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I felt very confident, as a first-time mom, leaving my girls with Buds and Blooms
“Twenty-two years ago, my daughter, O’Malley, was Mary Jo’s very first daycare child. Two years later, she took in my second daughter. We still keep in touch and are very much a part of each other’s lives after all these years. I felt very confident, as a first-time mom, leaving my girls with Buds and Blooms.”

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

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 !

My son Brody considers Mary Jo like she is family!
My son Brody considers Mary Jo like she is family! She has a very structured and educational approach to daycare! I would highly recommend Buds and Blooms to anyone looking for quality daycare!

I never hesitate to tell someone that needs good care about Mary Jo! 🙂
“My daughter Shaylon was with Buds N Blooms from an infant until she started kindergarten. She’s now in 1st grade and 6 yrs old and still wants to see Mary Jo! My daughter came out saying ABC’s and counting and was always looked after and treated as she was their own. I never hesitate to tell someone that needs good care about Mary Jo! :)”

The staff at Buds and Blooms is like family to us...
“I couldn’t ask for a better daycare for my daughter. The staff at Buds and Blooms is like family to us. Our daughter looks forward to the days when she goes to “Mary Jo’s house”. Thank you Buds and Blooms for making the transition on being a working mom so easy on both my daughter and mom.

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

Nosh H

This daycare is amazing! I started sending my daughter there when we moved to traverse city 2019. I was lucky that she had an opening and somehow I felt that it was god’s way of letting us know we were not alone in here. Mary jo is kind, well educated and beyond wonderful with kids. as soon as I found out I was pregnant with my second child, I signed her up there as well. this year my oldest started preschool and they were surprised of how much she knows including her numbers, counting, alphabet and colors in addition to her social development, she is not shy and very outgoing. my kid is thriving in preschool and I owe that to MARY JO. both of my children loves the staff and the environment, feels like family. Mary jo feels like family and I would recommend this daycare to anyone looking for the best child care.

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.”