The Best Daycare Centers in Union, MI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Union. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Union
The Goddard School of St. Joseph
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of St. Joseph offers a premier early childhood education program with play-based learning and F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with highly qualified teachers who hold degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What makes this center stand out is their comprehensive approach to child development, including daily communication with parents through an app, nutritious meal programs, and specialized enrichment activities.
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Children's Lighthouse Learning Center - St. Joseph
Children's Lighthouse Franchise Company
Children's Lighthouse provides a values-based curriculum with character development integrated into daily activities. Their proprietary Lighthouse C.A.R.E.S. curriculum emphasizes Communication, Arts, Reading, Engineering, and Science. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, camera monitoring, and strict safety protocols. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain low child-to-teacher ratios. The center is particularly noted for its strong literacy program, indoor gymnasium, and structured daily routines that balance learning and play.
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Kiddie Academy of Niles
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Niles offers the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on whole-child development through project-based learning and hands-on activities. Their program includes character education, technology integration, and physical development components. The facility features modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate playgrounds. What distinguishes this center is their highly qualified teaching staff with advanced degrees, comprehensive safety protocols including regular drills, and strong parent partnership through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Union, MI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Union, Michigan, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Union, Michigan, all childcare providers caring for one or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), specifically through the Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS). This includes family homes (group and family) and childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid), and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license and view any past violations, you can use the official **LARA Child Care Licensing Search** tool online. Simply search by the provider's name, location, or license number. This is a critical first step for any parent in the Union area to ensure their child is in a legally compliant and safe environment.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Union, MI, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Union area and surrounding Cass County, average costs for full-time infant care typically range from **$175 to $250 per week** for a licensed family home and **$225 to $325 per week** for a childcare center. Toddler care is generally slightly less. These rates can vary based on the provider's amenities, hours, and included services like meals. For financial assistance, Michigan's **Child Development and Care (CDC) program** (often called the childcare subsidy) is available for eligible low to moderate-income working families or those in education/training programs. You apply through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Union, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to limited provider options in a smaller community like Union, waitlists for infant and toddler spots at preferred centers or highly-regarded family homes can be significant, often **6 to 12 months or more**. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: your position on the list, if there's a fee to join, how often they update you, and if they offer "sibling priority." Being flexible on your start date can also help. Exploring providers in nearby towns such as Cassopolis, Dowagiac, or Edwardsburg may increase your options, though waitlists there can also be lengthy.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available for children in the Union, MI area?
While Union itself is a small, rural community, the surrounding region offers opportunities for nature-focused childcare. Some licensed family home providers in the area may incorporate the rural setting into daily play. For more structured programs, you may need to look to nearby communities. Some providers in Cass County participate in initiatives that encourage outdoor play. Additionally, the **Cass County District Library** system and local parks (like Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, a short drive away) offer story times and outdoor activities that can supplement your child's daycare experience. When touring providers, ask specifically about their daily outdoor play policy and if they utilize their natural surroundings for learning.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare home or center in Union, and are there any local red flags?
When touring in Union, observe both the environment and the interactions. Look for: a valid license posted, clean and safe facilities (covered outlets, secure gates, clean toys), and a calm, engaged atmosphere. Notice how staff interact with children—are they at eye level and responsive? Ask about their emergency plans for severe weather common to Southwest Michigan. A local red flag specific to a rural area would be a provider not having a clear safety protocol for nearby agricultural equipment or unsecured ponds/water features on the property. Also, be wary of any provider hesitant to show you all areas of the home/center or who cannot provide references from other Union-area parents. Trust your instincts about the overall feel of the place.