Early Childhood Education Center

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

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 UM-Dearborn education courses.

2025-2026 Enrollment Information

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 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.

 

Please contact the ECEC front desk with any questions at [email protected] or 313-593-5424.

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 forms below and send them to the office ([email protected]). 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. 

Once all application forms are completed and turned in to the ECEC we will schedule a phone interview to review the information. 

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