Located in Battle Creek
Stars and Stripes 269-963-5598
Business Hours
Monday - Friday 6:30 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday - Sunday Closed
Stars and Stripes Learning Station
A great childcare center to meet your childcare needsÂ
This is an image of the Stars and Stripes Learning Center building and sign.
Looking from the south this is a picture of the Stars and Stripes learning center and sign.
A toddler exploring a play tunnel structure
This is an image of the Stars and Stripes Learning Center building and sign.
Hours 6:30 am-5:30 pm M-F
​
Our seven classes are Bunny, Turtle, Monkey, Bear, Lizard, Dino, Kangaroo
​
Ages of children in these classes:
Bunny 6 weeks-12 months
Turtles 12 month-18 months
Monkey 18 months-24 months
Bear 2 - 3 years old
Lizard 3-4 years old
Kangaroo - GSRP - 4 years old
Dinosaur - 4 years old
Summer Camp- 5-12 years old
WE ARE NAEYC ACCREDITED
LEARN MORE HERE
ABOUT OUR CENTER
We have been offering a variety of childhood education programs since 1997. Our facility is fully equipped with the right learning tools for your children. Young Child Associates (YCA) serves families as a supplement to your daily care and guidance of young children. YCA is a nonprofit corporation providing quality care for children of families employed at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center, Grace Health, and throughout the surrounding communities. We at Young Child Associates strive to make families feel at ease when you leave your child(ren) in our care. Qualified teachers provide developmentally appropriate practices to enhance the learning of all children that attend our program.
TESTIMONIAL
I have had 2 of my children go through SASLS. The staff there is what makes this place the most amazing place for kids and families. They have a diverse set of staff that go above and beyond to meet the needs of each individual child. I appreciate that they communicate in a positive way, they use systems and structures to get to know each child. The staff there also is understanding about diverse family structures and are caring and understanding.
As an educator my expectations for care and learning is important. Teaching specific skills, learning about others, learning about self and creating life long strategies to support a childs love for learning are values that I hold strong. SASLS has met or exceeded my expectations as a parent, and educator. I would recommend SASLS to any family looking for childcare.
Shout out to Angie, Sara, Ladaisa, Terrell, Brooke, Cathy, Martina. All have made bringing my children to Battle Creek an experience that has empowered me as a parent, but as a person as well. I feel that my children are supported in a whole child mindset. All of the staff go above and beyond. I appreciate all that you have done to help make my families big move to Battle Creek successful. I am more than thankful for this community family. Thank you for all you do.
-S. King-Short
MEET OUR ADMINISTRATORS
Angie Torres
Executive Director
After graduating from Gull Lake High School, I ventured off to Kellogg Community College to get my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. During that time I had two wonderful children, Kobey and Khylen. I began working at Stars and Stripes Learning Station in 2006 working with toddlers and preschoolers. In 2015 I joined the administration team. I made the decision to go back to school to get my Bachelor’s Degree from Central Michigan University.
In 2018, I became the executive director of Young Child Associates. My passion is to watch children grow, work with families, and help staff succeed in their career.
Brooke Johncock
Assistant Director
My time in early childhood began in 2009 when I was hired out of high school at Stars and Stripes Learning Station (SaSLS). I started as a Teacher Aide until being promoted to Assistant Teacher. I became the Lead Teacher of the Great Start to Readiness Program in 2016. I managed to receive an associate degree in Business Management from Kellogg Community College during this time. In 2019 I became the Assistant Director at SaSLS and am currently pursuing a bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education at Central Michigan University. During my time at SaSLS I love the relationships that I have built and that I am still building with the children and their families in my community.
Sara Culp
Administrator
I am a graduate of Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I started my career in the Early Childhood field in 2003, when I was hired at Stars and Stripes Learning Station. Since then, I have taken on many different roles in this organization as well as partnering community organizations (Classroom Coach, Director, Curriculum Coordinator and Classroom Teacher). I am passionate about the success of the children, families and educators here at Stars and Stripes and strive to create an environment where all can thrive. During my free time, my husband and I enjoy traveling, attending sporting events and spending time with our crazy, black lab puppy, Hutchie Bea.
Cathy Allen
Bookkeeper
I began working in child care when my youngest child went to school. I closed my own child care home after 15 years to work for Head Start. I have been at Young Child Associates since 2012 working with toddlers and teaching GSRP. I joined the administration team in 2016. I love learning new things and completed my Master of Arts in the Practice of Teaching from Western Michigan University. I enjoy meeting new families and spending time with the children.
Stars and Stripes Location
​
100 N Washington Ave
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017
Tel: 269-963-5598
Fax: 269-961-4239