Join Our Team at
The Children's Center, Inc.
Where Love Meets Excellence in Early Childhood Education
A Personal Welcome from Mary Wardlaw
Dear Future Team Member,

It fills my heart with immense joy and excitement to know that you are considering a career with The Children's Center. Your interest means the world to us, and I truly believe you've found a place where your passion for nurturing young lives can flourish.

Here at The Children's Center, we have a vision that guides everything we do: to wrap our arms around every family, loving them as our own, and creating a truly happy, positive, and loving culture for both our children and our team. We believe that when our team members feel supported, cherished, and inspired, that warmth naturally extends to every child and family we serve.

I'm proud to say that we take a comprehensive approach to early childhood education and family support – an approach you won't find anywhere else in Niles, Michigan. We're dedicated to fostering an environment where every child feels safe, loved, and encouraged to explore, learn, and grow, and where families feel a genuine partnership in their child's development.
As you explore the information below about our various locations and programs, I hope you feel the heart and soul we pour into The Children's Center. We're not just a childcare facility; we're a family, and we're looking for kindred spirits who share our commitment to love and excellence. I genuinely hope you'll consider joining our team and becoming a part of something truly special.
With warmest regards,

Mary Wardlaw
We have 3 Locations To Choose From:
The Children's Center -
Niles, MI
Serving families in the Niles community, this center offers free preschool for eligible 4-year-olds along with loving care and early education for infants, toddlers, and young preschoolers, & school-agers.
Call (269) 683-0405, visit our website: Nileskids.com.
The Children’s Center -
St. Joseph, MI
Our Peace Boulevard location is known for its family-first culture and free preschool classrooms, alongside high-quality care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Call (888) 926-0405, visit: WeLoveOurFamilies.com.
Montessori Children’s Center -
St. Joseph, MI
For families seeking a Montessori approach, our St. Joseph campus offers a nurturing, hands-on environment that encourages independence, creativity, and confidence from an early age.
Call (269) 256-1606, visit: MontessoriChildrensCenter.com.
Our Programs
The Children's Center offers comprehensive early childhood education programs designed to nurture and develop children at every stage of their growth. Our curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to provide engaging learning experiences in a safe, loving environment.
Infants and Toddlers
Nurturing care for your youngest learners with age-appropriate activities and individualized attention.
Child Care 3+ Years
Structured learning environment that prepares children for academic success and social development.
Free Preschool
High-quality preschool education at no cost, meeting Michigan's 4-star program standards.
Summer Camp
Exciting summer programs filled with fun activities, learning adventures, and new friendships.
Mary Wardlaw's Vision
"What sets The Children's Center apart from other high quality child development programs is our focus on the vision to wrap our arms around everyone in our program. We LOVE our families! Our teachers not only meet or exceed Michigan's standards for a 4-star program, but they are hired because they fit into our happy, positive and loving culture."
—Mary Wardlaw, Owner
5 Ways You'll Feel the Love
Mary's vision for The Children's Center has always been rooted in love – not just for the children we serve, but also for the dedicated team members who bring our mission to life. This vision extends to how every employee experiences love and support in our work environment.
01
Supportive Relationships
We foster genuine connections among colleagues and leadership, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported in their roles.
02
Nurturing Work Environment
Our thoughtfully designed workplace cultivates a positive atmosphere that encourages collaboration, creativity, and overall well-being for our staff.
03
Professional Development
We are committed to your growth, providing ongoing training, resources, and opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
04
Strong Management Support
Our leadership team offers clear guidance, comprehensive resources, and consistent encouragement to help all team members succeed.
05
Effective Communication
We ensure open and transparent communication, so every team member feels heard, understood, and appreciated for their contributions every day.
Registered Apprenticeship Program
The Children's Center's Registered Apprenticeship Program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring early childhood educators to gain hands-on experience while earning credentials recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
This program combines paid on-the-job training with structured learning, allowing participants to develop essential skills under the guidance of experienced mentors. Apprentices benefit from a supportive environment, fostering their growth into competent professionals ready to meet the demands of high-quality early education.
With a focus on aligning practical experience with academic knowledge, this program strengthens our commitment to cultivating a well-trained workforce dedicated to nurturing the development of children in our care.
Career Benefits
We LOVE Our Jobs!
Industry Competitive Pay
Earn wages that reflect your value and dedication to early childhood education.
Incentivized Path to Advancement
Clear career progression opportunities with rewards for professional growth and achievement.
Paid Professional Development
Continuous learning opportunities funded by The Children's Center to enhance your skills.
Child Care Discount
Special benefits for staff members who need quality care for their own children.
Are You Ready to Make a Difference?
Join our team of passionate educators who are committed to providing exceptional care and education to children in our community. Submit your information to learn more about career opportunities at The Children's Center.

Submit Your Information
We're always looking for dedicated professionals who share our vision of wrapping our arms around families and creating a loving, positive environment for children to thrive.
Contact us today to learn about current openings and how you can become part of our exceptional team.
Mary Wardlaw's Commitment…
Discover what makes The Children's Center unique through the eyes of our founder and owner, Mary Wardlaw. As the ONLY child care owner in Niles, Michigan who takes this comprehensive approach to early childhood education, Mary's dedication to excellence sets our program apart.
Mary's vision extends beyond traditional child care to create a program that truly wraps its arms around every family. Her commitment to hiring staff who embody our happy, positive, and loving culture ensures that every child receives the exceptional care they deserve.
Connect With Us
Follow Our Journey
Stay connected with The Children's Center on social media to get to know us. Feel our vibe and see if you'd like to become a part of our tribe!
The Children's Center, Inc.
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Join our community of families who trust us with their most precious gifts.