Daycare and Preschool at Gilden Woods Okemos

Yes. GSRP at Gilden Woods Okemos is available. Michigan's Great Start Readiness Program offers free, state-funded Pre-K education for eligible 4-year-olds, helping children build the skills and confidence needed for kindergarten.

Yes. Gilden Woods Okemos works with Department of Human Services (DHS) to help eligible families with the cost of care.

During your child's first week at Gilden Woods Okemos, our teachers provide extra care and attention to help them feel comfortable in their new environment. We gradually introduce children to classroom routines, activities, and new friends, giving them time to explore and adjust at their own pace. Our teachers offer reassurance during drop-off, provide comfort when needed, and encourage participation in age-appropriate activities that help children feel included. We also keep families informed about their child's experiences throughout the day, working together to make their first week a positive and welcoming experience.

Gilden Woods Okemos provides nutritious meals and snacks, with menus approved by a registered dietitian nutritionist and aligned with USDA nutrition and portion guidelines. If your child has a food allergy or dietary restriction, we’ll work with your family to understand their needs and develop an appropriate plan. Vegetarian options are available, and additional accommodations may be available for special dietary needs, religious requirements, or severe food allergies.

At Gilden Woods Okemos, our Learn as We Grow® curriculum helps children build the academic, social, and emotional skills they need for a successful transition to kindergarten. Through hands-on learning experiences and purposeful play, children explore early literacy, math, science, and other important concepts while developing problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Our learning centers also encourage children to make choices, explore their interests, and take an active role in their learning. Teachers provide opportunities for children to develop independence, self-confidence, self-regulation, and positive relationships with others. Together, these experiences help children build a strong foundation for kindergarten and a lifelong love of learning.

No, children do not need to be fully potty-trained to enroll at Gilden Woods Okemos. We understand that every child develops at their own pace, and our teachers work closely with families to support children throughout the potty-training process.

At Gilden Woods Okemos, we are committed to maintaining a clean, healthy learning environment for every child. Our schools follow regular cleaning and sanitizing practices for classrooms, toys, shared learning materials, and frequently touched surfaces to help reduce the spread of germs and maintain safe, comfortable spaces throughout the day.

Our teachers also encourage and model healthy hygiene habits, including frequent handwashing, proper cleanliness, and personal care routines. These practices are incorporated into daily classroom activities to help children develop healthy habits from an early age. 

At Gilden Woods Okemos, we closely monitor children throughout the day for signs of illness. If your child develops symptoms while at school, we will separate them from the other children so they can rest comfortably while being monitored by a staff member. We will also contact you to arrange pickup.

For the health and well-being of all children, your child must remain home if they develop symptoms of a contagious illness until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours or their physician provides written clearance to return to school.

In the event of severe weather, our school may have a delayed opening, early dismissal, or closure to help ensure the safety of children, families, and staff. Families will be notified of any changes to our regular operating hours as soon as possible. If our school needs to close unexpectedly after your child has been dropped off, our management team will notify you or your designated emergency contacts so arrangements can be made for pickup. A member of management and necessary staff will remain with your child until you or an authorized emergency contact arrives.

Your child's safety is our top priority at Gilden Woods Okemos. Children are released only to parents, guardians, or individuals you've authorized for pickup. Our team follows established pickup procedures and verifies photo identification when needed to ensure your child leaves with an approved adult. If you need to add or change someone on your child's authorized pickup list, please notify your school director in advance.

At Gilden Woods Okemos, we recognize that every child learns and develops differently. We encourage you to talk with your local school about your child’s specific needs. Our team will work with you to understand how we can support your child and discuss any accommodations or additional support they may need. Open communication with families helps us create a nurturing, inclusive environment where each child can learn, grow, and feel supported.