Melissa's Baby Bear Daycare

Now enrolling ages 0 to 6 for early September 2024!

Program Type
Family Child Care
License Number
DF694013542

Basics

Background Check
Yes
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Snacks
3 per day
Potty Training
Not Required
Language(s) Supported
English
Ratio
1:3 teachers to children
Pay Schedules
Monthly and Weekly
Subsidized Care
Accepted
Philosophy
Play-based

Our Teachers

Melissa Sorenson, BSW - Owner & Primary Childcare Provider

Hello! My name is Melissa, and I am the owner and primary caregiver for Melissa’s Baby Bear Daycare. My 24 years of parenting experience across a wide age range, coupled with my professional background in the child welfare sector uniquely qualifies me to offer not just childcare, but specialized and high-quality care for children in my community.

My personal experience as a parent has given me a deep understanding of the everyday challenges and joys of raising children. Meanwhile, my professional work in the foster care system has equipped me with insights into the diverse needs of children, especially those who may require additional care and support.

Expanding childcare services in my community is not just a business opportunity for me - it is a chance to make a significant impact on local families. I am dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment that parents can rely on and appreciate for their childcare needs.

Achievements

Experience with infants and toddlers
Experience with preschool age
Experience with school age
Bachelor of Social Work
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED - American Red Cross

Philosophy

At Melissa’s Baby Bear Daycare, our philosophy revolves around providing exceptional childcare by focusing on creating a fun, educational, and nurturing environment that supports each child’s development. We prioritize personalized care by catering to individual needs, ensuring quality, reliability, and safety for peace of mind. Additionally, our emphasis on cognitive, emotional, physical, and social growth is highlighted through play-based learning to foster a creative and educational atmosphere where children can thrive.

Location

Melissa’s Baby Bear Daycare is located in a wonderful location in Gaylord, Michigan. Being less than ten minutes away from parks, schools, and the downtown area offers great convenience and accessibility for the families we serve.

Our daycare’s neighborhood is best described as rural and family-friendly with opportunities for walks and nature. This environment provides a natural setting for outdoor activities and exploration, which is beneficial for children’s physical development and appreciation of nature.

Our proximity to parks and schools also opens up possibilities for educational outings and recreational activities, enriching the experiences we can offer at our daycare.

About our program

At Melissa’s Baby Bear Daycare in Gaylord, children receive personalized care in a loving atmosphere. Our focus is on fostering social skills through indoor and outdoor activities. Specializing in nurturing early development, we offer a unique blend of education and play.

Rhythm of the Day

  • 8:00 am - 8:30 am
    Centers/Free Play
  • 8:30 am - 9:00 am
    Breakfast/Clean Up
  • 9:00 am - 9:30 am
    Stretches/Yoga/Affirmations
  • 9:30 am - 10:30 am
    Academics (Reading/Writing or Science/Math)
  • 10:30 am - 11:00 am
    Morning Snack
  • 11:00 am - 11:45 am
    Free Play
  • 11:34 am - 12:00 pm
    Clean Up/Prepare for Lunch
  • 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
    Lunch
  • 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
    Rest Time
  • 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
    Quiet Activities as our Friends are Waking Up
  • 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
    Outside Time
  • 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
    Snack
  • 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
    Group Activities
  • 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
    Individual Time/Free Play

2024 - 2025 Calendar

  • September 02, 2024
    Labor Day
  • November 28 - 29, 2024
    Thanksgiving Break
  • December 24 - 25, 2024
    Christmas Break
  • January 01, 2025
    New Year's Day
  • May 26, 2025
    Memorial Day
  • July 04, 2024
    Independance Day
  • September 01, 2025
    Labor Day
  • November 27 - 28, 2025
    Thanksgiving Break
  • December 24 - 25, 2025
    Christmas Break

Admissions

Join the Melissa’s Baby Bear Daycare community in three easy steps:

  1. Explore our website on Wonderschool. We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

  2. Tour our program and become oriented to our home. Come see what makes Melissa’s Baby Bear Daycare unique.

  3. Submit an Enrollment Application. If you’re interested in enrolling, submit an application by selecting Apply to enroll. If this option if not available, you can message the owner. Please do not apply to enroll until you have set up a tour and visited the program.

Have questions about the program?
Message the Program Director directly to learn more.
Melissa Sorenson
Program Director