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The staff takes the kids in as though they are family...
“Buds and Blooms is one of the best daycare in TC. The staff takes the kids in as though they are family. The kids learn, play, and grow every day.”

Mary Jo runs this out of her home. She has been running a childcare center for 20+ years. She and her staff are wonderful. She provides meals, snacks, and drinks. She knows what she is doing! She and her staff are very down to earth. It’s also nice to have our kiddo in a center that is smaller, and I feel more flexible. The kids get outdoor time in her backyard, and also occasionally in her regular home upstairs. The child care area is in her basement, but I feel the kiddos get plenty of outdoor time, even in winter. We keep snow pants and boots there. She doesn’t follow the public school calendar, which has been useful to us. There are fewer long stretches of days off. It took me a long time to post something because I wanted to keep her place a secret! But she has a long wait list too apparently, so sorry for those who are looking. We love Mary Jo, Ms. Cheryl, Akaylia, and Teal! Thank you all for working in childcare.

Darla Balas

Buds and Blooms is absolutely the best ! Mary Jo and the staff there become like your family.
Buds and Blooms is absolutely the best ! Mary Jo and the staff there become like your family. Without question, I knew that my children were well taken care of and safe every day, which is essential as a working parent. Mary Jo provides a consistent routine and cares enough to have high expectations for the kids. Buds and Blooms provides the professionalism and structure that you expect from a center but the warmth and level of care that you hope for in a home daycare; it really is the best of both worlds. We are truly so thankful to have found Mary Jo !

When the time came to find a proper daycare for my daughter Hailey
“When the time came to find a proper daycare for my daughter Hailey I was so stressed trying to find someone I could trust. For weeks I searched for someone and everyone I looked up had special investigation reports and failed assessments. But finally, I found Mary Jo! She is the best provider I have ever found I doubt I can trust anyone else as much as her with my daughter. She provides the proper routine, attention, learning activities, interactions and just all around safe place for my daughter. She was instrumental in potty training! I was very sad when I moved as was my daughter because this was the best environment for my daughter! She grew so much when she was there. So if you are looking for a daycare, I am so serious when I tell you that you will never find anyone so involved and caring with the kids. My daughter still asks about Mary Jo’s house, we both miss her. You will never regret leaving your child in her care. THANK YOU MARY JO!”

Drew has a few extra medical requirements...
“Mary Jo and Donna take amazing care of my son. Drew has a few extra medical requirements, and he is cared for very well. My son loves going there every morning.”

I was so nervous about sending my first baby to daycare.
I was so nervous about sending my first baby to daycare. I had called many places, and they were either full or I didn’t want to send my kid there! I finally called Mary Jo and told myself that if she was full, I was going to have to quit my job. Sure enough, she had a spot. All three of our kids have gone to Mary Jo’s. I have always been 110% satisfied with their care. I even went to Mary Jo when my son was born for advice on how to get him to sleep! She takes such good care of the kids. It is awesome not having to feel nervous about having your kids in daycare. She teaches them so much! They have all learned their letters, songs, alphabet, etc. I know my oldest daughter even learned state capitals there! Mary Jo is awesome. I am going to miss going there when I don’t have kids there anymore. All of our kids talk about all the fun things they did there and her yummy food, too!! Please feel free to reach out to her for my info if you would want to talk in person and hear how great she is. 🙂

Can’t say enough good things!
“Our daughter loves Mary Jo and going to daycare with her and Donna! I’m not sure I could go to work if we hadn’t found this daycare. Can’t say enough good things!”

Buds and Blooms Daycare with Mary Jo Mitchell

There is only one Buds and Blooms and there is only one Mary Jo, and if you’re lucky enough to live in Traverse City and get a spot in this daycare, you will feel like you won the lottery. Our son was so happy there and well cared for – now he’s in school and still talks about how much he misses Mary Jo and all his friends at Buds and Blooms.

Mary Jo has a lifetime of experience in childcare, and treats every child with love, kindness and respect. She is lovingly referred to as “the child whisperer” … because somehow she and her wonderful staff can elicit the kind of good behavior from our children that we can only dream of (when we actually get any sleep).

She provides all kinds of educational and creative activities for the kids, makes everything special and fun, and prioritizes the kids’ health, an airtight schedule, and lots of outdoor playtime in THE cutest backyard playground. All the kids sit around and eat together, take walks, laugh and play, and are simply the most darling little community I have ever seen. Our son had a giant smile on his face every single day we picked him up, and even referred to going to daycare as a “party” because he had so much fun there. And he actually napped there (but never since… sigh).

Mary Jo is extremely professional, reliable, and personable. She’s a clear communicator with parents and kids alike and she is full of sage advice and humor that makes sharing these early years with her so very precious. I will never run out of good things to say about her, and I know I’m in good company. We will always consider Mary Jo a blessing and part of our family!

Tara S. – Traverse City, 12/10/25

I’d recommend Buds & Blooms to everyone.  The owner Mary Jo is wonderful – she’s professional and very organized, yet easygoing and accommodating to each family’s specific needs.  She and her two helpers are so kind and caring, and my daughter loves them.  They provide a solid structure with daily routines and educational lessons, alongside plenty of creativity and playtime including songs, crafts, outside walks and play in the backyard (which is a child’s dream playground).  I have only positive feedback on our time with Buds & Blooms and will always be grateful for our experience with them. Becky

I am so happy I was referred
“I never once had to worry about the professional care and love my girls received when they were with Mary Jo. Selecting a good daycare can be very stressful. I am so happy I was referred to her and now I refer my friends. My kids are in school now, but have wonderful memories of their time with Mary Jo.”