Early Childhood Education Center

The ECEC is a unit of the College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS). We are a high quality early childhood program. 

Our early childhood program applies a Reggio Emilia inspired constructivism theory of learning to early childhood education. Our curriculum focus is nurturing children's critical thinking skills and problem solving skills. 

The ECEC is a State of Michigan approved and  (NAEYC) accredited early learning center for young children.  NAEYC's voluntary accreditation system has set standards for early childhood education programs and helped interested parties identify high-quality educational programs for young children. ECEC has accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children effective through 2027.

In addition, the ECEC is also a 5-star rated Great Start to Quality school (Demonstrating Quality) and a recipient of the 2018 Early Learning Award. 

We also serve as a model teacher preparation and child study facility for university students enrolled in a variety of ÂÜÀòÉç-Dearborn education courses.

2025-2026 Enrollment Information

The enrollment application for the 2025-2026 school year will become available on our website Monday, February 17th, 2025 at 8:00 am. Spots are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Five day enrollment takes priority. Summer camp enrollment will be available on our website around the middle of March 2025. For any further questions please contact our front desk at 313-593-5424 or email us at [email protected].

*If we have a spot for your child you will receive a confirmation email within 10 days of submitting your application. In the email, enrollment paperwork will be provided for you to complete. 

*If you do not receive a confirmation email within 10 days of submitting your application your child has been placed on the waitlist. You are welcome to call or email the front desk to see your child's spot on the waitlist.

Open House Tour

The ECEC will be hosting an open house tour on Friday, February 28th from 10am to 12pm. Parents are welcome to walk through our classrooms, ask questions, and learn more about our program! Any children attending must be held or walking next to their adult- this is not an opportunity to play. This event is focused on adults learning about our program.

 

If you're interested in attending please RSVP by signing up in the link below:

ECEC Summer Camp

Each summer the ECEC has a summer camp for ages 1 years old and walking through 8 years old. The camp runs for six weeks starting after the fourth of the July and goes through mid August. We incorporate camp themes into the lesson plans every two weeks to make it fun for the children. The themes in years past have been The Great Outdoors, Summer Olympics, and Animals. Children get more outside time over the summer and lots of water play. Camp hours are from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Early drop off is not provided and late stay is offered until 5:00 pm. Families are able to sign up for one week at a time if you do not want to attend all six weeks. You will choose the weeks of enrollment on the application. The schedules you can choose from are the same as the school year (2 days on Tues/Thurs, 3 days on Mon/Wed/Fri, or 5 days a week). The cost for toddlers is $80 per day and preschool and older children are $70 per day. To inquire further about the program please contact our front desk at 313-593-5424 or send an email to [email protected].

Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)

Enrollment Information

Each year the ECEC applies for the Great Start to Readiness Program grant that is offered through the State of Michigan. This program allows us to provide free (or significantly reduced) preschool programming to children who are 4 years old by September 1st, 2025. 

The program runs Monday through Thursday from 8am to 4pm. Families who are interested can fill out the interest form attached and send it to the office ([email protected]). This way we can let you know when the state releases the additional forms that need to be filled out for each application. The program is largely based on family income right now, and the state will provide additional feedback to our program regarding enrollment timelines and qualification factors. 

We have gotten word from the state that there may be an online portal for families opening soon for GSRP paperwork and will let all interested families know if any forms or procedures update as we get more information from the State of Michigan. 

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Required Documents:

Additional Required Documents:

  • Documentation of Income (W-2, 1040, or Pay Stubs)
  • Parent Identification
  • Copy of Birth Certificate or Alternative Proof of Birth
  • Proof of Immunizations/Shot Record

Please note that incomplete applications will NOT be accepted, and the GSRP intake interview will need to be scheduled once all documentation is gathered.

NAEYC logoGSRP and RESA logos

ECEC Chancellor Community Partner of Choice Winner Wish List

Thank you for supporting the ECEC!  We are pleased to announce that we are the Chancellor's Community Partner of Choice Award winner.  If you wish to donate to our school, please see the wish list below:

Early Childhood Education Center

Early Childhood Education Center
18501 Rotunda
Dearborn, MI 48124