Lake Orion Area Preschool and Child Care Directory 2015
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TABLE OF CONTENTS A School for the Mind & Body.. 5 Alpine Academy. 6 Creation Station Preschool 7 Divine Grace Lutheran Preschool 8 Eagle Creek Academy. 9 Everest Academy.. 10 Gingellville Early Childhood Center, Inc. 11 Goddard School (Lake Orion).. 12 Goddard School (Oxford) 13 Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool.. 14 Heartfelt Impressions Learning Center. 15 Holy Cross Christian Preschool 16 Kids Corner 17 Lake Orion Early Childhood.. 28 Oak Arbor School. 29 Oakland Christian School.. 30 Oxford Early Learning Center (Oxford Schools). 31 Pee Wee Patch 32 St. Joseph School 33 St. Trinity Ev. Lutheran Preschool.. 34 Sunny Day Preschool.. 35 Webcam Daycare.. 36 Child Care Information Resources Oakland County Child Care Council..... 37 Great Parents, Great Start. 38 State of Michigan: Department of Human Resources. 38 What to Look for with a Child Care Provider. 39 3
2015 Orion Township Public Library Area Preschool and Child Care Directory The Orion Township Public Library is pleased to present the 14 th Annual Orion Township Area Preschool and Child Care Directory in conjunction with its annual Preschool and Child Care Information Night. The information in this directory was supplied by the individual agencies. This list does not contain every preschool and child care facility in the area and inclusion in this directory does not imply endorsement or recommendation. For further information contact the Orion Township Public Library Youth Services Department. Orion Township Public Library 825 Joslyn Road Lake Orion, MI 48362 Phone: 248-693-3002 Fax: 248-693-3009 www.orionlibrary.org www.locin.org 4
A School for the Mind & Body 936 S. Baldwin Rd. Clarkston, MI 48348 Contact person: Nanci Canine Phone: 248-814-7100 ncanine@sfmb.net www.schoolforthemindandbody.com Facility type: Center Type of Program: Early Childhood Education Program Hours of Operation: Monday Friday 7:00 am 6:00 pm Months of Operation: January - December Adult/child ratio: 1:4 infant toddlers 1:8 Preschool Ages accepted: 6 ½ weeks 12 years Special features: Character Education with an Emphasis on Nutrition and Exercise Philosophy/Mission statement: A School for the Mind and Body (SFMB) recognized that children are the future of the world. Therefore, it has become our goal to provide the highest quality of preschool education that s possible. With the combination of our Character Education Concepts integrated into our Teaching Units of Thinking, Learning, Nutrition and Exercise, SFMB facilitates personal growth for the total child. At SFMB we do not say come and attend but rather come, experience, and learn. SFMB believes parents everywhere are looking for an educational environment that will encourage the same life skills and values that are taught in the home. That is the primary purpose of SFMB to make the educational experience an extension of a quality home. 5
Alpine Academy 3100 West Gunn Rd. Oakland Township, MI 48363 Contact person: Charlotte Thompson, Program Manager Phone: 248-814-1111 alpineacademymanager@gmail.com http://www.myalpineacademy.com Facility type: School Type of Program: Tiny Tots, Preschool, Young Fives, Year-round, Summer Camp Hours of Operation: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Months of Operation: Year-Round Teacher/child ratio: Tiny Tots - 4:1 Preschool - 8:1 Young Five s - 10-1 Ages accepted: 1-7 years Special features: Our facility offers a large multipurpose room, Spanish classroom, Hands-On-Room, 2 playgrounds with bike path, windows and doors in every classroom. Our program offers play-based curriculum for children ages 1-6 (Age 7 in the summer). We complete progress reports and children portfolios, keep children in consistent classes, and maintain trust and communication with families. We have been in operation for 20 years and are still growing. Philosophy/Mission statement: We believe that each child is unique, and we embrace these unique qualities with the perfect balance of play and learning. Our small groups, experienced and educated teachers, and flexible scheduling options set us apart. 6
Creation Station Preschool Tamaras Tiny Tots 425 Parkview Blvd. Lake Orion, MI 48362 Contact person: Tamara Mancier Phone: 248-834-9412 tamara@mancier.com www.tamarastinytots.com Facility type: Home Provider Type of Program: Privately owned Christian Preschool Hours of Operation: Mon/Wed/Fri - 9:00 am to 11:30 am Tues/Thurs - 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm Flexible upon request Months of Operation: School calendar Adult/child ratio: 1:6 Ages accepted: Early Preschool Program for 3 to 5 year olds Special features: Our classrooms uses the book Fill A Bucket A Guide to Daily Happiness for Young Children as theme to reinforce interacting with others and dealing with emotions. Drop in Mom Day Out Program Philosophy/Mission statement: Preschool should be engaging and educational. Our goal is to provide for your child s social, emotional, and educational wellbeing. Activities will encourage exploration, trial and error, creativity, and imagination. Your child will enjoy music and movement, dramatic play, block play, math, science, art, outdoor play and a language-rich classroom. This influence will help your child to deal with emotions, interact with others, and to grow physically. 7
Divine Grace Lutheran Preschool 3000 S. Lapeer Rd. Lake Orion, MI 48359 Contact person: Barbara Musinski Phone: 248-391-2811 bmusinski@divinegrace.net www.divinegrace.net Facility type: Center Type of Program: Christ centered early childhood education Hours of Operation: Monday Friday 7:00 am 6:00 pm Months of Operation: Year-round Adult/child ratio: 1:9 3 year old 1:11 4 & 5 year-old Ages accepted: 3 years - 12 years Special features: Full size gym, caring staff. Philosophy/Mission statement: Divine Grace Lutheran Preschool has the desire and responsibility to provide a sound Christian education and environment in which to nurture the children and to treat them with love and respect. Sharing the message of love and forgiveness given to us by Jesus is an important part of our program. 8
Eagle Creek Academy 3739 Kern Rd Oakland, MI 48363 Contact person: Cathy Hammond (Principal) OR Christine Kulp, Assistant Principal Phone: 248-475-9999 info@eaglecreekacademy.com www.eaglecreekacademy.com Facility type: State-licensed, full-time, accredited Jr. Kindergarten through 8th grade Type of Program: Preschool & Jr. Kindergarten & Kindergarten Hours of Operation: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm Months of Operation: September through June Adult/child ratio: 1:8 age 2 ½ 1:10 age 3 1:12 ages 4 & 5 Ages accepted: Ages 2 ½ and up Special features: NAEYC accredited, Spanish classes, computer lab, big gym, big library, family events, field trips, guest speakers, 3 playgrounds, graduation ceremony, reports cards & conferences, elementary and middle school in same building, diversity, a lot of experience with students and families who speak English as their second language. Philosophy/Mission statement: Our mission is to give every child an excellent academic foundation and a strong sense of self confidence. Therefore, we: Teach in very small groups Meet each child s individual needs Have experienced, caring teachers Offer challenging academics Use hands-on learning activities Focus on Technology Cultivate a family atmosphere Celebrate diversity We are dedicated to treating you child and your family as individuals. Please tell us what you are looking for in a school, and we will do our best to take care of you! 9
Everest Academy 5935 Clarkston Road Clarkston, MI 48348 Contact person: Maura Plante Phone: 248-241-9052 mplante@everestacademy.org www.everest-clarkston.org Facility type: Center Type of Program: Preschool, Junior Kindergarten, Kindergarten through 12 th Grade Hours of Operation: 8:15 am - 3:30 pm Months of Operation: Last week of August through first week of June Adult/child ratio: 1:9 Ages accepted: 3 + Special features: Independent Catholic School Philosophy/Mission statement: To shape Christian leaders who will transform society according to the standards of the Gospel. Everest is dedicated to providing the highest quality Catholic education through the development of the whole person (Integral Formation) encompassing the commitment to teach, to educate, to form. 10
Gingellville Early Childhood Center, Inc. 4375 Baldwin Road Orion Township, MI 48359 Contact person: Donna Davis-Daisley Phone: 248-391-3033 Facility type: Early Childhood Center Type of Program: Hours of Operation: Months of Operation: Adult/child ratio: Ages accepted: Special features: Philosophy/Mission statement: Full Day Program Preschool, School Age, Infant/Toddler Before and After School Children ages 0 to 144 months 11
The Goddard School Lake Orion 935 East Silverbell Road Lake Orion, MI 48346 Contact person: Kellie McDonald Phone: 248-364-4401 lakeorionmi@goddardschools.com htpp://www.goddardschool.com Facility type: Center Type of Program: Developmental Preschool Hours of Operation: 7:00 am 6:00 pm Months of Operation: Full year, 12 months Adult/child ratio: State recommended Ages accepted: 6 weeks to 5 years Special features: The Goddard School is a nurturing place for your children and a comfortable place for families. Proven Education Approach (FLEX) Nurturing Environment Collaborators in the Parenting Process. Philosophy/Mission statement: The Goddard School uses the most current, academically endorsed methods to ensure that children have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. Our talented teachers also collaborate with parents to nurture children into respectful, confident, and joyful learner. 12
The Goddard School - Oxford 55 Gateway Drive Oxford, MI 48371 Contact person: Phone: Facility type: Type of Program: Julie Pandrak 248-628-6268T 248-236-0931F oxfordmi@goddardschools.com www.goddardschool.com State of the Art 8000 square foot building Infants 6 weeks, toddler, preschool, prek, young 5 s, Before and After care, summer camp Hours of Operation: M-F 6:30 am 6:00 pm Months of Operation: Year-round Adult/child ratio: Varies with age groups. 1:4, 1:8, 1:10, 1:12, Ages accepted: 6 weeks 6 years Special features: Infant, toddler, preschool, prek, young 5 s, before and after care and summer camps for school aged children up to 12 years. Philosophy/Mission statement: Every child has the right to be respected as an individual with distinctive interests, challenges and talents. Every child has the right to a calm, warm, loving and nurturing environment where affection is freely given, which helps the child feel valued, secure and confident. Every child has the right to personal attention in a relaxed atmosphere with the freedom to choose daily activities in a small group setting. Every child has the right to have all of his or her physical needs met, including the need for rest and relaxation throughout the day. Every child has the right to experience a variety of activities that teach communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity every day. The 4C s lead to learning independence, school readiness and a lifelong love of learning. 13
Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool 1950 S. Baldwin Rd. Lake Orion, Mi 48360 Contact person: Sheri Daniell, Director Eric Heins, Principal Phone: 248-391-7244 gsd31195@yahoo.com http://www.goodshepherdlakeorion.com Facility type: Preschool 8 th Grade School Type of Program: 3 s, 4 s, and young 5 s Hours of Operation: 3 s: Tuesday/Thursday; 8:30am-11:45am 4 s: Monday/Wednesday/Friday; 8:30am-11:45am Young 5 s: Monday-Friday; 8:30am-11:45am Months of Operation: September-May Adult/child ratio: 3 s: 1:8: 4 s: 1:10 Ages accepted: 3-5 years Special Features: Daily Jesus time, art activities, phonics, songs, field trips, discovery centers, show and tell, handbells, games, story time, outdoor playground, and indoor gymnasium. Philosophy: We believe that each child is a gift to us, created and loved by God. We believe that learning is lifelong and that play is one of the avenues of learning through which each child develops their own unique spiritual gifts, given to them by God for His divine plan. Mission Statement: Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool is committed to making disciples of all nations by providing a Christ-centered learning environment in which the love of God is shared daily with students and families. 14
Heartfelt Impressions Learning Center 2810 S. Lapeer Road Lake Orion, MI 48360 Contact person: Rhonda Meyers/Amy Maxwell Phone: 248-622-4499 heartfeltimpressions@gmail.com http://heartfeltimpressions.net Facility type: Child care center/preschool Type of Program: Play-based program Hours of Operation: 6:00 am 6:00 pm Monday Friday Months of Operation: Year-round Adult/child ratio: 1:4 infant & toddler 1:10 preschool Ages accepted: 6weeks 12years Special Features: We provide breakfast, lunch, 2 snacks, diapers, wipes and baby food. Music and Spanish are also included in tuition. Philosophy/Mission Statement: Heartfelt Impressions Learning Center offers developmentally appropriate curriculum based on research and best practices. We strive to enhance social and emotional, physical and intellectual growth in young children through our play based curriculum. Our program fosters curiosity, creativity and self-esteem by taking into account children s abilities and interest 15
Holy Cross Christian Preschool 136 South Washington Street Oxford, MI 48371 Contact person: Roxann Marchesi Phone: 248-628-0116 hcchristianpreschool@gmail.com http://holycrossoxford.net Facility type: Church Type of Program: Traditional Preschool Programs Hours of Operation: Monday Friday 9 am 3:30 pm Months of Operation: September - May Adult/child ratio: 1:8 Ages accepted: 3, 4, & 5 year olds Special features: Christian Education Philosophy/Mission statement: In the name of God the Father and under the direction of the Holy Spirit, Holy Cross Christian Preschool offers a developmental Christian pre-kindergarten program dedicated to sharing the love and salvation offered by Jesus Christ, that those entrusted to our care take up the cross and become ambassadors of Christ. 16
Kids Corner 1870 W. Clarkston Lake Orion, MI 48362 Contact person: Sue Tunny Phone: 248-814-9096 SueKidsCorner@aol.com www.kidscorner.cc Facility type: Center Type of Program: Pre-K, Child Care, Latch Key, Summer Camp Hours of Operation: 6:30am 6:00pm Months of Operation: Year-round Adult/child ratio: Follow Michigan State Licensing Ages accepted: 6 weeks to 10 years Special features: Spanish, nature center outdoor facility, certified teachers. Chosen best of the best Lake Orion child care center for 2010, 2011, 2012! Philosophy/Mission statement: Our vision is to give all children the opportunity to grow emotionally, physically, socially and intellectually by playing, exploring and learning with others in a fun, safe, healthy and loving environment. 17
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PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 136 SOUTH WASHINGTON ST. OXFORD, MI 48371 248-628-0116 140 E. Flint Street Lake Orion, MI 48362 www.sunnydaypreschool.net 27
Lake Orion Early Childhood Programs 455 E. Scripps Road Lake Orion, MI 48360 Contact person: Kim McLean Phone: 248-693-5439 larthaud@lakeorion.k12.mi.us lakeorion.k12.mi.us. (Under school information) Facility type: Center Type of Program: Preschool, Prekindergarten, Childcare: birth-5 years School Age Child Care: 5-12 years Hours of Operation: 6:30 am 6:00 pm Months of Operation: Year-round child care School-year preschool Adult/child ratio: Ages accepted: Birth 12 years Special features: A program of Lake Orion Community Schools Philosophy/Mission statement: To provide an exemplary education for all learners recognizing that children are unique individuals who have various levels of development as well as a wide spectrum of potential and needs. 28
Oak Arbor School 495 Oak Arbor Circle W Oakland Township, MI 48306 Contact person: Mandy Steen Phone: 248-652-3420 msteen@oakarbor.org www.oakarborschool.org Facility type: Center Type of Program: Pre K 2 mornings/week Kindergarten 5 mornings/week Grades 1-8 Hours of Operation: 8:45 am - 12:15 pm Months of Operation: September - June Adult/child ratio: 1:8 Ages accepted: 4 years Special features: Small class size, hands-on, developmental classroom Philosophy/Mission statement: Feed the Mind; Touch the Heart; Prepare for Life. Oak Arbor pre-kindergarten is a gentle transition from home to school. Kindergarten is a ½ day program. 29
Oakland Christian School - Clarkston 6300 Clarkston Road Clarkston, MI 48346 Contact person: Jennifer Gustin Phone: 248-625-1324 jgustin@oaklandchristian.com http//:oaklandchristian.com Facility type: Early Learning Academy Type of Program: Christian Early Education and Childcare Hours of Operation: Months of Operation: Monday Friday - 6:30 am 6:00 pm August June Adult/child ratio: Dependent upon ages (1:4, 1:6, 1:8, 1:12) Ages accepted: 6 weeks and older Special features: Five-Star School in the State of Michigan Spanish Immersion Infant/Toddler Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Kindergarten Half or Full Day Philosophy/Mission Statement: The Early Education Program welcomes infants through Kindergarten-age and exists to provide children with a loving, Christ-centered early learning experience. A 5-Star school, all programming is developmentally appropriate and strives to create a love for learning and a solid foundation for social, emotional, academic, physical and spiritual growth for all of our learners. Hands-on learning areas include; Math, Pre-reading, fine/large motor development, sensory and exploration science, and social studies. Weekly enrichment opportunities include: Art, Chapel, Music, Spanish, Physical Education, Library Instruction and Technology. Spanish Immersion is also offered at the Pre-K and Kindergarten level All Programs meet State Licensing and Accreditation requirements. 30
OXFORD EARLY LEARNING CENTER Oxford Schools 105 Pontiac Oxford, Mi 48371 Contact person: Nashea Jackson Phone: 248-969-5047 washea.jackson@oxfordschools.org www.oxfordschools.org Facility type: Type of Program: Hours of Operation:. Months of Operation: Adult/child ratio: Ages accepted: Early Childhood Center (School District) 6:00 am 6:00 pm -- Office Hours 8:00 am - 4:30 pm September to June Better than State Licensing Standards Birth to 12 years old Special features: International Baccalaureate, HighScope (Birth to Elementary), Online COR HighScope trained staff, foreign language, (Chinese & Spanish), Parenting Programs, Family Activities, Oxford Community Schools Philosophy/Mission Statement: Creating a World Class Education Today to Shape Tomorrow s Selfless, Global Leaders. 31
Pee Wee Patch Child Development Center 1796 S. Lapeer Rd Lake Orion, MI 48360 Contact person: Ellen Terpening Phone: 248-814-1010 peeweepatch@peeweepatch.com http://peeweepatch.com Facility type: Private Child Care Center Type of Program: Childcare for Birth to 12 years old, Preschool-High Scope, Montessori & Reggio Emilio Hours of Operation: 5:30 am - 6:30 pm, Monday - Friday Months of Operation: January December, Year Round Adult/child ratio: 4:1 Infants/Toddlers, 8:1 Young Preschool, 10:1 Preschool/PreK Ages accepted: Birth - 12 years old Special features: High Scope Montessori Reggio Emilio Before/After School Latchkey School Age Summer Camps Bus Transportation Philosophy/Mission statement: Pee Wee Patch is a nationally accredited child care center in Lake Orion, Michigan. We serve families with children between the ages of birth and 12 years. Our mission is to provide quality, comprehensive early childhood environment for nurturing and facilitating the growth and development of young children. 32
St. Joseph Catholic School 703 N. Lapeer Road Lake Orion, MI 48362 Since 1992 Contact person: Meghan Evoy, Principal Phone: 248-693-6215 mevoy@stjosephlakeorion.org www.stjosephlakeorion.org. Facility type: Preschool, kindergarten, elementary school (1-5), middle school (6-8) Type of Program: Full day and half day preschool; 3 s, 4 s & junior kindergarten Hours of Operation: 8:00 am 4:00 pm; before and after care available Months of Operation: September - June Adult/child ratio: Max: (1:8) Ages accepted: Must be 33 months of age to enroll Special features: well-organized curriculum in a Catholic, Christian environment within a school-based setting. Philosophy/Mission statement: St. Joseph School is a Catholic community that is guided in faith, strengthened by prayer and committed to academic excellence. 33
St. Trinity Ev. Lutheran Preschool 7925 Sashabaw Road Clarkston, MI 48348 Contact person: Julie Schultz Phone: 248-620-6154 sttrinityps@comcast.net http://sainttrinitylutheran.com. Facility type: Preschool in a church building Type of Program: Preschool only Hours of Operation: 3 year olds meet - Tuesday & Thursday 9:15am 11:45am Tuition rate $135 per month Class is limited to 10 children 4 year olds meet Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:15am 11:45am Tuition rate $180 per month Class is limited to 16 children All programs require a non-refundable $85 registration fee Months of Operation: September May (classes begin after Labor Day and end before Memorial Day). Open Registration begins in March for the following year. We hold an annual open house on Saturday in March from 10:00 am noon. Registration must be paid to reserve a child s space in our program. Adult/child ratio: 3 year olds 1:5 & 4 year olds 1:8 Ages accepted: 3-5 (must be toilet trained) Special features: Parental involvement is encouraged in our classroom. Small class sizes enable us to give individualized instructions to each child. We have a large gym we are able to use in any weather for large motor activities. Daily snacks are provided. Special Events: grand-friends day, children s Christmas service, daddy & me night, mommy & me day, dental hygienist visit, four field trips throughout the year. We use Handwriting Without Tears writing readiness program and Scholastic magazines for preschool age children. Philosophy/Mission statement: We are a kindergarten readiness preschool that includes a Christian foundation to focus on educating the whole child using a theme based curriculum. 34
Sunny Day Preschool 140 E. Flint St. (downtown Lake Orion) Lake Orion, MI 48371 Contact person: Cindy Winther, Director Phone: 248-693-9330 sunnydaypreschool@gmail.com www.sunnydaypreschool.com Facility type: Child Care Center Type of Program: Preschool Program Hours of Operation: Monday Friday - 9:00 am 3:00 pm Tuesday/Thursday am class for three year olds Monday/Wednesday/Friday am class for three and four year olds Monday/Wednesday/Thursday pm PreK class for four and five year olds Months of Operation: September through May. Summer Camp Program in June & July Adult/child ratio: 1:8 Ages accepted: 3 years to 5 years *Can take a few 2 ½ year olds Special features: Our children blossom and grow in a warm, loving, and creative environment. We offer a culturally diverse environment as well as activities to expand each child s view of the world around them. We teach sign language, Spanish and Yoga to all our classes. We focus on good nutrition and healthy eating for strong bodies and minds. Our four year old classes bake each week and also write and draw in journals. Our staff have college degrees in education and attend annual training to further their knowledge. Staff are trained in CPR and First Aid. Our classes are small with a good teacher/child ratio. We follow NAEYC guidelines for providing a high quality program. Philosophy/Mission Statement: Sunny Day Preschool offers a unique, creative preschool program with a personalized touch. We offer a curriculum that keeps a balance between the four growth areas: social, emotional, intellectual and physical for optimum development. We provide an environment rich in literacy and creativity. We offer real-life purposeful learning opportunities daily to increase each child s potential for social and academic success academic success. 35
Webcam Daycare Pine Tree & Heights Lake Orion, MI 48362 Contact person: Dawn Bajis Phone: 248-686-1551 dawn@webcamdaycare.com www.webcamdaycare.com Facility type: Group Home Type of Program: Preschool and Daycare Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 6:30 am 6:00 pm Months of Operation: Year-round Adult/child ratio: 1:4 Ages accepted: Birth 12 years Special features: Webcams. We are all certified in both infant/adult CPR and Pediatric First Aid. Philosophy/Mission statement: We strongly believe in the importance of early childhood development, which is why all toys in the daycare have an educational purpose, making learning a fun and exciting adventure. We believe the most important element of the infant/toddler environment is an available and responsive caregiver. Any person who has cared for toddlers knows they are a challenging age group and must have undivided attention, as well as interaction in small groups. We believe that adults set the overall tone in terms of the socio-emotional quality of the environment while furniture, toys, and supplies determine the aesthetics of the physical environment. 36
CHILD CARE INFORMATION RESOURSES Oakland County Child Care Council 550 Hulet, Ste. 101 Bloomfield Hills, Mi 48302 Phone: 248-333-9545 www.oaklandchildcare.org Facility type: Child Care Council Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday. 8:30am to 4:30pm Months of Operation: Year-round Special features: We are committed to providing resources to families who are looking for childcare. As a childcare resource and referral specialist, we work with families to help find the childcare setting by identifying options such as childcare centers, home-based providers, preschool programs, before and after school programs, and odd hour care. Our childcare referrals also contain a list of quality indicators and interview questions, and licensing rules and regulations. Philosophy/Mission statement: To strengthen families by advocating, coordinating and developing quality child care and related family resources. 37
Great Parents, Great Start 2111 Pontiac Lake Rd. Waterford, MI 48328-2736 Contact Person: Donna Lackie Phone: 248-209-2229 E-Mail 1-888-64-YOUTH www.oakland.k12.mi.us./greatparents Great Parent, Great Starts is available to help Oakland County parents understand the importance of a great start for their children birth through five years old. Great Parents will improve school readiness in children and help families create a nurturing and stable learning environment for their children. Great Parents can provide parent workshops or parent-child playgroups that assist with: Information on child development Activities to do with children Community services Opportunities to promote parenting skills State of Michigan: Department of Human Services Department of Human Services P.O. Box 30037 235 S. Grand Ave. Lansing, Michigan 48909 Telephone: (517) 373-2035 Fax: (517) 335-6101 TTY: (517) 373-8071 38
Web Site: www.michigan.gov/childcare Click on Parent Resources at the bottom of the center column. Then scroll down to Help Finding Child Care. WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CHILD CARE PROVIDER: If you need child care, you want the very best setting for your child. When choosing child care, you should visit more than one program and if possible, take your child with you when you visit. The following list will give you some hints to help you make a good choice. Interview Caregivers Call first and ask Is there an opening for my child? What hours and days are you open? Where are you located? How much do you charge? When is payment due? Do you charge for holidays, absences due to vacations or illness, or late pickups? How many children do you care for? How much child care experience and education do you have? How many adults care for the children? What ages do you serve? Must a child be toileted trained? In a home setting Are there others living in the home? Who and what age are they? Who, besides the provider, may be caring for my child? Will my child be taken out of the home while in your care? 39
Are there pets or smoking in the home? Visit and look for Positive interactions between caregiver and children Children getting lots of attention Children who are happy and comfortable with their caregiver. Clean, safe and healthy indoor and outdoor spaces. Safety features such as gates on stairs, caps on electrical outlets, and a locked cabinet for medicine, poisons and cleaning products. A variety of toys and learning materials, such as books, puzzles, blocks, and climbing equipment that your child will find interesting. Ask the provider Can I visit at any time? How do you handle discipline? What do you do if my child is sick? How do you handle an emergency? Do you have a back-up caregiver? Where do children take naps? Do caregivers have up-to-date CPR AND First Aid Training? Do caregivers have training in child care? May I see a copy of your license? Are they accredited? May I have a list of parents (current and former) who have used your care facility? 40
825 JOSLYN ROAD LAKE ORION, MI 48362 248-693-3000 www.orionlibrary.org Books and Beyond! Orion Township Public Library Youth Services Department offers programs for all ages including: Family Place Library workshops Storytimes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and families Lego Club, Chess Club, Book Bingo, Doggone Readers, AWE Computers, Ipad Bar and other fun programs for school age children Summer reading program for all ages Battle of the Books Access 24/7 Resources: Databases for homework and information gathering Place online holds and renewals Register for programs online Downloadable recorded books 41
www.orionlibrary.org The Friends of the Orion Township Public Library are an important group of people who are advocates of the library. Friends enhance and support the library's services to the community. Say YES To your library Join the Friends and Do A World of Good. 825 Joslyn Road Lake Orion MI 48362 248-693-3000 ext. 319 www.orionlibrary.org/friends 42