The Children's Center
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Almost 30 years ago we looked for daycare for our 18 month old daughter. After a heart-breaking start to our search a vision for child care that put relationships first began to come to life for us. Through the years we've grown from a home-based program loving 6 children to a multi-site organization wrapping our arms around over 200 children and their families.

Children, staff and families are the heart of our program. We have a 4-star rating in both of our locations, and the State of Michigan has rated us among the top 10% of all licensed programs in the state - but that's not our highest goal. It's not about numbers or ratings, it's about building relationships and giving families a loving environment for their children.
Services
The Children's Center opened in St. Joseph in August of 2019 with child care programs from birth - 12 years old, and an income based free preschool program. Although we are very proud of our 4-star Quality Rating, our highest goal is to wrap our arms around every child that walks through our doors.
Loving children has always been at the heart of Mary's vision for The Children's Center. But, loving them is only part of the vision. HOW love is demonstrated at The Children's Center is what completes the vision. There are 5 key ways you'll feel the love once you engage with Jay and Mary and their staff who are committed to being THE BEST for you.
Owner Mary Wardlaw loves singing with the children, it's one of the ways we wrap our arms around our families! Children, staff and families are the heart of our program. We have a 4-star rating in both of our locations, and the State of Michigan has rated us among the top 10% of all licensed programs in the state - but that's not our highest goal.
At The Children's Center, nothing is more important than helping your baby feel safe and loved. Snuggling babies that are sleepy and holding them, holding them when we feed them their bottles, talking to them while we change their diapers and reading to them and singing with them at play time are just a few ways that we love to spend our day in the infant room.
In addition to our explorations, every week we'll be participating in activities such as swimming at the YMCA or doing water activities, mini-golfing, going to the library, cooking, learning karate and more! If you're looking for a fun and unique summer experience for your school-age child, check out The Children's Center's summer camp for students going into 1st - 6th grades.
Reviews (8)
Carey Binns
Carey Binns
Jan 12, 2021
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Me and my husband were passing by the yard that younger children play at. Looked like the 2-3 age group were out playing. All of a sudden the tall blonde caregiver that had glasses and grey pants started shouting and yelling at the children to hurry up and get in line now. Than we watched her grab a child up by his arm because he wasn't fast enough getting in line. I find this very unprofessional. We were not the only ones gasping. She needs to fired.
Marcus M.
Marcus M.
Aug 11, 2019
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It's hard to leave a positive review when they suspend your child until after they sit down with you, then never call you back, and don't refund your money you prepaid. It's been 3 months and not a word from them. They constantly restrained and secluded my child, as well as called me over 20 times to pick him up early. The teachers are good, above that they don't care about your child.
Bianca Sizemore
Bianca Sizemore
Aug 06, 2019
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The infant program is amazing. All those ladies are absolutely wonderful! They are so sweet, and every time I pick up my son, they are having so much fun with all the kids. It really takes a special kind of person to be able to do what they do. Thank you so much for everything.
Only "negative" is they close at 6pm and are closed on weekends (super understandable!). I work evenings and will be switching to evenings and weekends the new year, which obviously sucks because my son has loved it here but will have to say bye to all the wonderful ladies ❤️
Kim Kyles
Kim Kyles
Jul 24, 2019
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The children's center was a part of my life for almost 8 years and they helped develop two of my children. The staff and owners truly care and treat the kids like family. Upon entering you can feel the love from morning hugs to high five. The children's place is the place I trust outside of my immediate family. If your looking for a place that will love on your child while helping them to develop and grow this is the place!!
Iesha Davis
Iesha Davis
Jul 02, 2019
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The Center is the Best hands down. You won’t find a Childcare that loves and genuinely cares about your children more then the teachers at The Center! The Staff will and does go above and beyond to provide the best teaching, the most understanding, and a safe place for children. I always recommend them to anyone looking! All four of my kids have gone to the Center. P.s My oldest is nine! Been using them off and on since he was 1. So if my review don’t help you guide your decision then maybe that last statement will!!!!!! Thank you teachers for loving my children as your own! I KNOW IT CAN BE
Amy Getman
Amy Getman
Jun 15, 2019
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Even though my child never started, her current daycare decide not to close, I would highly recommend based on my tour and the helpfulness of the staff there.
Erika Kirtdoll
Erika Kirtdoll
Aug 16, 2017
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I am the mother of 5 boys and all of them have grown up at The Children's Center. The boys attended at various ages based on our needs, but at some point they have used all the programs from Infant to Toddler to Pre-school to the summer camp program and I would recommend all of them. We were drawn to The Children's Center for their faith-based teachings and use of Zoo-phonics. Also they have very convenient and flexible hours and offer breakfast, lunch and 2 snacks so that I don't need to pack meals. Additionally, for infant, toddlers and pre-school children still in diapers, they offer diapers
Kris M.
Kris M.
Dec 07, 2015
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Mary and her team are absolutely wonderful. The teachers are loving and helped our kids be ultra-prepared for Kindergarten and beyond. A great program overall, we would highly recommend to anyone in the area.