The Best Daycare Centers in Salem, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Salem. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Salem
The Goddard School of Canton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Canton offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. The curriculum focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts while promoting social-emotional development. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through an app, and comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff.
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Creative Learning Center
Independent
Creative Learning Center provides a nurturing environment with a play-based curriculum that incorporates academic readiness skills. Their experienced teaching staff maintains CPR and First Aid certifications while participating in ongoing professional development. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, indoor gross motor play areas, and age-specific outdoor playgrounds. They emphasize character development, social skills, and individualized learning plans. The program includes music and movement activities, arts and crafts, and hands-on learning experiences. Parents appreciate the consistent communication and family-friendly events throughout the year.
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Plymouth Montessori School
Independent
Plymouth Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education guided by AMI-trained teachers in carefully prepared environments. The school serves children from infancy through elementary years with mixed-age classrooms that foster peer learning. Their curriculum emphasizes practical life skills, sensorial development, language arts, mathematics, and cultural studies. The facility includes beautiful outdoor classrooms, gardens, and natural play spaces. Safety is prioritized with secure access systems and comprehensive emergency protocols. The school maintains small class sizes with high teacher-to-student ratios and emphasizes peace education, independence, and respect for each child's individual development timeline.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Salem, MI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Salem, MI, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Salem, 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). This includes family homes (group and family daycare homes) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, training (including CPR and First Aid), and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the official **LARA Child Care Licensing Search** tool online. You can search by provider name, location, or license number. It's highly recommended to check this database and review any past licensing violation reports before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Salem, MI?
The cost of daycare in Salem, MI, is influenced by the type of care and the child's age. For a licensed childcare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from **$1,000 to $1,400 per month**. Toddler care (ages 1-3) is slightly less, often between **$900 and $1,200 per month**. Licensed family home daycares can be more affordable, averaging **$700 to $1,000 per month** for full-time care. These costs are generally in line with the broader Washtenaw County area. It's important to ask what is included in tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, curriculum). For financial assistance, Michigan offers the **Child Development and Care (CDC) program** for eligible families.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Salem, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many quality daycare centers and licensed homes in the Salem area do have waitlists. It is very common for popular centers to have waitlists of **6 to 12 months** for infant rooms. To secure a spot, parents are advised to begin their search and get on waitlists **during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date**. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their status. Exploring multiple options, including both centers and licensed family homes, can increase your chances of finding timely care.
What are some key local resources for finding and evaluating childcare options in Salem?
Parents in Salem have several excellent local resources. The primary resource is **Great Start to Quality**, Michigan's quality rating and improvement system. Their website allows you to search for all licensed providers in Salem (48175/48176) by zip code, view their quality ratings (1-5 stars), and read inspection reports. Additionally, **Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD)** offers support and resources for early childhood in the county. For more personalized referrals and support, you can contact the **Great Start Collaborative of Washtenaw**. Local parent groups on social media platforms like Facebook are also valuable for getting firsthand recommendations and experiences from other Salem families.
What should I look for during a tour of a daycare facility in Salem, specifically regarding safety and curriculum?
During a tour in Salem, go beyond the basics. For **safety**, confirm visible proof of licensing, check for secure entrances (locked doors, sign-in procedures), ask about their emergency and severe weather plans, and observe the cleanliness and child-proofing of the space. Inquire about staff background checks and ongoing training. Regarding **curriculum**, ask how they incorporate Michigan's **Early Childhood Standards of Quality**. Look for evidence of structured play, age-appropriate learning materials, and a daily schedule that balances activities. Observe how staff interact with children—warm, engaged, and responsive interactions are key. Don't hesitate to ask for references from current Salem-area parents.