210 E. Main Street

Niles, MI

​49120

(269) 683-0405

219 Peace Boulevard

St. Joseph MI

49085

(888) 926-0405

219 Peace Boulevard, St. Joseph

NOW OPEN!

​​"The Children’s Center is wonderful! The teachers go above and beyond, when my son was struggling with the transition of starting at the center they helped him by writing out a daily schedule that he could follow to help him know what was going to come next.  Thanks to them, the transition has been easier not only on my son but us as parents. We’re very thankful for the program and the people that care for our children!"

Kelsey W.

 Nondiscrimination Statement

SNAP and FDPIR State or local agencies, and their subrecipients, must post the following Nondiscrimination Statement:

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race,

color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.  Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.  Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1)        mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

 Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;


(2)        fax: (202) 690-7442; or


(3)        email: program.intake@usda.gov.


This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

The Children's Center Founders Jay and Mary Wardlaw

and their 6 grandchildren

Guide to finding the BEST child care

Over 30 years ago we looked for daycare for our 18 month old daughter.  After a heart-breaking start to our search a vision for child care that put relationships first began to come to life for us.  Through the years we've grown from a home-based program loving 6 children to a multi-site organization wrapping our arms around over 200 children and their families.  Children, staff and families are the heart of our program.  We have a 4-star rating in both of our locations, and the State of Michigan has rated us among the top 10% of all licensed programs in the state - but that's not our highest goal.  It's not about numbers or ratings, it's about building relationships and giving families a loving environment for their children.   The excellence of our program flows from the commitment to LOVE first and teach second.  


We LOVE our families!


Sincerely,

Mary and Jay Wardlaw


The staff at The Children's Center have been hired first because of their shared vision to LOVE our families.  From the littlest ones in our care who are rocked, cared for and snuggled, to our preschoolers and older - our focus is building relationships, celebrating when children reach new milestones and comforting when they are sad.  Every teacher is here to LOVE our families.  

Welcome Letter From Our Founders

Along with daycare / child care, The Children's Center offers a free Great Start Readiness Preschool Program, available at both of our location for qualifying families with children four years of age.   Let's see if your family qualifies!

We LOVE first, and teach second.

"The Staff at The Children's Center truly care for the children and it really matters to me."  - Rhonda T.

StatisticsReview of The Children's Center