Growing Together

Caring for children. Supporting families.

Whistle Stop is a place where children feel safe, curiosity is celebrated, and every day is an opportunity to learn, play, and grow.

Whistle Stop Learning Center is a family centered early childhood and school age program led by Director Ashley Lindstrom, a longtime advocate for children and families.

Whistle Stop is supported by a dedicated, well trained staff who value consistency, relationships, and quality care. We serve children from birth through age 12, offering infant and preschool programs, GSRP, before and after school care, and summer camp. Our program holds the highest quality rating through Great Start to Quality, reflecting our commitment to safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate care. Through hands on learning, field trips, and local community events, children build confidence, independence, and readiness for what comes next.

About Us ▸

❊ Testimonials

Loved by children, Trusted by Parents.

Seriously! But don’t take our word for it, here are some things people have to say about us.

Whistle Stop has truly been a blessing for our family. As a first-time mom, it means so much to know my son is surrounded by people who truly understand and care for him. They get down on the floor to play, snuggle him when he’s upset, and celebrate all his little milestones — from learning to eat solids, to rolling over, crawling, and pulling to stand, all while keeping him safe as he learns these new things. He’s always so excited to go in the mornings, smiling and reaching for the girls when we arrive. They do fun activities, like painting projects, practicing fine motor skills, creating Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Christmas crafts we’ll treasure forever — and even dancing around just to make the kids giggle. In a small town, it really does take a village, and Whistle Stop has become such a special part of ours.

— Lindsay E., Parent

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Whistle stop learning center isn’t just a daycare. It’s where he learns, plays and makes friends while the staff keep them safe while us parents provide for our families. Not only that, they are involved in community events to their own events, and that helps family activities be available. The staff is amazing and can tell are family. I’m excited to see what the future holds here at Whistle Stop for my son!


— Jasmine K., Parent

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My son has loved going to WhistleStop for the last 2.5 years and I love that many of the same familiar faces have been staff there the whole time. He’s made so many friends and has learned so much before even being old enough for the preschool classroom. Every teacher is incredibly caring and you can tell just how much they love your kiddos. Whether it’s remembering special events in our personal lives or giving extra snuggles on the days when drop offs are just a little extra tough, I have peace of mind knowing he’ll be taken care of. He loves playing at the community garden and bringing home vegetables. I truely wouldn’t choose anywhere else to send my son!

— Mariah R., Parent

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❊ FAQs

You’ve got questions,
we’ve got answers.

  • For children under 30 months, tuition is $55/day. For children over 30 months, it is $50/day. This cost includes two meals and two snacks once the child is eating. Whistle Stop has a 3 day minimum.

  • Whistle Stop is open 6:30am to 6:00pm, Monday thru Friday. We close between Christmas and New years as well as during the week of the 4th of July. Other days closed are given on a calendar to our families annually.

  • Yes, Whistle Stop accepts families paying privately, families who utilize the CDC scholarship (state pay, DHS pay, child care subsidy), as well as families who utilize tri-share as a form of payment.

  • Traditionally, no. Whistle Stop will only close in the event that it is not in the best interest of staff or families to be on the road due to extreme temperatures/safety reasons.

  • Whistle Stop requires before enrollment every family attend a tour of our facility. This is to guarantee we are a good fit for each other and everyone knows what to expect. After a tour you will be given enrollment information if you wish to proceed.

  • Whistle Stop is located in Benzie County, and offers before & after care options for children attending Betsie Valley Elementary with a bus stop right outside our front door.