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 National Association for the Education of Young Children (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 4-star rated Great Start to Quality school 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 UM-Dearborn education courses.

2023-2024 New Family School Year Enrollment Application

Thank you for your interest in the UM-Dearborn Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC).  Enrollment is now in progress for continuing and new families.  Classes will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Five day enrollment does take priority.

New Families:  Please click on the Enrollment button below to complete and submit your application. 

Current Families:  Please use the link provided in your enrollment email.

After your application has been processed (10 business days) and placement has been confirmed, you will receive a Contract Agreement and other required enrollment paperwork that must be signed and returned to the ECEC Office along with the $250.00 enrollment fee.  Spaces are not confirmed until contract, payment, and enrollment paperwork are received.  

If a space is not available for your child you will be notified by email that your family has been placed on our wait list and we will let you know if a space becomes available later in the year.

Please contact the ECEC front desk with any questions at umd-ececoffice@umich.edu or 313-593-5424.

Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)

Enrollment Information

The ECEC plans to offer the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) for the 2023-2024 school year. The GSRP Program is a state-funded, preschool program for qualifying 4-year-olds. (Children that are 4 years old by September 1st, 2023 will receive priority - children that are 4 years old by December 1st, 2023 may be enrolled after September 2nd if there are remaining spots available to those that qualify.) 

Please review and complete the GSRP Interest Form and necessary paperwork below. This paperwork can be turned into the ECEC Office. Once you have completed all of the necessary paperwork below, please contact the front desk at 313-593-5424 or umd-ececoffice@umich.edu to schedule a GSRP intake interview. Intake interviews are part of the application process and do not guarantee admission to the program.

Required documents:
Additional Required documents:
  • Documentation of Income
  • 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 rescheduled once all documentation is gathered.

Once the 2023-2024 Grant is approved through the Governor of Michigan, this usually occurs at the end of June, the application enrollment will begin based on GSRP regulations.

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
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