The Best Preschools in Shaftsburg, MI
Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Shaftsburg. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.
The Learning Experience - Perry
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Perry is a highly-rated early education center located approximately 10 miles from Shaftsburg. This facility offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on academic, physical, and social development. Their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum incorporates phonics, foreign language, manners, and physical fitness. The center features modern security systems, certified early childhood educators, and structured learning environments. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and the visible developmental progress children make.
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Perry Child Development Center
Independent
Perry Child Development Center is a well-established early learning facility serving the Shaftsburg area with over 15 years of operation. The center provides a balanced approach to early education, combining structured academic preparation with play-based learning. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, math readiness, social skills, and kindergarten preparation. The facility maintains low student-teacher ratios and employs certified early childhood educators. Safety protocols include secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Bath Cooperative Preschool
Independent
Bath Cooperative Preschool, located approximately 8 miles from Shaftsburg, has served mid-Michigan families for over 25 years. This parent cooperative model emphasizes family involvement in early education while maintaining professional teaching standards. The program focuses on developmental appropriateness, social-emotional learning, and school readiness skills. The preschool operates in partnership with Bath Community Schools and follows Michigan early childhood standards. Families appreciate the strong community atmosphere, experienced teachers, and the balance between structured learning and creative exploration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preschools in Shaftsburg, MI:
What is the typical cost of preschool in Shaftsburg, MI, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Shaftsburg and the surrounding Shiawassee County area, preschool tuition can range from approximately $150 to $250 per week, depending on the program's schedule and philosophy. For financial assistance, Michigan's Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) offers free preschool for qualifying 4-year-olds, and some local centers may offer sliding scale fees. It's also worth checking with the Shiawassee Regional Education Service District (RESD) for current community-based options and scholarships.
How can I verify the quality and licensing of a preschool in Shaftsburg?
All licensed preschools in Michigan, including those in Shaftsburg, are regulated by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). You can search for a center's licensing status and view any past violations on the LARA website. Additionally, visiting the preschool in person, asking about staff qualifications and turnover, and checking for accreditation from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) are crucial local steps for assessing quality.
What are the common enrollment timelines and age requirements for Shaftsburg preschools?
Most preschools in the Shaftsburg area begin their enrollment periods in early spring (February-March) for the following fall semester, with some offering rolling admission if spots remain. Typical age requirements are that children must be 3 or 4 years old by December 1st of the enrollment year, aligning with Michigan's common cutoff for state-funded GSRP programs. It's essential to contact individual programs as soon as possible, as smaller community-based centers have limited capacity.
What types of preschool programs are available in a small community like Shaftsburg?
While Shaftsburg itself is a small village, parents can typically find options in the immediate area or in nearby larger towns like Owosso. These include traditional part-day preschools, faith-based programs often associated with local churches, home-based licensed childcare/preschools, and nature-based or play-focused programs. Transportation is often a key consideration, so evaluating the program's location relative to your home or work in Shiawassee County is important.
How do preschools in Shaftsburg handle safety and communication with parents?
Local preschools adhere to Michigan's strict licensing rules for safety, including staff background checks, secure building access, and emergency drills. Given the community's size, many programs offer a close-knit environment with direct communication. Ask specific questions about their sign-in/sign-out procedures, sick child policies, and how they communicate daily activities and concerns—whether through apps, paper notes, or direct conversation with teachers.
Nearby Cities
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