Ms. C and T’s Learning Place, a local educational daycare in Saginaw, discovers what’s possible when transportation is no longer a barrier.
In the spring of 2025, Director Denecia Grant imagined taking students on educational field trips throughout Saginaw County to promote learning and engagement. One spot stood out: the Saginaw Art Museum.

“I thought it would be something fun for them to do and also a really eye-opening experience,” she said. “But of course, that barrier of transportation was there.”
With no other options, Ms. C and T’s had to ask parents to take time off work to transport kids to and from activities. For many families, that’s just not an option, limiting opportunities for students to explore beyond the center’s walls.

That changed when Ms. C and T’s partnered with STARS through its Rides to Wellness program, which provides scheduled transportation throughout Saginaw County.
According to Troy Rincher, Manager of Rides to Wellness at STARS, the program’s personalized approach makes it especially well-suited for organizations serving young children.
“Ms. C and T’s Learning Place is exactly the kind of community partner Rides to Wellness was designed to support,” Rincher said. “Our vehicles can accommodate child safety seats, our drivers are professionally trained and certified, and we provide a high level of door-to-door service that gives childcare providers peace of mind. When you’re transporting young children, reliability, safety, and personalized assistance matter. We can focus on the transportation so organizations like Ms. C and T’s can focus on creating meaningful experiences and learning opportunities for the kids they serve.”

During the summer of 2025, the center completed nine field trips, introducing the kids to experiences many had never had before. They ventured to the Saginaw Art Museum, Haithco Park, the Saginaw Children’s Zoo, Airborne Adventure Park, Quality 10 Cinemas, and other places across the county, learning from the sights and sounds of Saginaw.

“We got a lot of feedback, even from the parents, saying, ‘They’re having so much fun this summer,'” she said. “Being able to see more and be exposed to more outside of what we offer at Ms. C and T’s was incredible. The feedback we received from implementing these field trips was overwhelmingly positive.”

Beyond creating memorable experiences, the field trips supported the center’s educational mission.

“I try to alleviate the learning loss that happens during the summer,” Grant explained. “Being able to take field trips, something that’s fun and engaging instead of worksheets, allows us to keep kids learning while they’re enjoying themselves.”

For some of the kids, these trips gave them a chance to explore places they had never seen before.

“Some of the kids would not have had the opportunity to see that movie or visit those places outside of going with us,” she said. “Just being able to offer those experiences to them made it all worthwhile.”

Even the drive became part of the experience.

“Riding the bus was a great experience, and they’re always excited about it,” she said. “It might seem simple or trivial to us, but it was everything to them. That’s what we strive to do at Ms. C and T’s: to provide experiences that broaden their horizons.”

Now entering another summer of partnership, Ms. C and T’s has already scheduled 13 field trips, creating even more opportunities for discovery, learning, and growth.
“I would say this community partnership is right up there with our kids and our parents — it’s extremely important,” she said. “Had we not been able to do these field trips, it would have been another dull summer. Instead, we’re looking forward to another season full of opportunities.”

For Ms. C and T’s Learning Place, transportation is no longer a barrier. Through its partnership with STARS, it has become a bridge connecting children to new experiences and new possibilities.

“This has been one of the most vital community partnerships we’ve created since I’ve been here,” Grant said. “I am very thankful.”