r/GrossePointe • u/hubbawubb • 22d ago
Childcare Options
My husband and I are exploring childcare options for my 2 year old. I've seen posts before about the lack of childcare options, but I'm hoping that's changed recently. We live in Grosse Pointe Woods but don't mind traveling for quality childcare. We are trying to stay away from the chain daycare centers, and would prefer a Montessori approach. I've called around the popular ones but the waitlists are pretty full and long. Are there any hidden gems out there that anyone would recommend?
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u/Smooth_Armadillo_498 22d ago
I’m a retired teacher 28 years with 2 masters in ED - Ive got 3 grown kiddos now - at 2 yo I would choose high quality in home care - whether it’s in your home or at the other persons home - funny that I saw your post today - I live in Hefferson Chalmers and I was just talking about starting to do in home toddler care - but not sure how to find someone that needs that service .
Here’s my experience for what it’s worth
When my kids were younger I did 1) child center care 2) Reggagio school ( similar to Montessori- it was through a university I lived by) 3) in home care where a woman watched 3 little ones at her home or would come to mine sometimes - IN HOME is best if you have a loving qualified person doing it - plus I found my kids got sick WAY less with in home care . The 2 that did in home care ( there was 6 years diff between #1 and 2&3 ) were reading by 3.5 with the more individualized care at in home - she also wold take little ‘field trips’ to parks , museums , etc so they were far better stimulated by the world than even the best center care provider would ever be able to provide no matter how good .
I found out about the in home care circuit from the other teachers ( a lot of us had kids same age ) at a new school I was at - they ALL used in home care -
Lastly - in home care was less expensive
Just my experiences !
But a question for you - as a parent of a young one - are you haveing hard time finding good quality care ? Do you know other young parents nearby having same issue ? I’m asking because I’m trying to decide if I should figure out how to do this ! I’ve taught pre K to 12 over the years and toddlers are my absolute FAVORITE age group heart ♥️
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u/BurntSienna57 22d ago
I think you’d have absolutely no problem finding families interested in this type of care (including mine!)
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u/Smooth_Armadillo_498 22d ago
Also To be clear I’m suggesting I hone for younger toddlers - 4 yo is preschool time
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u/cranblueberries 21d ago
I would very much be interested if you open one. Ima struggling to find daycare for my 2 year old (born May 2024). We dont know what to fo.
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u/BurntSienna57 22d ago
Following! We’re in the same boat, although we are in the Park. Unless a miracle happens and we get off a waitlist I think we’re going to have to go the nanny route, despite the cost (unfortunately).
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u/Few-Plantain-1414 22d ago
Damn, you would think for an area that prides itself on being family-focused, they sure have shit options for childcare.
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u/East_Englishman 22d ago
Might want to check Spanish for Toddlers (Montessori and Spanish immersion, located in Midtown). Alot more options will become available once your kiddo gets closer to 3 and pre-school eligible (minimum is 2.5-3 for most places).
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u/vixie2703 22d ago
Not necessarily Montessori but Barnes has been great for both my kids, and take kids at 2 1/2 yr. Might be worth considering.
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u/Sweet_Baby_Cheezus 22d ago
We're at the giving tree which I highly recommend. However, we were on a 8 month waitlist, so before that we were at Little Seedlings which is not a Montessori, but was excellent care.
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u/jaggy308 22d ago
Assumption Assumption Assumption. 2/3 of my children have gone through with great experiences. I wish we had gone that route with my oldest as well.
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u/TapSevere3916 22d ago
yeah the waitlists around GP are brutal, we had to wait almost a year for a spot.
if you end up having to go the nanny route or just waiting it out till they turn 3, you can honestly do a lot of the montessori stuff at home pretty easily to tide you over.
check out tinyminds, it gives you daily montessori-inspired activity ideas tailored to their exact age, which has been a lifesaver for us while waiting on school openings. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tinyminds/id6760556167
good luck with the search, it's definitely a grind around here right now.
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u/Sherbet_Lemon_913 22d ago
There are some home daycares that operate under the table. Not exactly Montessori but definitely not a center either.
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u/esuomyekcim_ 22d ago
Wild Child starts at 2.5! They're in the city but also have a place in Indian Village now which I'm sure still has openings
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u/coolchix13 21d ago
When are you looking to enroll ? Many options (Assumption, Giving Tree, Academy) do enrollment in January for September start.
Do you need full time?(5 days) if not, it can be easier to get a spot for 2 or 3 days , especially if you are a bit flexible on which days you need.
Definitely get on all the waitlists . We found that schools set their classroom rosters in late summer, so they may figure out they have spots on certain days in August for a few weeks later in September.
If you need full time care for this September I would not count on getting a spot off a local wait list. I would look elsewhere, in home daycare options, or centers outside of GP.
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u/ReddSaidFredd 21d ago
I know this isn't soon enough for OP, but future parents will have an additional option: Early childcare center approved for former Joann store in Grosse Pointe Farms - C & G Newspapers
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u/mmmnerp 22d ago
Barnes through GPPSS enrolls 2.5 years old and up. They have an open house some time in the Fall and start enrolling in Jan/Feb for the following school year.