Childhood Development Center

Hello and Welcome

Welcome to Whistle Stop Child Development Center. We are a locally-owned company that places children first…always! We work to create a positive and productive learning environment for children through our High Scope Learning curriculum. What makes Whistle Stop special is the incredible nature-based setting. We have a unique, spacious, outdoor wooded environment that allows the children to explore, run and play. We continue to let the children be “children” at Whistle Stop! We have a strong commitment to that important mission and are the clear choice for parents who value the importance of nature, fun, and learning for the healthy development of their children.

 
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Our Mission

At Whistle Stop Child Development Center we seek to lay a solid foundation of growth and development for your child. Through carefully designed activities and quality social interactions with caregivers and other children, your child can develop a strong sense of belonging, strengthen their capacity to trust others and learn to feel more secure when away from home.

Our HighScope program allows children many opportunities throughout the day to choose their own play, make decisions and reflect back on what they have done. Through encouragement and child directed “floor-time” play our staff helps children develop their potential.

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Our Programs

Whistle Stop is a unique child development center located on the beautiful grounds of the Grand Rapids Dominicans.  We offer a magnificent wooded setting with sledding hills in the winter, meadows for picnics, and extensive playgrounds with room to run.  We currently offer care for children age 12 months to 5 years all year round.

 

High scope CURRICULUM

Our HighScope program allows children many opportunities throughout the day to choose their own play, make decisions, and reflect back on what they have done. Through encouragement and child-directed “floor-time” play, our staff helps children develop their potential.

Sweet Peas, Jelly Beans, Jumping jacks & Young Explorers

We have four age-appropriate classrooms for our young learners, ages 1-5 years old. All classrooms are set up to have appropriate teacher-to-student counts to help all children thrive and learn.

 
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Parent Testimonials

Scott & Jessica Dickson

“We have seen our daughter thrive socially since her enrollment at Whistle Stop. She comes home each day with joy and excitement for what she did that day with her friends and teachers.” Daughter Phthalo, Jumping Jacks Room

Lauren DeKruyter

“Love their limited technology and strong focus on outdoor play!”

Kate Teske

“My child has been at Whistle Stop since she was 2.5 and the staff there are wonderful. The setting is amazing, the curriculum is enriching, and the environment is very nurturing.”