Children’s Garden open house Nov. 4-5; open for business Nov. 8

The new Children’s Garden II, LLC Development Center in HFC’s former Child Care Center (Building I on the main campus) will host a two-day open house event for families to visit the center, meet the faculty and staff, and potentially enroll their children.

Open house Nov. 4 and 5

The open house is scheduled on two different days to accommodate the varying needs of the community and the families. The public is invited:

• Thursday, Nov. 4, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 5, from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

“Whether you are interested in enrolling your child or just want to see the amazing things that are happening at Children’s Garden, we invite all to attend,” said Children’s Garden director Tegina Matta.

Open for business Nov. 8

Children’s Garden will open for business Monday, Nov. 8.

The original Children’s Garden at 12720 Ford Road in Dearborn – has had a reputation for excellence in the early childhood community for more than 16 years. At the new Children’s Garden II, LLC Development Center, families can expect no less, according to owner/operator Mitch Hazime.

“We are one of the few 5-star facilities in Wayne County. The Children’s Garden II, LLC Development was designed with a 5-star in mind, so families can expect the same level of excellence for their children here as well,” said Hazime. “We believe children are to be loved, nurtured, and supported in their emotional, social, physical, and intellectual development. We strive to create an environment where choices are valued, exploration is encouraged, and self-discovery is appreciated.”

Unique features

Children’s Garden provides childcare and early education opportunities for children from infancy to age 5. It is licensed to accommodate 86 children. The newly-renovated building has seven classrooms, including two Great Start Readiness Program classrooms, which offer high quality, free preschool programming to qualified families.

All classrooms are equipped with bathrooms, sinks, drinking fountains, and some even have exit doors leading to the fenced-in outdoor playground. There is also a bathroom on the playground, something Hazime called a “huge convenience” to both children and teachers.

State-of-the-art kitchen

A distinction of Children's Garden is its state-of-the-art halal kitchen that will serve three high-quality meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and a snack) – every day.

Each meal will be served family-style. Teachers will sit with the children, talk to the children, and eat with the children. Teachers provide guidance and support to children during mealtimes, helping them develop social skills, as well as modeling and teaching communication for speaking and listening. Family-style meals give children the opportunity to serve themselves, eat independently, and clean up after the meal is finished.

“This is a great opportunity for children to learn independence, and practice social skills and self-sufficiency,” said early childhood specialist Andrea Gamber-Smith.

Safety features

Children’s Garden was designed with children’s safety in mind. Twenty security cameras are inside and outside the building, ensuring “eyes on the children at all times,” according to Hazime.

The main second door entrance is locked at all times. Guests wishing to enter Children’s Garden must be buzzed in and can only go as far as the front desk. Currently, due to COVID-19 protocols, parents will only be allowed to see the building once they initially register their children and attend the open house. All drop-offs and pick-ups will occur at the main entrance by the front desk. Staff members are available to take children to their classrooms in the morning and return them to their parents at the end of the day.

As part of the high-quality preschool experience, Children’s Garden uses the HighScope Curriculum, which focuses on the development and needs of each child. The Children’s Garden staff all have a minimum of a child development associate degree. Many teachers and associate teachers also have associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education.

“Children’s Garden is dedicated to building a strong foundation for children, supporting families, and igniting the full potential of each child,” said Hazime.

Children’s Garden II LLC Development Center is currently enrolling students from infancy through age 5. For more information, call 313-789-8896.