Little Sprouts Childcare Center

03/11/2026

4-H Online Spring Break Extravaganza Event Schedule

03/11/2026

Spring Break Extravaganza Community Events

02/28/2026

We talk about wanting creative, curious, confident thinkers, yet the way we teach young children often does the opposite.

Creativity and problem-solving don’t grow from worksheets, crafts, or measurable results. They grow from experimentation, flexibility, and play. When learning becomes about right and wrong, children stop taking risks. They stop wondering. They learn to please rather than to think.

The data is clear that play-based environments build stronger executive functioning, lower stress physiology, and higher intrinsic motivation over time. Creativity, one of the strongest predictors of future innovation, thrives when children are free to explore, revise, and make mistakes. When we overstructure early learning, we condition compliance instead of curiosity, and that carries forward.

The foundation of learning is not rote drills, memorization, or performance. It is process. Trial and error. Problem solving. Self-discovery. That is what wires the brain for flexible thinking, regulation, and long-term academic success.

If we want lifelong learners, we have to stop valuing products over process and start protecting the experiences that build resilient, adaptable minds.

If you missed our webinar Why Early Academics Backfire, it’s not too late to watch it!

You can watch the full replay here: weskoolhouse.com/store-webinars or if you’re a member, access it anytime inside your dashboard at no additional cost! You can become a member today at weskoolhouse.com

12/03/2025

Winter's coming... embrace it! ☃

It is crucial for children to engage in outdoor play ESPECIALLY in cold and snowy conditions.

Contrary to a common misconception, it's not the cold weather that makes us sick but rather viruses that make us sick. In fact, exposure to fresh air and outdoor environments during winter HELPS boost children's immune systems.

Playing outside stimulates physical activity, aiding in overall health and development. Additionally, sunlight exposure, even in colder temperatures, contributes to the production of vitamin D, essential for immune function.

Outdoor play provides a diverse sensory experience and fosters resilience, creativity, and emotional well-being, making it an integral part of children's overall health and development.

There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. So make sure you get outside and play!

09/23/2025

We're excited to announce that we have openings for new children to join our family at Little Sprouts Childcare Center! Limited spots available If you are searching for a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for your little one, we would love to meet you.

DHHS Pay accepted
Current spots available:
Preschool classroom 2 spots available for ages 3-5 years of age.
Infant and Toddler Classroom 2 spots available for ages 6 weeks to 3 years of age.

If interested please contact
Amy Croff at [email protected] 989-448-2400 or you may message us on Facebook messenger.

Our wait list application is now available online. You can complete it here:
https://schools.mybrightwheel.com/sign-in?redirect_path=forms/bc37cc1a-4bcd-4719-8e3f-0fd4a87e69f9/self-service

1. Sign up for a free account on Brightwheel.com
2. Complete the application and submit.
3. When a space opens for your child, you will be contacted directly to proceed with the registration process.

09/22/2025

Little Sprouts Childcare Center’s classrooms and playground have undergone modifications to create a more naturalistic environment. We have begun incorporating elements of the Reggio Emilia approach (Child-Teacher collaborative play based curriculum rather than teacher driven), offering more open-ended supplies, decreasing the presence of plastic toys, and focusing on child-centered educational practices.

09/15/2025

Little Sprouts Childcare Center has received our results from our recent On-Site Observation regarding the Great Start to Quality, Michigan Quality Rating and Improvement System, we have earned the highest rating Demonstrating Quality formerly known as five stars. This rating is based on staff education and training, curriculum and assessments, classroom and playground furnishings and supplies available to the children, daily routines, staff and child interaction, and more. We are the first childcare Center serving birth to 12 years of age in the Great Start to Quality Northeast region of 11 counties to receive this high of a rating. We are also one of only four centers in the entire Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan to be awarded Demonstrating Quality. There are over 4,000 centers in the state of Michigan and only 117 centers including Little Sprouts Childcare Center have received this high rating.

07/23/2025

04/17/2025

We are looking to fill a full-time Infant and Toddler Room Assistant teacher.

Our small childcare center's operating hours are Monday through Friday 7:00am to 5:30pm and closed for major holidays (13 days per year). There are three classrooms including our infant and toddler classroom with children ranging from birth to 3 years of age. A preschool classroom with children ranging from 3-5 years of age and our school-age room with children ranging from 6-12 years of age. Responsibilities include care and instruction for children in classrooms with a loving and respectful environment. Position could include working in all three different classrooms. Position would preferably be able to work the hours between 7:00am and 5:30pm as we rotate shifts. Position would include a maximum of 40 hours per week as an assistant teacher in the infant and toddler room. .We participate in the TEACH program and will be willing to support and assist anyone looking to continue their education in Early Childhood.
Qualifications for Full-Time Positions:
*Have experience and enjoy working with children ages newborn to 12 years of age
*Have reliable transportation to locations is necessary
*Be on time and have an excellent work ethic*have great organization skills
*Be able to follow lesson plans
*Must pass state background check and FBI Fingerprint Check.
*CPR/first aid training preferred.
*High School students ages 16/17 may also apply for Part Time position.
* Pay is based on experience and education.

Apply on indeed, or email resume to [email protected]. Feel free to DM with any questions.

03/24/2025

02/11/2025

Tantrums are tough, but they’re also a natural part of childhood. When your little one is having a meltdown, try to stay calm and acknowledge their feelings – they need to know they’re heard. Remember, consistency and patience go a long way in helping them learn how to manage big emotions. Take a deep breath, and know this moment will pass.

01/30/2025

We are looking to fill two positions, one Full Time and one Part Time Lead/Assistant teacher to join our team. Our small childcare center's operating hours are Monday through Friday 7:00am to 5:30pm and closed for major holidays.

Link to apply online: https://www.indeed.com/job/leadassistant-teacher-329af4d5777456b4
Or feel free to email your resume to [email protected]