Find a Quality Daycare Center Near You With this List
As parents, we want to be sure our kids are safe and well cared for when they are away from home, so finding the right daycare center is an important, and sometimes daunting, task.
Many provide indoor and outdoor learning opportunities, daily reports on your child’s day, and even the ability to watch your child remotely while they are at child care!
Parents can find safe, quality care for their kids through various places. Popular daycare options include:
Check out some of the many child care options offered in our community below.
Featured Grand Rapids Daycare Centers
These daycare centers have been serving the Grand Rapids community for years and are a hit among many families.
Wondering what the “award-winning” label means on some of these featured daycares? It means that parents voted this childcare facility as one of the top 10 daycares in our annual Grandtastic Awards, where we highlight the best of everything in Grand Rapids.
No matter what method you use to find childcare, make sure your provider is a safe, trusted person who will treat your kids like their own.
It is the user’s responsibility to thoroughly investigate and research potential child care providers. While we strive to only list licensed childcare options, proof of licensing is not required to be in this guide. Inclusion in this guide does not indicate endorsement by grkids.com. Grand Rapids Kids is providing this Child Care Guide for informational purposes only.
*This is a sponsored section of GRKIDS.com.
Award-Winning Daycare in Grand Rapids
555 CASCADE WEST PKWY SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Children ages 6 weeks to 10 years old can grow, learn, and thrive socially, academically, and emotionally. Age-appropriate curriculum and programming allow each child to master learning objectives at their own pace while preparing for Kindergarten and future life success. Rigorous quality standards are evaluated quarterly in programming, curriculum, staffing, and building and child care safety.
AppleTree and Gilden Woods Early Care and Preschool utilize a winning combination of industry-respected curriculum and our own proprietary learning tools. This blend provides children with a dynamic, well-rounded system by which to achieve developmental and academic objectives.
Our qualified and compassionate teachers develop lesson plans and use assessment results to guide their instruction and activities. Each classroom lesson plan is available online to enrolled parents. These lesson plans contain fun, challenging, and exciting learning experiences for your child.
AppleTree and Gilden Woods Early Care and Preschool utilize a winning combination of industry-respected curriculum and our own proprietary learning tools. This blend provides children with a dynamic, well-rounded system by which to achieve developmental and academic objectives.
Our qualified and compassionate teachers develop lesson plans and use assessment results to guide their instruction and activities. Each classroom lesson plan is available online to enrolled parents. These lesson plans contain fun, challenging, and exciting learning experiences for your child.
"Both our boys (8 yrs and 5 yrs) went through the K-Prep Program at Appletree & Gilden Woods and were completely prepared to enter Kindergarten."
#1
Award-Winning Daycare in Grand Rapids
Award-Winning Daycare in Grand Rapids
4527 Cascade RD STE B, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
4075 64th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49418
At Milestones, we believe in placing children first. By using proven education techniques in a play-based program, our quality staff engages and helps to further each child’s cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical, and creative development.
All of our convenient, locally owned and operated West-Michigan locations offer year-round programs for children from six weeks to twelve years.
Milestones' place great emphasis on the natural environment and learning in the outdoors. Through these programs, each child at Milestones is given ample opportunities to explore their environment and expand their social and problem-solving skills.
All of our convenient, locally owned and operated West-Michigan locations offer year-round programs for children from six weeks to twelve years.
Milestones' place great emphasis on the natural environment and learning in the outdoors. Through these programs, each child at Milestones is given ample opportunities to explore their environment and expand their social and problem-solving skills.
"Milestones' staff understand the developmental importance of play and how to engage my children's natural curiosities. My children love attending, excited for what new adventures and lessons await each day."
955 Westend Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Year-round, quality Christian childcare for children 2+.
West Side Christian School roots children, including our Little Sprouts, in Jesus and the Bible. Little Sprouts learn and play in our nature preserve, outdoor playscapes, massive playground, garden and more. We offer full-time childcare plus care before/after school, during school breaks, and throughout the summer. Little Sprouts can attend onsite preschool, nature preschool, or Young 5s in conjunction with childcare.
Growing Students' Minds. Guiding Servant Hearts. Glorifying Jesus Christ.
West Side Christian School roots children, including our Little Sprouts, in Jesus and the Bible. Little Sprouts learn and play in our nature preserve, outdoor playscapes, massive playground, garden and more. We offer full-time childcare plus care before/after school, during school breaks, and throughout the summer. Little Sprouts can attend onsite preschool, nature preschool, or Young 5s in conjunction with childcare.
Growing Students' Minds. Guiding Servant Hearts. Glorifying Jesus Christ.
2727 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Children's Workshop offers a nurturing environment for students to develop a love of learning through a balance of structure and play. We serve children 2-5 years old (2 year olds can be in diapers).
The goal of Children's Workshop is to "Build Better Kids" and to provide a secure environment where young children will share, learn, play, experiment, grow, and develop self-esteem during their first school experience. Children's Workshop is not religiously affiliated.
The goal of Children's Workshop is to "Build Better Kids" and to provide a secure environment where young children will share, learn, play, experiment, grow, and develop self-esteem during their first school experience. Children's Workshop is not religiously affiliated.
Tips for Finding the Best Daycare Provider for Your Fam
There are so many things to consider when looking for a daycare provider.
Here are seven things Great Start to Quality recommends you look for when you start your search.
GOOD DAYCARE PROVIDER CHECKLIST
- Notice how the child care provider interacts with the children. Does the provider talk gently to the children? Does she get down to their eye-level? Do the children respond in a happy, satisfied way?
- Is the room set up so that children can reach the toys and books? How does the program embrace all cultures? How often do the children go outside?
- What are the provider’s current health and safety procedures? What will they do if your child appears sick or gets hurt? Currently, how are they handling the COVID-19 pandemic?
- Higher quality providers will offer a balance of active and quiet times; opportunities for children to make choices; times for larger groups, smaller groups and individual space; and regular schedules that allow for flexibility.
- Infants and toddlers need a safe space to explore, learn, and move as well as a safe place to sleep.
- How will you learn about your child’s development and what happened during the day?
- Do the food menus list healthy, nutritious options? How will breastfeeding moms work with the program?
Great Start to Quality helps parents find quality child care in West Michigan. Backed by the State of Michigan, their extensive database allows you to search for programs to fit your needs.
Remember, finding a childcare provider is not a fast process.
Take the time to read through each of the providers profiles that fit your criteria. The Great Start to Quality Program is a great centralized website for all licensed childcare providers, that will help utilize your time spent looking for childcare. Check it out today!
Full List of Grand Rapids Daycares
Below is an extensive list of daycare centers in greater Grand Rapids.
Ages 6 weeks-11 years · Preschool Program, PreK Program
Ages 6 weeks-12 years · Preschool Program, PreK Program, Faith based
Ages 3 years-12 years · Preschool Program
Ages 6 weeks-12 years · Preschool Program, Faith based
Ages 6 weeks-12 years · Preschool Program, PreK Program
Ages Infant-School Aged · Preschool Program, PreK Program
Ages 6 weeks-10 years · Preschool Program, PreK Program
Ages Infant-5 Years · Preschool Program
Ages 6 Weeks-5 Years · Preschool Program
Ages 2-12 · Faith based
Ages 2-5 · Preschool Program, PreK Program
Ages 6 weeks-12 years · Preschool Program, PreK Program
Ages 12 months-12 years · Preschool Program, PreK Program
Ages Infant-12 years ·
Ages Infant-PreKindergarten · Preschool Program, PreK Program
Ages 6 weeks-8th Grade · Preschool Program, PreK Program
Ages 6 weeks-6 years · Preschool Program, PreK Program, Faith based
Ages 6 weeks-12 years · Preschool Program, PreK Program
Ages 1 week-4 years ·
Ages 6 weeks-6 years · Preschool Program, PreK Program
Ages 2 1/2 years-12 years · Preschool Program
Ages 6 weeks-5 years · Preschool Program
Ages 6 weeks-5th grade · Preschool Program
Ages Infant-PreKindergarten · Preschool Program, PreK Program, Faith based
Ages 2 1/2 years-7th grade · Preschool Program, PreK Program, Faith based
Ages 6 weeks-12 years · Preschool Program, PreK Program
Ages 18 months-8th grade · Preschool Program, Faith based
Ages 2 1/2 years-12 years · Preschool Program, PreK Program, Faith based
Ages Young 5's-5th Grade ·
Ages 3 years-6 years · Preschool Program, PreK Program, Montessori Program
Ages 6 weeks-12 years ·
Ages Infant-Early Childhood ·
Ages 6 Weeks-5 Years · Preschool Program, Faith based
Ages 6 Weeks-School Age · Faith based
Ages 12 Months-6 Years ·
Ages 6 Weeks-12 Years ·
Ages 6 Weeks-5 Years · Preschool Program, PreK Program
Ages Infant-School Age · Faith based
Ages 3 Years-12 Years · Faith based
Ages Infant-12 Years · Preschool Program, PreK Program, Faith based
Ages Infant-School Age · Preschool Program, Faith based
Ages - ·
Ages 6 Weeks-12 Years · Preschool Program, PreK Program
Ages 6 Weeks-4 Years · Preschool Program, Faith based
Ages 3 Years-Kindergarten · Preschool Program
Ages Infant-12 Years · Faith based
The best child care in Allendale is Allendale Child Care!! The hidden secret is such a blessing to hundreds of children.
The environment is like a home away from home !!
Stepping Stones Montessori has openings now for their infant program! Learn more here: http://www.steppingstonesgr.org/
Mom looking for a sitter of a 1 year old. We live in Grand Rapids close to Kentwood.
I am looking for a daycare center for my 2 almost 3 year old son. I would need something Monday through Friday from 7:30-8am until 5-5:30pm. Any suggestions let me know
Upcoming Program at Trinity United Methodist Church on “How to talk to your children about death” presented by Ele’s Place of Grand Rapids. This FREE program is on June 1st from 6-8 pm (dinner included) at Trinity UMC (1100 Lake DR SE GR 49506). To register or have questions please email [email protected]. Registration closes May 27th, limited space available.
Hello! I’m moving to GR end of January and looking for a great home daycare for my 2 1/2 year old son. Please help!t
looking for daycare, foe 11 month old boy. pick up and drop off. 6am-10pm. TIA
Hello I have a 2year old that needs childcare 3 maybe 4 days a week first shift
Potty trained well behaved need asap
Hello all!
I will be licensed for at-home daycare as of January 2016! I am located in the NE side of Grand Rapids and am seeking to fill 2 more spots, kids over 30 months of age (2 are currently filled). I have a very competitive rate and am open 7am-6pm weekdays. Thanks for considering!
Relocating for work and this timeline aligns perfectly! We’re interested, need care for our two little ones over the age requirement. Can you please contact me via email if there are still openings?
Do u still have any openings? I’m interested!
Hello there. I have a 2 year old & a 4 year old that I am in need of a daycare provider for. My needs would be part time with a rotating schedule as follows;
Week A: Monday, Tuesday & Friday
Week B: Wednesday & Thursday.
Please let me know if you are able to accommodate my needs, I appreciate your time.
May I have your contact info? I am currently looking for in home day care for my 9 month old
If you can not afford preschool for your child, please contact me and I will give you some information on free preschool
Please make sure they are licensed and that have a clean, safe environment. It may help to do random, surprise drop ins to visit to make sure it’s not just a “glorified babysitter” and that the owner is actually taking wonderful care of your child and following the guidelines needed to enhance their development skills.
Tammi Johnson
Lynsay Troupe-Davis
Lauren Nowak
I am currently looking for day care four to five days a week from 8 to 330/4pm. My son is eight months old. We live in the comstock park area.
I AM A MOTHER LOOKING FOR IN HOME BEFORE SCHOOL CARE 4 DAYS PER WEEK. TRANSPORTATION FOR 3 SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN (TWINS BOYS 8YRS DAUGHTER 7YRS) NEEDED FOR MORNINGS TO SCHOOL. PLEASE EMAIL ME [email protected].
Hello, I am a licensed daycare provider in Grandville. I have some openings. Feel free to contact me for further info.
Cheryl Saylor
Hello!
My husband and I are the proud parents of a bubbly 9 month old. We recently moved to the Cedar Springs/Greenville area and are looking for part time daycare 3-4 days a week. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Hi everyone, I am looking for affordable before care for my 6 yr old. I have to go to work at 6am. as well as daycare for my 2 yr old who isnt yet potty trained.
I’m currently interested in having interviews set up for the care of my newborn son. He has a due date of December 1st, though who really knows when he will decide to arrive. Before I get caught up in preparing for his arrival I’d like to have his childcare all set. I will need someone Monday- Thursday 2pm to midnight. I prefer that he is not around cats because I have an allergy to them. If there is anyone interested please contact me.
Hello,
I am a soon to be licensed daycare provider on the NE side of Grand Rapids. We live near Riverside park. My hours will be 7:30-5:00 Monday-Wednesday. I am a former Kindergarten and preschool teacher. I have worked with children for 20 years. I have an Associates and Bachelors degree in Child Development, Human Development and Education. Please contact me if you’re interested. My licensing will be complete October 1st.
Hi! Do you currently have any openings for babysitting? I am looking for just a couple hours every weekday afternoon for my 2 toddlers as my husband’s and my work shifts overlap. If so, please email me! [email protected]. Thanks! -Cassy
I am currently looking for day care in the area. Please contact me if you have openings.
Hi Heather! Do you happen to have any opening For two girls Tuesday’s & Thursday’s?
Any openings for a 17 month old?
Hi, I am looking for part-time day care for my toddler son. Can you recommend any licensed home care providers either on the NE or SE side close in?
I am looking for a daycare that has availability for my 2 and 4yr old. I work as a Registered Nurse On-Call and don’t have a set schedule. I live in Belmont and work at Spectrum so would like to find a place that would be on my way to work that opens at 6-630. The problem that I am running into is that I only need daycare a handful of times a month…
I am in need of day care for my 7 mo. old and for my soon to be 6 yr old. I only need childcare for the summer for my 6yr old. Would like provider to be in the NE/NW area. Thank you!
I am in desperate need of child care. I hv a 8m.old and a 2 yr old ima single mom i work full time. I live on the west side and work on the n.w. i dont drive so i wuld need something close or someone who is willing to pick up kids. If anyone can help or lead me in the right direction.. Thank u in advance
I am looking for a babysitter first shift 7:30-4:00. I take the bus so transportation would be a plus. Please email for further information.
Was just wondering what the going rate fora weekend sitters is??? 2 children ages 15 and 11 who are basically self sufficient and a dog and cat in your own home.
http://grkids.com/sitter-survey-rate-results-for-greater-grand-rapids/
My name is Mandy Dieleman and I am looking for excellent in home childcare for my 5 month old. I am a Kindergarten teacher and will be going back to work full time starting September 2. Please let me know if you are in the Alger Heights area or not far from Alger Heights!!
Hi Mandy,
I am looking for in-home childcare for my 5 month old as well. Did you happen to find an excellent place? Please share if you can…thanks!
Lucky Duck Child Care is an in home licensed program designed specifically around teacher schedules. Please like my Facebook page for updates or visit luckyduckchildcare.com. Openings for 0-17 month and 18+ month available now.
Lucky Duck Child Care is an in home licensed program designed specifically around teacher schedules. Please like my Facebook page for updates or visit luckyduckchildcare.com. Openings for 0-17 month and 18+ month available now.
There is a new sitter co-op site where you can trade for child care instead of pay for child care. http://www.sittingaround.com/coops/1104/#.U4D8BBxI17c.gmail
I am looking for child care facilities in Greenville. Can anyone assist in leading me in the right direction. I googled it but several numbers are disconnected so I am not sure what facilities are in that area.
Dear Ms. Satsky,
I am a licensed family home childcare provider in Belding. If you are still in need of child care, please feel free to review my information on the Great Start Connect Website at http://www.greatstartconnect.org/find-child-care-preschool. You may reach me at 616-389-4009 with any questions you have. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
I am located in the Kentwood area at 5673 Christie Ave SE and have an in home childcare. Please check out my website and feel free to list me on here!! I offer childcare for birth-14 I am open 6am-6pm and have my degree in Child Development. My number is 616-635-6586 🙂
http://www.enchantedlearningchildcare.com
Thank you
Joni Stiling
Hello!
I am a 24 year old Grand Rapids native who considers herself to be a professional nanny. I am not registered with any agencies, however I have worked in childcare since 2007 and since then have been a nanny for 6 families! I would be a stay-at-home-mom if I could, but until the Lord blesses me with that venture, I choose to work as a nanny.
If you would like to contact me for your childcare needs, feel free to email me at [email protected].