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At The Children’s Center, we believe the best and brightest teachers are drawn to our program because they share our deep commitment to loving families first.
These remarkable educators choose to be part of a community where compassion, connection, and care come before curriculum. They bring their hearts into the classroom each day—offering hugs, encouragement, and unwavering support to every child and parent.
Our teachers make the difference not just by what they teach, but by how they love. That love becomes the foundation for meaningful learning, joyful exploration, and lasting relationships that extend far beyond the classroom.
Our Programs: Designed With Your Child in Mind
The Children's Center Family of Schools
We have been with the Children’s Center in St Joe for over 3 years now! Both our girls started with them at around 3 months old and there has never been a moment that I worried about their safety! We have had several of their teachers feel like friends! Always asking about us and being there for my oldest when I had a health crisis 2 years ago! Absolutely would recommend them to others! - Audrey Wedde
School-Age Care/Summer Camp
Our Montessori program nurtures each child’s natural curiosity through hands-on exploration, independence, and respect for others. Guided by trained Montessori teachers, children learn at their own pace in a thoughtfully prepared environment that encourages confidence and a lifelong love of learning.
The Children's Center 210 E. Main Street
Niles, MI
Faith-Based Foundation
Located in the heart of downtown Niles, The Children’s Center offers loving care and high-quality early education for children from birth through 12 years old. Our 4-star program includes free preschool for 3 and 4 year-olds.
📞 269-234-1740
Our Philosophy: Love First, Teach Second
At The Children’s Center, we begin with love. We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, cherished, and seen. That’s why our philosophy starts with relationships—nurturing connections with every child and family that form the foundation for growth and learning.
We honor each child as a unique gift, created with purpose and full of potential. Blending faith-based values with research-backed early childhood practices, we create environments that encourage curiosity, build independence, and foster confidence. Our days are filled with intentional moments, joyful discovery, and experiences that support the whole child—socially, emotionally, spiritually, and academically.
Love is at the heart of everything we do—because when children know they are deeply valued, they gain the courage to explore, imagine, and become their best selves.
Rooted in faith, The Children’s Center was founded by Mary Wardlaw to share the love of Jesus with children and families. In our private preschool and child care programs, we joyfully weave faith into each day through Bible stories, songs about Jesus, and prayer before snacks and meals. Our approach is simple and heartfelt—our teachers thoughtfully select songs, stories, and prayers that nurture each child’s spirit and sense of belonging.
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Nondiscrimination Statement
SNAP and FDPIR State or local agencies, and their subrecipients, must post the following Nondiscrimination Statement:
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race,
color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Our twin girls LOVE the Childrens center. The teachers are phenomenal, great communication and coordination with the parents!
-Morgan Hernandez
The Children's Center Founders Jay and Mary Wardlaw
(and grandkids)
The excellence of our program flows from the commitment to LOVE first and teach second.
Our School-Age Program provides a safe, supportive, and fun environment for children ages 5 to 12 before and after school and all day during summer break.Each day is packed with opportunities to explore, learn, and have fun with friends in a setting that values character, kindness, and joyful discovery.
Families can count on us for dependable care that blends enrichment, structure, and play—all wrapped in a nurturing environment where kids feel known, safe, and loved.
My boys love the Montessori preschool. Their teachers are absolutely amazing and I appreciate the care and education they provide. I also love the student to teacher ratios. Special shout out to their primary teachers, Ms. Amanda, Ms. Treive, Ms. Melissa, and Ms. Kengela. Thank you for all that you do!
-Shelly McCaul
All of our centers are open from 7 am to 6 pm, Monday- Friday.
GSRP Niles and Peace Hours 8:30-3:30
GSRP/School Hours at Montessori 8-3
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A message from our founders...
Over 30 years ago, our journey into early childhood education began with something very personal—finding care for our 18-month-old daughter. Like many parents, we faced the heartache of not feeling at peace with our initial options. That experience ignited a vision in us: to create a place where relationships, trust, and genuine care would come first.
What started in our home with just six children has grown into The Children’s Center—a multi-site program that now embraces over 200 children and their families each day. While we’re honored to be recognized among the top 10% of licensed programs in Michigan for quality, our greatest measure of success has never been about ratings—it’s about connection.
At The Children’s Center, children, families, and our dedicated staff are the heartbeat of our mission. We are committed to providing a place where every child feels safe, known, and deeply cared for—and where families are supported in every step of their parenting journey.
Thank you for letting us be a part of your child’s early years. We are grateful to walk this journey with you.
With care,
Mary and Jay Wardlaw
Montessori Children's Ctr.
1000 Miners Road
Saint Joseph, MI
What Our Families Love
Infants & Toddlers
Private Preschool Program (Ages 2½ – 5 Yrs)
The Latest on Social Media
The Children's Center
219 Peace Boulevard Saint Joseph, MI
It Starts With Love: Meet Teachers Who Make a Difference!
We love CC! My children is safe, learning new things, socializing, and growing! Best of all, he is a happy kid! He never complains about “going to school.” The people there are part of his village, and we are so grateful. They are very professional and organized which is what working parents need.
-Anjana Gupta
At The Children’s Center, our Infant and Toddler Program is rooted in love, connection, and trust. From 6 weeks to 30 months, each child is nurtured by a
The Peace Boulevard location has a family-centered atmosphere and free preschool classrooms. Our families appreciate the welcoming environment where children are encouraged to learn, grow, and thrive.
📞 269-292-5729
At The Children’s Center, every child enrolled in our full-day childcare program becomes part of our Private Preschool—an enriching, nurturing experience designed to support the whole child. Our preschool program serves children ages 2½ through 5 years old and is rooted in loving care, faith-based values, and developmentally appropriate instruction.
Hours of Operation
Welcome!
Montessori Children's Center
FREE PRE-K: Along with childcare, The Children's Center offers a free Great Start Readiness Preschool Program, available at all of our locations for children four years of age. (3 year old free pre-k is available at our Niles campus)
caring primary caregiver who builds a close bond and tends to their needs with gentleness and attentiveness. We provide diapers, wipes, formula, and food—so families can focus on what matters most. Our days are filled with snuggles, soothing routines, songs, stories, and baby sign language, all designed to encourage early discovery.
My daughter has been with the Children’s Center on Peace Boulevard since they moved there and we’ve had a great experience! This year for GRSP we have Ms. Kristen and Ms. Grace for teachers and they’re great! They’re so patient and communicative. I feel so comfortable with my daughter being in their classroom!
-Chalexis Tyson-Bradley
Montessori Children’s Center offers nurturing, hands-on learning for infants through kindergarten. Our Montessori-inspired free pre-K for 4-year-olds helps children grow with confidence, curiosity, and joy.
📞 269-404-2010
They molded our daughter from the age of 2 until she was 10, and then we moved. Ms. Judy was our daughter's best friend. We cannot say enough about the Children's Center—Niles. Definitely recommend. 10/10
- Tonya DeGraff