Child Care & Preschool Programs

Centers listed care for 13 or more children and are licensed by the Michigan Department of Human Services (MDHS). Most centers are open year-round and take applications any time, but those that run preschools or kindergartens often enroll for the school year. Hours are Mon.–Fri. unless otherwise specified.  

Home Day Care: Ann Arbor has 30 active, registered day care family homes (for 6 or fewer children) and licensed group homes (for up to 12 children). For information, contact the Child Care Network (734) 975–1840, childcarenetwork.org, or visit greatstarttoquality.org to search a database of family and group homes. 

Allergies: Many centers have food allergy programs. Contact providers.

Key
EC — Extended care before and/or after school for elementary students (some also provide transportation—call to ask)
BA — All teachers hold at least a bachelor’s degree in child development or a related field
Drop-in — Drop-in child care available
NAEYC — Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
TT — Child must be toilet trained

Alaina’s Children’s Center–East

3220 Oakwood • (734) 973–7222
Full- and part-time day care for ages 6 weeks–6 years. Multi-age preschool and preK for ages 2½–5. Camps and field trips in the summer. Procare in all classrooms to connect parents with children. Adult-child ratios 1:3–1:8. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Contact for pricing. [email protected], alainascc.com Drop-in

Alaina’s Children’s Center–Downtown

216 Beakes • (734) 761–8070
Full- and part-time day care and preschool for ages 6 weeks–12 years. Music program, camps and field trips in summer, and Procare in all classrooms to connect parents with children. Adult-child ratios 1:3–1:10. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Contact for pricing. [email protected], alainascc.com Drop-in

Ann Arbor Christian School

5500 Whitmore Lake Rd. • (734) 741–4948
Half-day preschool and half- or full-day kindergarten with Christian faith integration. Age 3 meets Tues. & Thurs. 8:15–11:45 a.m. ($1,961/year); age 4 meets Mon., Wed., & Fri. 8:15–11:45 a.m. ($2,942/year); half-day kindergarten meets Mon.–Fri. 8:15–11:45 a.m. ($5,781/year), full-day kindergarten meets Mon.–Fri. 8:15 a.m.–3:15 p.m. ($10,360/year). Preschool students may enroll for additional days. After-school care available. [email protected], annarborchristian.org EC

Ann Arbor Public Schools Preschool Programs

Comprehensive preschool education for infants–age 5 at the following elementary schools: Abbot, Allen, Angell, Bach, Bryant, Carpenter, Dicken (afternoon only), Eberwhite, Lakewood, Logan, Mitchell, Pittsfield, and Thurston.

Ann Arbor Public Schools Westerman Preschool & Family Center

2775 Boardwalk • (734) 994–2303
Comprehensive early childhood programs for infants–age 5. Natasha York, principal. Runs the Head Start and Great Start Readiness Program for children ages 3 & 4 who live in the Washtenaw Intermediate School District and meet eligibility guidelines. Early Childhood Special Education program for ages 3–5 who have diagnosed disabilities. Ongoing enrollment. Tuition-based programs are available. a2schools.org/preschool

Ann Arbor YMCA Child Development Center

400 W. Washington • (734) 263–2094
Year-round child care for ages 2½–5; ages 3½–5 includes weekly swim lesson (school year only). After-school care for K–5 (enrollment & transportation from A2 Open, Bach, Eberwhite, Haisley, & Wines). Adult-child ratios 1:8–1:10. $787–$1,545/month; reduced rates available for YMCA members. 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Scholarships available; MDHS payment assistance accepted. [email protected], annarborymca.org NAEYC, Drop-In

Annie’s Children’s Center–West

5350 Park • (734) 663–8081
Full- and part-time infant/toddler care, preschool, and full-year school-age program. Music and dance programs. Transportation available to/from Haisley and from Dexter school. Camps and field trips in summer. Procare app in all classrooms to connect parents with children. 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Contact for pricing. [email protected], anniescc.com EC, BA

Bilingual House

Child Care Center, 3181 Packard • Group Child Care Home, 2788 Manchester Rd. • (734) 780-1529
Full-time Mandarin Chinese and English immersion preschool and daycare for ages 2 weeks–5 years. Offers developmentally appropriate programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Before- and after-school programs available. Adult-infant/toddler ratio 1:4, adult-preschooler ratio 1:6 at the Center; adult-child ratio 1:6 at the Group Home. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. [email protected], bilingualhouse.org EC, Drop-in, BA

A Child’s Place

1301 Morningside • (734) 417–5008
Montessori-inspired infant, toddler, and preschool program for ages newborn–12 years. Currently accepting full-time clients (40 hours/week). Adult-child ratios: infants 1:2; toddlers 1:4; preschool 1:8. Infants $440/week, toddlers $385/week, preschool $310/week; $7.70–$11/hour over 40 hours. Sibling discount. 7 a.m.–6 p.m. achildsplacea2.com

Children’s Creative Center

1600 Pauline • (734) 769–0019
Daycare for ages 1–6. Adult-child ratios 1:4–1:10. Summer program for ages 6–13. Intern program for students in grades 6–9, who assist teachers. Toddler care: ages 1–2 ($70/half day, $80/full day). Young preschool: ages 2½–4 ($65/half day, $75/full day). PreK: ages 4–5 ($65/half day, $70/full day) [email protected], childrenscreativecenter.org EC

Christian Montessori School of Ann Arbor

5225 Jackson Rd. • (734) 332–9600
Programs in a nondenominational Christian environment for infants–age 5. Montessori-credentialed teachers. Morning and afternoon extended care available (4:30 p.m.). See website for class offerings and tuition. Financial assistance available to qualified applicants. [email protected], cmsaa.org EC

Community Day Care

CDC House: 1611 Westminster, (734) 761–7101 • CDC Forest: 4001 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd., (734) 680–5282
Two locations for preschoolers ages 2½–5 and Y5–K at CDC Forest. Half- and full-day and part-week options available. Summer camp for post-K through pre-6th grade. Adult-child ratio 1:7. 7:45 a.m.–5:15 p.m. Scholarships available. [email protected], communitydaycareinc.org EC (for students at Burns Park & Lawton), BA, NAEYC

Dexter Co-op Preschool

8260 Jackson Rd. • 734) 426–2491
Age 3 meets Mon. & Thurs.; age 4 meets Tues., Wed., & Fri. Adult-child ratio 1:4. Morning (8:30–11 a.m.) and afternoon (noon–2:30 p.m.), Sept.–May. Call or check website for rates. dextercoop.com BA

Doughty Montessori School

416 S. Ashley • (734) 663–8050
Since 1977. Montessori preschool and kindergarten for ages 2½–7 years. Summer programs. Adult-child ratio 1:7. Full-time 8:15 a.m.–5:30 p.m., school-day 9 a.m.–3:45 p.m., and half-day 9 a.m.–noon. doughtymontessori.com

Elements Natural Learning Community

5141 Platt • (734) 369–3357
Play-based, self-directed care and immersion in the natural world for children ages 3–5½. Families help run the school and volunteer in the classroom. Adult-child ratio 1:7 or less. Full- and half-day care available; $45–$65/day. Scholarships available. Mon.–Thurs. 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. [email protected], elementspreschoolmi.com

First United Methodist Cooperative Nursery

120 S. State • (734) 662–7660
Co-op preschool for ages 3–5 (must be at least 3 by Sept. 1); age 2 drop-off and parent group. Reggio Emilia–inspired, play-based approach to learning and kindergarten readiness. Parents assist in class 6–9 times per semester. Age 2 meets Tues.–Thurs. 9 a.m.–noon (from $135–$405/month, depending on number of mornings). Parent playground Fri. 9–11:30 a.m. ($40/month). Flexible, multi-age preschool classes Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (from $180–$450/month, depending on number of mornings). Extended-day option Mon., Wed., & Fri. Adult-child ratio 5:1. Tuition assistance available. [email protected], fumcnpreschool.org

Foundations Preschool of Washtenaw County

3770 Packard • (734) 677–8130
Celebrating 90 years. Daycare, preschool, and family center for ages 6 weeks–5 years. Children entering grades K–1 may participate in Days of Discovery summer STEAM camp. Great Start Readiness Program participant. Meals and snacks provided. Adult-infant/toddler ratio 1:4; adult-preschooler ratio 1:8. Tuition based on a sliding scale. 7 a.m.–6 p.m. foundations-preschool.org BA, NAEYC

Green House Montessori School

3613 Green Brier • (734) 913–0021
Montessori preschool and kindergarten for ages 14 months–6 years. Full- and half-day programs, extracurricular activities, and summer camp for children up to age 9. Teachers are Montessori certified. Accredited by the American Montessori, Michigan Montessori, and International Montessori societies. Adult-child ratios 1:4–1:12. 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Call for rates. [email protected], mimontessoriacademy.com/green-house BA, EC

Gretchen’s House–Dhu Varren

1580 Dhu Varren • (734) 821–2800
Full- and part-time programs for ages 3 months–11 years. After-school and summer programs for school-age children. Off-site school-age programs at Northside Community Church (929 Barton). Adult-child ratios 1:4–1:10. 7:45 a.m.–5:15 p.m. [email protected], gretchenshouse.com EC, NAEYC

Gretchen’s House–Mount Vernon

700 Mount Vernon • (734) 769–4402
The “Big House.” Full- and part-time programs for ages 3–5. After-school care for school-age children. Off-site school-age program at Zion Lutheran Church (1501 W. Liberty). Summer camp for ages 5–7. Adult-child ratios 1:8–1:10. 7:45 a.m.–5:15 p.m. [email protected], gretchenshouse.com EC, NAEYC

Gretchen’s House–Northside

929 Barton • (734) 821–2801
After-school programs for grades Y5–5 from Thurston, A2STEAM at Northside, and Logan elementary schools. Summer programs for school-age children. Adult-child ratio 1:10. Summer hours 7:45 a.m.–5:15 p.m.; school-year hours school release–5:15 p.m. [email protected], gretchenshouse.com EC, NAEYC

Gretchen’s House—Zion

1501 W. Liberty • (734) 845–8991
After-school programs for grades Y5–5 from AA Open, Bach, and Eberwhite schools. Summer programs for school-age children. Adult-child ratio 1:10. Summer hours 7:45 a.m.–5:15 p.m.; school-year hours school release–5:15 p.m [email protected], gretchenshouse.com EC, NAEYC

Ivybrook Academy Ann Arbor

5950 S. State • (734) 499–0059
Opening summer/fall 2025 for the 2025–26 school year. Proprietary curriculum inspired by Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and the theory of multiple intelligences. Half-day preschool program for ages 1½–5; dual-session option for age 3+. Discovery Program offers classes in music and movement, foreign language, creative expression, and literacy. Outdoor classroom programs. Adult-child ratios: toddlers and Y2s 1:4; age 2 1:7; age 3 1:8; preK and transitional Kindergarten 1:10. Open Sept.–June (aligns with AAPS school calendar) 8:15 a.m.–noon and 12:45–4:30 p.m. Separate summer camp program July–Aug. 9 a.m.–noon. [email protected], ivybrookacademy.com BA, NAEYC, V

KingCare

3800 Waldenwood • (734) 994–4485
Child care enrichment program for King Elementary students during the school year. Child care spots for the 2024–25 school year are full; waitlist available on website. [email protected], kingchildcare.com

Little Blue Preschool

113 Eighth • (734) 369–2792
Child care for ages 1–5 with a focus on HighScope curriculum, with opportunities for problem-solving and creativity. Adult-child ratios 2:5–1:7. Ages 1–2½ years, $80/full day; preschool for ages 2½–5 years, $280/week or $56/full day. Open school days 8 a.m.–5:15 p.m. BA

Little Folk’s Corner

4850 Dexter Rd. • (734) 769–0944
Day care and preschool for ages 6 weeks–preK. Half- and full-day care available for all programs. Minimum 2 days/week. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. littlefolkscorner.com

Little Saints Preschool

540 Elizabeth (St. Thomas the Apostle School) • (734) 769–0911
Preschool for ages 3–5. Half-day 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; school day 8 a.m.–3:10 p.m.; extended-day schedule 3:10–5:30 p.m. Call for rates. sta2.org/school/preschool TT

Manzanitas Spanish Immersion Preschool

2626 Packard • (734) 975–9104
Ages 6 months–6 years. Reggio Emilia–inspired Spanish-language immersion programs for infants, toddlers, preschool, and Y5s. Full- & part-time. Adult-child ratios 1:4–1:8. 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. See website for rates and scholarship information. appleplayschools.org/manzanitas Drop-In

OakTrails Montessori

6727 Warren • (734) 662–8016
Established 1956. Preschool, kindergarten, and transitional 1st grade for ages 2¾–6. Full- and part-time care available. Morning program 8:30 a.m.–noon, $6,940; lunch program 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m., $8,460; full-day program 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m., $11,000. Sibling discount. Adult-child ratio 1:8. [email protected], oaktrails.org BA, EC

Squiggle Room

100 Oakbrook • (734) 369–4276
Montessori- and Reggio Emilia–inspired HighScope preschool program for ages 6 weeks–5 years. Emphasis on art, music, and yoga. $385–$2,330/month. No openings as of July 2024. squiggleroom.com

St. Paul Preschool–Downtown Campus

420 W. Liberty (St. Paul Lutheran Church, lower level) • (734) 668–0887
Year-round child care with a Christian base for ages 23/4–5 years. Play-based and age-related activities in a mixed-age classroom. Summer camp program from mid-June–mid-Aug. Teacher student ratio: 1:7 or less. Half-day 9 a.m.–noon, full-day 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. [email protected], school.stpaulannarbor.org BA

TLC Adventure Preschool

1400 W. Stadium (Trinity Lutheran Church) • (734) 662–4419 • (734) 645–5248
ELEA-associated preschool for ages 2½–6. Adult-child ratio 1:7. $58/month (plus $75 registration fee). 5% sibling discount. Mon., Wed., & Fri. 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Nov.–May. [email protected], trinitya2.org/preschool BA, TT

Triangle Cooperative Preschool

1432 Washtenaw Ave. (First Presbyterian Church) • (734) 221–0905
Mixed-age preschool for ages 3–5. Parents assist in class 1–3 times/month. Adult-child ratio 1:5. $675/semester for 2 days/week; $975 for 3 days; $1,275 for 4 days. Sibling care and some tuition assistance available. Mon.–Thurs. 9:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Sept.–May. [email protected], trianglecoop.org

The U School

3630 Plaza, stes. 5A and 6A • (734) 368–9551
A new-model preschool, preK, and Y5 program offering Skillful Togetherness Curriculum for ages 2¾–5 years. Adult-child ratio: 1:8. Part-time $53/half day, $84/full day. Full-time $374/week. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. [email protected], theubuntuschool.org Drop-in, BA

U-M Children’s Centers

Health System Children’s Center: 2601 Glazier Way, (734) 998–6195 • North Campus Children’s Center: 2800 Plymouth Rd., (734) 763–3939 • Towsley Children’s House, 710 S. Forest, (734) 763–3400
Full-day programs for newborns–5 years. Open to the public (priority for U-M affiliates, waiting list for enrollment). Ratios, hours, and tuition rates vary by center. childcare.umich.edu Drop-in, EC