Child care options in Upper Michigan for the summer

UPPER MICHIGAN, Mich. (WLUC) - As classes let out for the summer, kids will be free during the week, leaving parents to find ways to care for their little ones throughout the day.

Summer school programs have benefits for both academic and social skills, according to childcare providers.

Hema-Tyke Child Care and Education Center Director Maryann Hodnik says these programs let children explore educational topics in a more relaxed way.

She says Hema-Tyke in Ishpeming currently has a waitlist.

“I tell my parents, I said try to get on one or two lists, at least two, so that you can get a feel for what’s out there,” Hodnik said. “The ones that you really like, you know, visit all the centers, see what you like, and ask good questions about what their summer programs look like.”

Hodnik says babysitters can be a good alternative when daycares fill up.

Grove-R Daycare and Pre School in Chocolay Township has openings thanks to its addition in 2023.

“We have availability in all areas right now, so we have room for infants, toddlers, and two-and-a-half, three- and four-year-olds,” Grove-R Owner Sue Ridolphi said.

Ridolphi says that daycare programs can be beneficial even if the parents don’t need the extra help.

“We have some kids that come here just for socializing,” Ridolphi said. “They don’t need daycare because parents stay home, but they want that socialization so that they already have when they do hit Kindergarten. They’re kind of acclimated to socializing with other kids versus just adults.”

Ridolphi says both big and little kids interact at Grove-R, letting each age group learn from the others.

More information for Hema-Tyke can be found here and more details of Grove-R can be found here.

For a broader look at childcare options in Upper Michigan, Hodnik suggests Great Start to Quality.

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