Frequently Asked Questions About Childcare

A: We welcome children from infants as young as 6 weeks up to 12 years old. Our programs focus primarily on infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and after-school care for elementary-aged children. Fewer children are enrolled beyond ages 4–5.

A: Our center is open Monday through Friday, from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM, to accommodate working families and busy schedules.

A: Yes, Lakeshore Learning Center is fully licensed by the state and adheres to all regulations regarding health, safety, and staff qualifications.

A: We are proud members of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), reflecting our commitment to quality early childhood education.

The first step is to schedule a tour of our center. After the tour, if you wish to proceed, you will submit a non-refundable application fee and complete our online application.

People that work with young children are special. They genuinely like interacting with and caring for young children. Some of our workers have college degrees, some have completed childcare certifications, and some are former moms that know child development firsthand. The state requires 16 hours of additional training that must be completed each year.

One of the most valuable aspects of quality childcare is staff longevity—the length of time our teachers and caregivers choose to stay with our center. Long-term staff are crucial to providing the best possible environment for your child's development and well-being. For our childcare center, a number of our staff have been with us for over ten years. Some staff members have years of experience at other childcare facilities and have chosen to work at our center. We have several staff that have tried working at other childcare centers and have returned to work at our center.

We accept automatic bank draft (ACH), credit cards, and personal checks.

Yes, due to high demand, some age groups have a waiting list. We encourage parents to apply as early as possible. Your child's spot on the list is secured once we receive the completed application and fee.

We are open Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. We will try to work with parents for slight deviations from these operating hours. We will be closed for some holidays.

Our teacher-to-student ratio exceeds state-mandated requirements. The state-mandated requirement is 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, and 1:12 for preschool. Classrooms are staffed with teachers and teacher aides to ensure coverage.

Children must be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to the center. They must also be free from vomiting, diarrhea, and other contagious symptoms. Please refer to our Parent Handbook for the complete policy.

A nonrefundable registration fee is due at the time of enrollment. We do not charge separate fees for supplies or activities, but occasional field trip fees may apply for our preschool program.

Because of dietary restrictions due to food allergies or religion, meals are provided by our clients to be fed to their children. We will provide snacks during the day.

All staff are trained in allergy awareness. Upon enrollment, you will complete a detailed allergy action plan, which is posted in your child’s classroom.

Yes, all lead teachers and administrative staff are certified in pediatric CPR and first aid. In addition, the state mandates that each staff member complete a health and safety course each year. Safety drills are conducted throughout the year.

We use the free play model. This approach is designed to foster development across all learning domains: cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language. Each age group has weekly lesson plans, which are posted in each classroom.

Yes, our Pre-K program focuses on kindergarten readiness, including early literacy, foundational math skills, and social collaboration.

Yes, outdoor play is an important part of our day. Because of Michigan’s sometimes challenging weather, the amount of outdoor time varies from 5 minutes to 30 minutes. We utilize our secure, age-appropriate playground.

Tuition rates vary based on the age of the child and the specific program (full-time, part-time). Please contact us directly or schedule a tour to receive a current tuition schedule.

A: Enrollment begins with scheduling a tour and completing the registration paperwork. Contact us at (586) 776-4442 to start the process.

A: We provide a secure online payment portal for convenient, safe tuition payments. Details are shared during enrollment.

A: Occasionally, depending on program demand, we may have a waiting list. We recommend contacting us early to secure a spot.

A: Children participate in age-appropriate activities, including early literacy, math, sensory exploration, music, outdoor play, and socialization. Our curriculum blends structured learning with creative play.

A: We supply healthy snacks daily. Parents are responsible for packing their child’s lunch to ensure dietary needs and preferences are met.

A: No. We do not allow screen time. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world interaction to support cognitive and social development.

A: Children who are ill must stay home to prevent spreading illness. We follow state guidelines regarding when children can return to the center after sickness.

A: Yes, all caregivers undergo CPR, first aid, and child safety training to ensure immediate, skilled responses in emergencies.

A: Our facility undergoes rigorous daily cleaning and sanitization. We maintain proper child-to-staff ratios and secure outdoor play areas to ensure safety and hygiene.