Whistle Stop Child Development Center

Whistle Stop is a unique child care center located on the beautiful grounds of the Grand Rapids Dominicans. We offer a beautiful 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 6 years all year round and for school age children (ages 6-12 years) during the summer months.

Whistle Stop’s program is based on the High/Scope curriculum and Philosophy. High Scope is an organization based in Ypsilanti, Michigan developed by educators to incorporate five elements into child care programs: Active Learning, Adult-Child Interactions, Learning Environment, Daily Routine and Assessment. Our teachers use the High/Scope Curriculum and plan daily activities around children’s interests.

At Whistle Stop we seek to lay a solid foundation of growth and development for your child. Through the 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 secure when away from home.

Our High/Scope 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.