Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are frequently asked questions about the West Midland Family Center (WMFC). They are listed in alphabetical order by department. If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please contact the WMFC Welcome Center at 989-832-3256 and our friendly staff will be happy to connect you with someone who can help.
FAQ's
Aquatics
- Do you offer swimming lessons?
Absolutely! We offer all private 1:1 lessons each summer. Lessons are 30 minutes long. You may sign up for as many lessons as you would like. Registration is over the phone by calling Chelsea Wall at 989-832-3256. Lessons are first come, first serve and fill up quickly so don't wait to call and register. Please click on the Swimming Lesson Information link for more information. - When is the pool open for Open Swim?
Our beautiful outdoor pool is typically open 6 days a week. We are closed on Sundays, the 4th of July and on days when we have inclement weather. It is always best to call ahead to see if the pool is open. Please click on our Swimming Pool Information link for specific open swim hours.
Dow College Opportunity Program
- How do I get into Dow COP?
Students are nominated by their 8th Grade School Counselor. If your student is interested, contact Haley Northup (COP Director) at 989-832-3256 or their middle school counselor. - How does the selection process work?
Students participate on a 'trial basis' for the first semester of their freshman year in high school. In December, students will formally apply for a permanent spot in the program. Only 10-12 students are selected each year to remain in the program until they graduate from college! - What if students participate in sports, school clubs like drama or yearbook, 4H, Scouts, etc.?
We do our best to work around student schedules as long as they provide me with a copy of that schedule! Students do have a number of excused school related absences each year for scheduling conflicts. - My student is interested in their schools' 5th year program or dual enrollment. Will that work with Dow COP?
Of course! Students are always encouraged to take advantage of these programs! Again, as long as they provide a class schedule, we can do our best to avoid scheduling conflicts! - My student is considering technical school. Will this program still work for them?
Sure! These days, when people talk about 'college, they really mean ANY post-secondary education. That means college, university, technical school, certification programs, etc. We have students who have attended community college for a 2-year technical certification all the way up to those in medical school! - How does this program prepare my student for college?
There are different focuses to help students get the most prepared for their next step! We do a LOT of college exploration and education, which helps them understand the differences in schools and how to select the one which will be the best fit for them, which helps ensure they continue. We also help students develop skills and confidence in themselves to prepare them to be successful on their own, in a new environment, and become more successful in taking on challenges. This helps them continue through the enrollment processes, continuing, and knowing they have what it takes to be successful and not give up! We are also a resource for parent/guardians to help navigate that process as well!
General Information
- Is WMFC part of the Greater Midland Community Centers?
No, while WMFC collaborates with the GMCC, its satellite organizations and many other local organizations, WMFC is a solely self-supporting 501c3 non-profit organization. We have a self-governing Board of Directors and all funding we receive is solely independent of any other organization or entity. - Is West Midland Family Center a government agency?
No, we're a private nonprofit organization as determined by the IRS, meeting section 501c3 of the tax code. - Who owns West Midland Family Center?
You do, and the rest of the general community. We have an unpaid 11 member Board of Directors that represents the general community to make decisions, and a professional management team to direct operations. If we were to go out of business we would, by law, have to give all our assets to a similar missioned organization. - Does United Way help WMFC?
Yes, both the United Way of Midland County and of Gratiot/Isabella as well. - What programs do you offer?
Programs that help individuals, families and community grow stronger. Programs that help keep families intact, healthy and working. Some programs we do on our own and others we offer in partnership with other organizations. A short list includes: Child care, Preschool, School Age Programming (before and after school care and summer programs), WMFC College Opportunity Program, Family services (parenting classes and workshops, food assistance, etc), Greendale Senior Center (meals provided by Senior Services of Midland County), Aquatics (Open swim, free family swims, swim lessons, junior lifeguard training), Recreation (basketball, leagues and drop gym, baseball/softball batting cage, bowling center, fitness room facility, etc) - Are there fees for everything? Not for everything, but there are fees for some things. In all cases fees are kept to the lowest amount possible.
- Are there scholarships for those who can't afford to pay for services?
In all cases yes, and it starts with you letting us know that you need assistance. Many people and groups have given us funding so we can help those in need. - Do you offer transportation to and from programs?
In some cases yes, depending on the program, the need, and the distance from the Center. - Do you have any job openings?
Yes, please click on this link> Job Opportunities - What is the WMFC Smoking Policy?
It is the policy of West Midland Family Center to prohibit smoking and vaping in all forms (including medical marijuana and smokeless
tobacco products), in order to provide and maintain a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
This also includes electronic smoking devices such as e-cigarettes. The smoke-free workplace policy applies to:
-All areas of company buildings.
-All company-sponsored off-site conferences and meetings.
-All vehicles owned or leased by the company.
-All employees, temporary employees and student interns.
Preschool
- Where do I sign up for preschool?
It is easy to do! Click on this link> Michigan Preschool- Great Start Readiness Program and complete the interest form. - What is the Great Start Readiness Program?
The Great Start Readiness (GSRP) Program is an at-risk preschool program for four year old children that is funded through the Michigan Department of Education. Please call Missy at 989-832-3256 to discuss how you qualify. - How much does the program cost?
The GSRP Program is free to all families that qualify under the income guidelines. Over-income families with a risk factor, pay a tuition based on income. The three year old preschool program has tuition and scholarship spots based on income. (Ask about our tuition based payment plans.) - Can I pay tuition for the four year old program if I do not qualify?
Unfortunately we cannot accept families in the GSRP Program that do not meet the qualifying factors. These guidelines are set by the State of Michigan. - What are the days and hours of the preschool program?
Four Year Olds - 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday
Three Year Olds - 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday
WMFC preschools follow the Bullock Creek School District Calendar - How many children are in a classroom?
A maximim of 18 children are in each 4 year old classroom.
A maximum of 15 children are in each 3 year old classroom. - What are the teachers qualifications?
The GSRP program requires that each lead teacher have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood. One assistant in the classroom must have either an Associates Degree in Early Childhood or a CDA Certificate. - What curriculum does the preschool program use?
Both the three and four year old programs follow the High Scope Curriculum.
Recreation
- How many lanes do you have in the WMFC Bowling Center?
We have two lanes in the bowling center. - How much does it cost to bowl?
$10 per hour, per lane (up to 6 people) - Are balls and shoes included in the price?
Yes! - Can we have birthday parties?
Yes! Contact Chelsea at least 2 weeks in advance for rates and times. - Does WMFC have basketball leagues?
Yes we have a fall 3v3 league starting in October and a winter 5v5 starting in February. There are flyers posted at the center and online. - Is the climbing wall open?
Not for drop in but you can rent the gym with the climbing wall and use it.