Special Needs Care near Niles, MI

Special Needs Care

Infants

Families love the balance of nurturing care and milestone development in this program. In a warm, safe, stimulating classroom, children have a primary caregiver to attend to their needs. Plus, our exclusive, milestone-focused curriculum, Learn from the Start™, was developed by our educational experts to focus on key developmental milestones specific to infants. We emphasize each child’s development, rather than specific age, because all children grow and learn at their own pace, and in their own unique way. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.

Toddlers

You’ll love the safe environment for exploration, excitement, and exercise we provide for your active child. Toddler classrooms also feature our milestone-focused curriculum, Learn from the Start™, focused on the key developmental milestones specific to this age group, with learning experiences designed to address the individual needs of each child, in each classroom.

Infant Daycare

Infant program offering a physically and emotionally safe place for your baby to explore and learn about the world around them. Shoe-free policy ensures that classrooms are clean and safe for little ones to move around. Daily routine includes time outdoors, group time, and discovery baskets for sensory exploration. Trained teachers spend time cuddling, singing, and reading to your child.

Toddler Daycare

Toddlers are on the go, exploring and learning new things throughout each day. Classrooms are kid-size in design, allowing children to do more things independently, building their self-confidence. Photos of the children’s families cover the walls of the classroom, creating a sense of community. Daily routine includes: outdoor play, circle time, dance & movement, reading, art, music, and free play.

Infants

Families love the balance of nurturing care and milestone development in this program. In a warm, safe, stimulating classroom, children have a primary caregiver to attend to their needs. Plus, our exclusive, milestone-focused curriculum, Learn from the Start™, was developed by our educational experts to focus on key developmental milestones specific to infants. We emphasize each child’s development, rather than specific age, because all children grow and learn at their own pace, and in their own unique way. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.

Toddlers

You’ll love the safe environment for exploration, excitement, and exercise we provide for your active child. Toddler classrooms also feature our milestone-focused curriculum, Learn from the Start™, focused on the key developmental milestones specific to this age group, with learning experiences designed to address the individual needs of each child, in each classroom.

Daycare Program

Daycare Program

Infants

Our daycare accepts infants from 6 weeks to 12 months on a full-time basis. Every baby is given consistent and personal attention from our dedicated and loving staff. We provide individual feeding, sleeping, diapering, and play schedules that respect the unique qualities of each infant. Developmentally appropriate activities are provided that allow infants plenty of time, space, and materials to learn and grow at their own pace. Since relationships with trusted adults are so important, the staff at Friends engages in many one-on-one, face-to-face interactions with infants, using a calm voice, simple language, and frequent eye contact. Playful interactions are done in ways that are sensitive to the child’s interests and level of tolerance for physical movement, different sights and sounds, and the presence of other children.

Toddlers

When children learn to walk, they are placed in a toddler class. Low teacher-to-child ratios (1:5) allow a great deal of personal attention and interaction with the adults. This gives the teachers at Friends the time to respond to the temperament, needs, and cues of each individual child. Our daycares small group and one-on-one activities allow children ample opportunities for hands-on, active exploration of their environment. Here, they experience an explosion of new concepts, ideas, and vocabulary, while they learn how to be part of a group. Daily communications with the families allow the toddler class to become a familiar, positive extension of the home. Children constantly test their limits and express opposition. One of their favorite words is NO! But this is a normal, necessary step as they develop a healthy sense of themselves as separate, autonomous individuals. Our teachers recognize this, so they use positively-worded directions that tell the children what they can do, instead of what they can’t do, for example, saying, “Use your walking feet” instead of “Don’t run.” Teachers patiently redirect the children to help guide them toward controlling their own impulses and behavior. In addition to working on social and emotional skills, the children also have opportunities every single day to expand their physical, cognitive, and language development. At Friends, we are fortunate to have those special teachers who find genuine joy in being with two-year-olds and who love seeing the world through the children’s innocent eyes.

Daycare Program

Infant Classroom

In the Infant program, our teachers provide your baby with all the cuddles and care they need, as well as opportunities to begin learning about the world around them. Our proprietary education program, Wonder of Learning™, celebrates your baby’s natural curiosity within the classroom environment and models how to explore safely. Nurturing teachers narrate your baby’s experiences to build a strong foundation in 21st century skills for problem solving and building relationships.

Toddler Classroom

As toddlers are rapidly developing both physically and cognitively, the Toddler classroom is where their natural curiosity is fostered, and their language and communication skills are nurtured. A lifelong love of learning starts early, and we believe in providing brand-new learners with the tools they need to be successful. In the Toddler classroom, our proprietary education program, Wonder of Learning™, comes to life as expert teachers harness children’s natural curiosity, guiding them to explore the world around them through hands-on learning, play and asking questions. Teachers support your child's social-emotional growth while helping them develop important physical skills. Your little one will build social awareness, form meaningful connections with others and have plenty of opportunities to strengthen essential skills like persistence and independence.

Daycare Program

Daycare Program

Daycare Program