We provide the tools and environment to help children reach their potential in a culture of learning that is both challenging and stimulating.
We help each child see himself as God sees each one of us - as unique individuals, full of worth and purpose.
Our facilities and programs have been designed to provide quality care and education for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age.
We provide the tools and environment to help children reach their potential in a culture of learning that is both challenging and stimulating.
Growing Years is a privately owned preschool and child care center built specifically with children in mind. Our facilities and programs have been designed to provide quality care and education for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Our goals are based upon developmentally appropriate practice in order to make the most of the time we have with your child. Perhaps our biggest goal is to help each child see himself as God sees each one of us - as unique individuals, full of worth and purpose.
Research theorists and educators agree that any relevant curriculum needs to be based on children’s needs, learning styles, developmental levels, and appropriateness. Much of what is planned also needs to be child initiated so that children have a vested interest and natural curiosity for what they’re learning. Then finally, assessment needs to be an ongoing part of curriculum, because planning what is best for children is driven by observations/assessments and knowing each child and their specific, individual needs. This is what leads to the most effective planning and success in learning.
The best kinds of afterschool programs offer a balance of academics, recreation, enrichment, and character building activities. Those are the kinds of things we include at Growing Years! Besides focusing on homework assignments and tutoring, we also provide opportunities for unstructured play, activity clubs, snack, and outside time. Obviously, there needs to be a balance in what we do and this balance is based on the ages of the children and the needs of participating families.
Our Values
Growing Years Christian School and Child Care Center, first and foremost, was built on non-denominational Christian principles and values. Our primary hope is to glorify God in all that we do here at Growing Years, because we have been blessed with the opportunity to serve Him. Also, that as Christians and educators, we are responsible for every aspect of a child’s growth, including building strong Christian character. So besides our academic curriculum and the Peddlesfoots, we also help children learn about Godly principles based on our weekly Bible lessons that we have developed for that purpose.
Growing Years is a family owned and operated business that began in 1987 with Anita Collins, Masters in Early Childhood Education, having 2 preschool classrooms in a local church. Anita worked along side her husband Steve and three children Matt, Lisa and Mike and was able to expand Growing Years School into a 13,000 square feet building with over 180 students in attendance annually. Her daughter is following in her footsteps and taking the helm of Growing Years to the next level.
Also a mother of 3, Lisa Workman earned her Masters in Early Childhood and recently retired as a beloved teacher for over 16 years in the Swan Valley School District. Earning accolades as “Crystal Apple Award” and “Horace Mann Educator of the Year” from fellow colleagues and students. Lisa used her spare time to coach her own three children in their own sporting events, along with middle school coaching while developing a successful camp, Girl HYPE focusing on positive outlook and health of young girls. Lisa believes that Growing Years truly does “plant the seeds for the future” and is excited for her next step as owner and director.
Growing Years Christian Child Care Center has recently been an honoree and recipient of Michigan’s Business Development Center “Best Small Business Award” 2019.
Interview of how the Michigan SBDC GLBR has helped Saginaw-based Growing Years Christian School succeed over the years. Growing Years was named the SBDC GLBR Best Small Business in 2019.
“The staff at Growing Years is great. We have two girls that started when they were each 2.5 years old and have loved each classroom and new teacher.””
“My daughter has been at growing years since she was 2 and now she’s 5. Great academics, teachers and administration.”
“This is a place you can trust to work with you and your children persistently and professionally. They are definitely ranked top in childcare for good reason.”
