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.

2024-2025 School Year Enrollment

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 waitlist 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 [email protected] or 313-593-5424.

2024 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 between the months of July and August. We incorporate camp themes into the lesson plans every two weeks to make it fun for the children. In years past, some of the themes include art and artists, transportation, science, and oceans. 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 summer camp application will be available on our website around the end of March. 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, 2024. 

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. 

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
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