OUR PHILOSOPHY
Strong relationships are the foundation
A safe, caring, and inclusive environment helps children explore, imagine, and grow with confidence.
Our approach to learning
Newly inspired by Reggio Emilia
Our program is rooted in early childhood research and celebrates each child's identity. Reggio Emilia is a child-centered philosophy that views children as capable, curious, and active participants in their own learning. This is a new direction for our program: we build warm relationships, prepare thoughtful learning environments, and offer experiences that honor each child's individuality.
- Teachers act as guides and partners, encouraging children to ask questions, explore ideas, and make discoveries.
- Learning happens through hands-on experiences, play, and exploration.
- Children's interests help shape the curriculum.
- The environment is the "third teacher," designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
The environment as the third teacher.
Our commitment to quality
Quality, with purpose
Doodle Bugs has achieved Enhancing Quality–Validated through Great Start to Quality, the level Michigan pairs with 4 stars.
Great Start to Quality is Michigan's system for recognizing and strengthening quality in licensed early care and education. At this level, a state Validator reviews the evidence behind a program's Self-Reflection. Families can see the results in the public Program Quality Guide, including areas of strength and goals for continued improvement.
Relationships that build confidence
Warm, responsive interactions help children feel secure enough to explore, ask questions, and connect.
Learning with purpose
Thoughtful environments and hands-on experiences to practice language, problem-solving, and independence.
Support for each child
Inclusive practices recognize children's needs, home languages, family cultures, and ways of learning.
Educators who keep learning
Ongoing reflection, professional development, and improvement goals strengthen everyday teaching.
People make the place
Our teachers
Our teachers are the heart of Doodle Bugs. We look for people who are qualified and who enjoy working with children. You will see our team building with blocks, exploring art materials, singing, and joining in children's play.
Teachers take part in ongoing training and professional development, and observe developmental milestones to plan individualized learning and keep families informed.
Belonging
Our philosophy of inclusion
Every child deserves to feel welcome, valued, and supported. Your child may be learning English, have specific learning needs, or require accommodations for a disability. Tell us how we can support your family; we will listen and work with you so your child can take part in our program.
Licensed & inspected
Licensing and family access
Doodle Bugs is licensed by the State of Michigan (license DC250066965) and regularly inspected. Families may review our licensing notebook during business hours; ask the Director for access.
Guidance
Positive guidance
Teachers use redirection, praise, modeling, and distraction to help children succeed. A child may take a short quiet reset away from the group; this is never a punishment and is not used with infants or toddlers. Corporal punishment is never used.
Our mission
What we work toward
To nurture curious, confident, and joyful learners by providing a safe, loving, and intentionally designed home away from home.
- Children's well-being. A safe, caring, emotionally supportive environment where children feel protected and ready to learn.
- Responsive care. Care, routines, and learning adapted to each child's needs, temperament, and stage.
- Family partnerships. Open communication so families feel informed, confident, and supported.
- A Reggio-inspired environment. Creativity, curiosity, and independence through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
- Enriched learning. Early literacy, problem-solving, self-help skills, and social-emotional development.
- Skilled educators. Trained professionals who bring warmth, patience, and an understanding of child development.
- Strong family connections. Guidance, resources, and communication that support parent-child relationships.
- Community and belonging. Children, families, and teachers welcomed and respected as members of the Doodle Bugs community.