Programs & Care
From newborns to school-agers, we have a program thoughtfully designed for exactly where your child is right now — nurturing, enriching, and built around how children actually learn.
Care for Every Age & Stage
Every CDA classroom has its own name, its own identity, and its own approach — all rooted in the same philosophy: children learn best when they feel safe, curious, and loved.
Infant & Toddler Care
Loving, nurturing care that honors each baby's rhythm and supports toddlers' growing independence.
Preschool
Play-based learning that builds school readiness — language, literacy, math, creativity, and social skills.
School-Age Care
Before school, after school, and school break care — homework help, enrichment, and a safe home base.
Summer Care
A fun, enriching summer full of activities, outdoor exploration, and learning experiences.
Infant & Toddler Care
CDA is committed to providing a great start for infants and toddlers. Our teachers and classrooms provide a loving, nurturing environment as well as materials that allow little ones to explore and experience the world around them.
For infants, we partner closely with families to provide consistency between home and school — feeding, changing, and sleeping on demand, following each baby's individual schedule. Each child has primary caregivers so that bonding and nurturing can take place.
Toddlers are provided with more structure in their routines, with teachers focusing on fostering independence, language development, and social skills through play and teachable moments.
- Individualized care schedules for every infant
- Primary caregiver assignments for consistent bonding
- Daily record of care routines shared with families
- Open-door policy — families can visit any time
- Toddler toilet learning support in partnership with families
Preschool Program
The Innovators classroom is purposefully designed to provide young children with a learning environment rich in language experiences that enhances social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development.
CDA believes that ALL children have the right to quality early childhood education. Our play-based program uses intentional activities planned around children's interests and developmental levels — building school readiness while honoring each child's unique pace and learning style.
We work closely with families, area schools, and the Gratiot/Isabella RESD to help each enrolled student reach their full potential.
- Play-based curriculum using Teaching Strategies GOLD
- Language-rich environment supporting literacy development
- Social-emotional learning and self-regulation skills
- School readiness — letters, numbers, and pre-K skills
- Family-Teacher Conferences twice yearly (November & May)
- Coordination with local kindergarten programs
School-Age Care
The Pathfinders program provides enriching wrap-around care that complements school. Whether your child needs before-school care, after-school care, or care on school closure days, CDA has you covered.
This program offers a healthy mix of free time, outdoor experiences, specialized exploration activities, teacher-directed activities, homework assistance, and nutritious meals and snacks — giving school-age children the support and stimulation they need after a long school day.
CDA is typically open on weather delays, cancellations, half days, and holiday breaks when schools are closed.
- Before school care starting at 5:30am
- After school care until 7:30pm
- Homework assistance every afternoon
- Open on most school closure days and weather delays
- Nutritious meals and snacks through CACFP
- Enrichment activities, outdoor play, and free exploration
Summer Care
When school lets out, the fun begins! CDA's Summer Program runs from the Monday after school ends through the Friday before Labor Day, keeping children engaged, active, and learning all summer long.
The summer program offers a healthy mix of outdoor activities, crafts, exploration, and enrichment — giving children the freedom to enjoy summer while keeping their skills sharp and their days structured.
- Open Monday–Friday, 5:30am–7:30pm
- Fun mix of outdoor activities, crafts, and exploration
- Academic enrichment to keep skills sharp
- Nutritious meals and snacks through CACFP
- Open to children ages 4–12
How We Help Children Learn & Grow
Everything at CDA is intentional. Our curriculum, environment, and teaching approach are all rooted in research and best practices for early childhood education.
Teaching Strategies GOLD
CDA uses Teaching Strategies GOLD to track development across all domains — social-emotional, physical, language, cognitive, literacy, math, and more — so every child's growth is celebrated.
Play-Based Learning
Children learn best through play. Our classrooms are intentionally set up to entice exploration and discovery. Teachers use teachable moments and child-led play as their primary teaching tools.
Individualized Instruction
Every child is unique. Teachers use daily observations, ASQ screenings, and Individual Development Plans to tailor activities to each child's interests, strengths, and developmental level.
Language-Rich Environment
Language development is critical in early childhood. CDA teachers use Talking is Teaching strategies — frequent talking, reading, and singing — to foster literacy every single day.
Social-Emotional Learning
We help children develop self-regulation, communication skills, and conflict resolution — building the emotional foundation they need to succeed in school and in life.
Family & Community Connection
Families are partners, not just visitors. We celebrate every family's culture, involve families in goal-setting, and connect children to the broader Gratiot County community.
A Day in Your Child's Life at CDA
Every day at CDA is full of learning, laughter, and love. Here's a taste of what your child experiences.
Morning Arrival
Children arrive between 5:30–8:00am, sign in with their family, and ease into the day with free exploration and quiet activities.
Learning Time
Structured circle time, small group activities, storytime, sensory play, and age-appropriate curriculum throughout the morning.
Outdoor Play
At least one hour of outdoor time daily, weather permitting. Children explore nature, develop motor skills, and enjoy fresh air.
Meals & Nutrition
Nutritious breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner for extended care — all through the CACFP food program at no extra cost!
Find the Perfect Program for Your Child
We'd love to show you around! Schedule a tour to see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and find the perfect fit for your family.