Finding the Right Child Care Center

Finding and choosing the licensed child care, preschool, or school-age only setting that is right for your child and family can be challenging. Great Start to Quality makes your search for licensed child care, preschool, and school-age only programs easier, gives you tips to make an informed decision and the confidence of knowing you choose the care in your area that best suits your family’s needs.

You have different options for child care, preschool and school-age only programs.

Child Care Centers – A licensed, center-based setting usually with multiple classrooms, including Child Care, Preschool, Early Head Start, Head Start, and Great Start Readiness Programs.

Family Child Care Homes – A licensed home-based setting for up to 6 children.

Group Child Care Homes – A licensed home-based setting for up to 12 children.

School Age Only Programs – A center-based program licensed to only serve children ages 4 years, 9 months to 12 years.

Available Child Care Form

Nucole Steins – QIS/Family Engagement Specialist

(269) 349-3296 ext. 240

Start Your Search

Great Start to Quality allows you to search all licensed programs in Michigan. You can search in the ways that are most important to you, whether it is by area, cost, or specific needs.

Start Your Search Child Care Center Checklist

Family Child Care Checklist Pre-School Program Checklist

When searching, you may want to consider:

The type of child care, preschool or school-age only program that will best fit the needs of your child and family
The times and days you will need child care, preschool or school-age only program
Your family’s budget for child care, preschool or school-age only program
If you receive child care payments from the state, whether the program or provider will accept them
Whether you need transportation to and from child care, preschool or school-age only programs
The location of the program or provider

While looking for the best licensed child care, preschool or school-age only programs for your child and your family, it is recommended that you visit more than one program with your child, if possible. Great Start to Quality is committed to helping Michigan families find child care, preschool, and school-age only programs that are safe and educational.