Center Plaza

Essexville's Trusted Childcare

Essexville's Little Ones, Our
Proudest Responsibility

At Center Plaza Child Care, we don't just watch children — we nurture curiosity, build confidence, and partner with families right here in the heart of Essexville. Every day is an opportunity to help your child discover who they are.

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15+ Years Serving Essexville
A+ State Rating
200+ Families Trusted Us
Children playing and learning in a bright, safe classroom at Center Plaza Child Care in Essexville
Children engaged in creative art activities at Center Plaza Child Care
Licensed & Certified
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What We Offer

Programs Built Around
Your Child's Stage

From infants finding their footing to school-age explorers, every program is designed to meet children exactly where they are — and gently push them forward.

Infant Care

Ages 6 weeks – 12 months

A calm, responsive environment where your infant builds secure attachment. Gentle routines, tummy time, and sensory play tailored to each baby's rhythm.

  • One-on-one bonding time
  • Individual feeding & sleep schedules
  • Sensory stimulation activities

Toddler Program

Ages 1 – 3 years

Wobbly steps, big questions, endless curiosity. Our toddler program channels that energy into structured play, language development, and early social skills.

  • Language-rich environment
  • Motor skill development
  • Early socialization groups

Preschool

Ages 3 – 5 years

Preparation for kindergarten and beyond — through play-based learning, creative expression, and foundational literacy and numeracy woven naturally into the day.

  • Pre-literacy & numeracy
  • Creative arts & music
  • School-readiness curriculum

Before & After School

Ages 5 – 12 years

Homework help, unstructured play, and supervised fun. A reliable bridge between school's end and your return — because Essexville families shouldn't have to choose.

  • Homework support time
  • Outdoor & indoor play
  • Snack included daily
The exterior of Center Plaza Child Care at 2752 Center Ave, Essexville, Michigan
A Center Plaza caregiver reading to a small group of children
15+ Years of
Excellence
About Us

More Than Daycare.
A Second Home.

Center Plaza Child Care has been a steady presence on Center Avenue in Essexville for over 15 years. We started as a small family operation with a simple belief: every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and stimulated — and every parent deserves to work with peace of mind.

Today, we serve dozens of Essexville and Midland County families across multiple programs. Our staff holds state certifications, background clearances, and ongoing training in early childhood development. But credentials only tell part of the story. The real measure is in the way a three-year-old waves goodbye to their caregiver, or the way a kindergartener tells you what they learned that morning — with their whole face lit up.

Safety First

Every corner, toy, and activity meets or exceeds state licensing standards.

Individual Attention

Small group ratios ensure no child becomes invisible in the crowd.

Family Partnership

Open communication, daily updates, and genuine collaboration with parents.

Why Center Plaza

What Makes Us
Different in Essexville

01

Locally Rooted

We're not a franchise. We're on Center Avenue, down the street from the Essexville community center, and we show up at local events because this town is our home too.

02

Trained & Caring Staff

Every caregiver holds early childhood credentials and participates in quarterly professional development. Low turnover means your child builds lasting bonds with the same faces.

03

Transparent Communication

Daily reports, open-door policies, and direct lines to teachers. You'll always know how your child's day went — the good, the messy, and everything in between.

04

Flexible Scheduling

Full-time, part-time, drop-in — we understand that Essexville families have real lives. Our enrollment flexibility is designed around yours, not the other way around.

Our Community

Proudly Serving
Essexville & Beyond

Center Plaza Child Care sits at the intersection of Essexville and Midland County — a natural gathering point for families who want more than just childcare. We partner with local pediatricians, participate in Essexville community events, and maintain referral relationships with nearby family resource centers.

Whether you're on Center Avenue, near the I-75 corridor, or further out in the surrounding townships, we welcome families who value a program that's genuinely invested in the community its children grow up in.

Walk-in tours welcome
Sliding-scale assistance available
Subsidy & M-STEP accepted
Free orientation sessions
Children playing in the outdoor playground at Center Plaza Child Care Colorful learning materials and children's artwork displayed in a Center Plaza classroom
Kids enjoying supervised outdoor play time at Center Plaza A teacher reading a storybook to a circle of attentive toddlers
Get In Touch

Ready to Visit
Center Plaza?

We'd love to show you around. Schedule a tour, ask a question, or stop by during our walk-in hours — no appointment necessary for initial visits.

Address

2752 Center Ave
Essexville, MI 48732-1702

Hours

Mon – Fri: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat – Sun: Closed

Request Information

Thank you! We'll be in touch within one business day.

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