in Redford, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Redford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Redford
The Goddard School of Livonia
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Livonia serves Redford families with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure keypad entry systems, and live streaming cameras for parent monitoring. Their STEAM-focused curriculum includes robotics, coding, and foreign language exposure starting in preschool. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art and music rooms, and nutritional meal programs. Parent communication includes daily digital reports with photos and developmental milestones tracking.
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The Learning Experience - Westland
The Learning Experience
This nationally accredited center serving the Redford area features the proprietary L.E.A.P.® Curriculum (Learning Experience Academic Program) with phonics-based early literacy, mathematics, and social skills development. The facility includes secure biometric entry, sanitization stations, and comprehensive safety protocols. Highly qualified early childhood educators maintain low student-teacher ratios with ongoing professional development. Unique programs include philanthropy curriculum teaching kindness and giving, yoga and fitness classes, and Spanish language immersion. The center offers extended hours and provides all meals and snacks following USDA nutritional guidelines.
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Creative Learning Center
Independent
As a longstanding local Redford institution, Creative Learning Center provides personalized childcare with a play-based learning approach rooted in developmental psychology. The center features degreed lead teachers with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains excellent staff retention. Their comprehensive curriculum includes Montessori-inspired practical life activities, Reggio Emilia-inspired art exploration, and structured academic preparation. The facility includes recently renovated classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and commercial-grade air purification systems. Family engagement includes regular parent-teacher conferences, portfolio assessments, and community events that build strong neighborhood connections.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Redford, MI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Redford, MI, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Redford, as in all of Michigan, childcare providers must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) if they care for more than one unrelated child. This includes family homes (group and family) and childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, training (including CPR and First Aid), and facility inspections. To verify a provider's license and check their compliance history, you can use the official **LARA Child Care Licensing Search** tool online. It's highly recommended to review any licensing violation reports before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Redford, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Redford area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from **$225 to $325 per week**. Toddler care is slightly less, often between **$200 and $275 per week**. Home-based daycare is generally more affordable, averaging **$150 to $225 per week**. These rates can vary based on the program's amenities, curriculum, and hours. For financial assistance, Michigan's **Child Development and Care (CDC) program** (often called the childcare subsidy) helps eligible low-income working families. You can apply through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Redford, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Waitlists for infant care spots in Redford can be significant, especially for highly-rated centers. It's common to encounter waitlists of **6 to 12 months**, and sometimes longer. For this reason, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists **as soon as you know you are pregnant**, or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. Many parents tour facilities and secure a spot during their second trimester. Be sure to ask about waitlist fees (which are usually non-refundable and range from $25-$100) and how often you need to check in to keep your spot active.
Are there any unique local resources or programs in Redford to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, a key local resource is the **Wayne County Great Start Collaborative**, which serves Redford. Their Parent Liaison can provide personalized referrals and support. The primary tool, however, is **Great Start to Quality**, Michigan's quality rating and improvement system. You can use their website to search for all licensed providers in Redford by zip code (e.g., 48239, 48240) and see their quality ratings (1-5 stars). This rating is based on curriculum, staff qualifications, family involvement, and environment. The Redford Township District Library and community centers may also have bulletin boards with local home daycare flyers.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare in Redford, considering local factors like weather and community safety?
During a tour, beyond standard checks for cleanliness and engagement, consider Redford-specific factors. Ask about their **weather policies** for outdoor play in Michigan's variable climate and if they have adequate indoor gross motor space for cold/rainy days. Inquire about **security procedures**: is there a secure entry system, and how do they manage pick-up/drop-off? Observe the facility's general maintenance and ask about their emergency plans for severe weather or other incidents. It's also wise to ask about their community involvement—do they take walks to local parks (like Redford Township Park) and what are their safety protocols for such outings? Finally, trust your instincts about the staff's warmth and the overall feel of the environment.