The Best Daycare Centers in Shepherd, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Shepherd. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Shepherd
The Goddard School of Mount Pleasant
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Highly qualified teachers implement STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) through hands-on activities. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides daily communication with parents through a proprietary app. Their comprehensive curriculum focuses on social-emotional development, literacy, and school readiness skills.
Daycare Services:
Mt. Pleasant Discovery Preschool & Childcare
Independent
Mt. Pleasant Discovery Preschool provides a nurturing environment with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development. The center features certified early childhood educators who create individualized learning plans for each child. Their facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, and safe outdoor play spaces. The program incorporates literacy development, math readiness, science exploration, and creative arts. Parents appreciate the strong communication and family involvement opportunities, including regular progress reports and parent-teacher conferences. The center maintains excellent safety protocols and health standards.
Daycare Services:
Alma College Child Development Center
Alma College
The Alma College Child Development Center operates as a laboratory school providing high-quality early childhood education while serving as a training ground for Alma College education students. The center implements a research-based curriculum that combines developmentally appropriate practices with emergent curriculum approaches. Their highly qualified teaching staff includes master teachers with advanced degrees in early childhood education. The facility features observation rooms, modern classrooms, and natural outdoor learning environments. The program emphasizes inquiry-based learning, social competence, and school readiness skills while maintaining small class sizes and individualized attention for each child.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Shepherd, MI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Shepherd, MI, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Shepherd, Michigan, all childcare centers and group homes caring for more than six children must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Family homes caring for 1-6 unrelated children can be either licensed or registered. Licensing involves rigorous inspections for health, safety, and program standards, including staff background checks, CPR/first-aid certification, and safe sleep training for infants. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the **LARA Child Care Search** tool online or contact the local Great Start to Quality resource center, which serves Isabella County. Always ask to see the provider's current license during your visit.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Shepherd, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Shepherd area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from **$175 to $225 per week**. Toddler care is slightly less, averaging **$150 to $200 per week**. Home-based daycare is often more affordable, ranging from **$120 to $175 weekly**. These rates are generally lower than in larger Michigan cities like Grand Rapids or Lansing. For financial assistance, Michigan's **Child Development and Care (CDC) program** (often called the childcare subsidy) is available for income-eligible families. Locally, you can apply through the Isabella County Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, the **Great Start Collaborative of Isabella County** can provide guidance on potential scholarships or sliding-scale options with specific providers.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Shepherd, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Shepherd, waitlists for infant spots, in particular, can be significant. It's common for reputable centers and licensed home providers to have waitlists of **3 to 9 months**, especially for children under 2 years old. We strongly recommend starting your search **during pregnancy or at least 6 months before your needed start date**. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee, how often they update you, and if they offer priority for siblings or local residents. Exploring providers in nearby communities like Mt. Pleasant may also increase your options.
Are there any unique childcare options in Shepherd that cater to families with non-traditional work hours or agricultural backgrounds?
Shepherd's rural and agricultural setting means some families have early morning, evening, or seasonal needs. While standard center hours are typically 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, your best bet for flexible care is often **licensed family home providers**, who may offer more personalized hour arrangements. Some providers are familiar with the schedules of local farm and shift workers. For occasional or drop-in care, you might explore the **drop-in childcare services available in Mt. Pleasant**, about a 15-minute drive away. It's also worth inquiring with local churches or community centers, as they may host parent-cooperative groups or have information on in-home providers who accommodate irregular hours.
What resources are available in Shepherd to help me evaluate and choose a quality childcare program?
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 the 48883 area, view their quality ratings (1-5 stars), and read licensing reports. For hands-on help, you can contact the **Great Start Parent Coalition for Isabella County**. They offer free, personalized referrals and can explain what to look for during a visit, such as caregiver-child interactions and safety protocols. Additionally, consider scheduling visits and asking providers about their curriculum, staff turnover, emergency plans, and how they communicate with parents. Talking to other local parents at the Shepherd Community Library or community events can also provide invaluable firsthand insights.