Preschool at Northside Child Development Center
At the Y, we believe all children have potential and they should have the opportunity to discover the world and express themselves! We take pride in preparing children for Kindergarten and life beyond.
Our preschools are licensed child care programs. Please fill out and return the necessary forms after completing online registration. Forms can be found here.
Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)
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The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is a FREE state-funded center-based preschool program serving all four-year-olds. The goal of GSRP is to provide every preschooler with the best educational opportunities through our child-centered, hands-on curriculum set in a rich learning environment that is created through our families, community, and professional staff.
Great Start Readiness Program
Northside Child Development Center 2020 N. 5th Street Niles, MI 49120 |
Monday-Friday Full Day: 8:20 AM-3:20 PM |
Contact Michelle Skalla mskalla@ymcagm.org (269) 683-1982 |
Age 4 by Dec. 1, 2025 |
Monday-Friday Montessori Full Day: 8:20 AM-3:20 PM |
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Monday-Thursday Full Day: 8:20 AM-3:20 PM |
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Monday-Thursday Half Day: 8:20 AM-12:00 PM |
Before & After School Care
Before & After School Care is open to GSRP and students and is held on-site.
Before Care |
7:30 AM-8:20 AM |
$35/per week |
After Care |
3:20 PM-5:00 PM |
$35/per week |
Both |
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$60/per week |
Enrollment Inquiry
Please note, that completion of paperwork does not guarantee enrollment. To inquire about program availability, please contact Michelle Skalla at mskalla@ymcagm.org.
Parent Handbook
Young Explorer's 3-year-old Childcare with Preschool
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Young Explorer’s 3-year-old Childcare with Preschool
3-year-olds who join us for care at Northside Child Development Center will have the added benefit of following a preschool-structured routine following age-appropriate Creative Curriculum. Children must turn 3 by December 1, 2025.
Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-5:00 PM |
Member: $270/week Community: $339/week |
Payment
- Enrollment is on a full-time basis with payments drafted on Friday one week before care
- Payments are non-transferable and non-refundable.
- Weekly fees are not prorated on days the center is closed.
Enrollment Process
Step 1: Check Availability
Our classrooms are in high demand – fill out the inquiry below and our team will get back to you to let you know the availability for the classroom you need.
Step 2: Fill out the Paperwork
If we have availability in your classroom, a program director will reach out to you with the required paperwork. Paperwork and your non-refundable deposit will need to be returned to complete enrollment. You will then receive further information detailing your first day after paperwork has been processed.
Financial Assistance
We recognize that access and affordability to child care can be challenging. Please see your options below for financial assistance.
- MI Bridges can help you to access our state-licensed programs, like the Child Care Network, through financial assistance for those who qualify. Learn more on their website or download a PDF.
- Use this Eligibility Calculator to see what finanical assistance you might qualify for.
- The Y offers financial assistance to those who qualify. Please fill out our financial assistance application, found here, and email Natalie Cooper, membership administrator, at ncooper@ymcagm.org.
- In order to qualify for a scholarship from the YMCA, you must first apply to MI Bridges.
Parent Handbook
Montessori 3-year-old Preschool Program
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Montessori 3-year-old Preschool Program
Our program is rooted in the Montessori philosophy, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. This child-centered approach encourages independence, self-motivation, and joyful learning through carefully prepared environments and hands-on exploration. The Montessori method supports growth across all developmental areas—cognitive, social-emotional, and physical—while fostering respect, responsibility, and a deep sense of community. These principles are carried through each classroom, allowing your child to grow confidently as they progress through our program.
Children must turn 3 by Dec. 1. This program follows the school year calendar. Students in this program will have the option to continue their Montessori experience in our 4-year-old GSRP Montessori classroom.
Monday-Friday Full Day: 8:20 AM-3:20 PM |
Member: $182/week Community: $197/week |
Monday-Friday Half Day: 8:20 AM-12:00 PM |
Member: $182/week Community: $197/week |
Monday-Friday Full Day with Pre/Post Care: 7:30 AM-5:00 PM |
Member: $270/week Community: $339/week |
Payment
- Enrollment is on a full-time basis with payments drafted on Friday one week before care
- Payments are non-transferable and non-refundable.
- Weekly fees are not prorated on days the center is closed.
Enrollment Process
Step 1: Check Availability
Our classrooms are in high demand – fill out the inquiry below and our team will get back to you to let you know the availability for the classroom you need.
Step 2: Fill out the Paperwork
If we have availability in your classroom, a program director will reach out to you with the required paperwork. Paperwork and your non-refundable deposit will need to be returned to complete enrollment. You will then receive further information detailing your first day after paperwork has been processed.
Financial Assistance
We recognize that access and affordability to child care can be challenging. Please see your options below for financial assistance.
- MI Bridges can help you to access our state-licensed programs, like the Child Care Network, through financial assistance for those who qualify. Learn more on their website or download a PDF.
- Use this Eligibility Calculator to see what finanical assistance you might qualify for.
- The Y offers financial assistance to those who qualify. Please fill out our financial assistance application, found here, and email Natalie Cooper, membership administrator, at ncooper@ymcagm.org.
- In order to qualify for a scholarship from the YMCA, you must first apply to MI Bridges.