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. Multiage 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. [email protected], alainascc.com Drop-in

Ann Arbor Christian School Preschool Programs

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. ($2,039/year); age 4 meets Mon., Wed., & Fri. 8:15–11:45 a.m. ($3,060/year); half-day kindergarten meets 8:15–11:45 a.m. ($6,012/year), full-day kindergarten meets 8:15 a.m.–3:15 p.m. ($10,774/year). Preschool students may enroll for additional days. After-school care available. [email protected], annarborchristian.org EC

Ann Arbor Hills Child Development Center

2775 Bedford. (734) 971–3080
Preschool for ages 2½–preK. Codirectors Ramelle Alexander & Amy Jordan. Meets 2–5 days/week, 9 a.m.–noon. Optional extended programs until 3 p.m. Parents & toddlers class Fri. 9–10:15 a.m., young toddlers Fri. 10:30 a.m.–noon. [email protected], aahcdc.com BA

Ann Arbor Public Schools Before- and After-School Care (Rec & Ed)

(734) 993–2300
Before-and after-school care offered at the following elementary schools: Abbot, Angell, Bach, Carpenter, Eberwhite, Haisley (buses to Abbot), Logan, and Wines. After-care offered at the following schools: Allen, Bryant, Dicken, Lakewood, Mitchell, Pattengill (buses to Bryant), Pittsfield (buses to Mitchell), and Thurston. Full-time and 2- and 3-day morning and/or evening options available. $99.20–$621/month, depending on number of days. reced.a2schools.org/beforeafter-care

Ann Arbor Public Schools Westerman Preschool & Family Center

2775 Boardwalk • (734) 994–2303
Comprehensive early childhood programs for infants–age 5. Principal Natasha York. 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) 661–8058
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, and Wines). Adult-child ratios 1:8–1:10. $484–$1,730/month; reduced rates available for YMCA members. 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Scholarships available; DHHS payment assistance accepted. [email protected], annarborymca.org EC, Drop-in, NAEYC

Annie’s Children’s Center–West

5350 Park • (734) 663–8081
Full- and part-time infant/toddler care, preschool, preK, and before-/after-school care for ages 6 weeks–12 years. Transportation available to/from Haisley and from Dexter schools. Camps and field trips in summer. 7 a.m.–6 p.m. [email protected], anniescc.com BA, EC

Bilingual House

Child Care Center, 3181 Packard • Group Child Care Home, 2788 Manchester Rd. • (734) 477–0546
Full-time Mandarin Chinese and English immersion preschool and day care for ages 2 weeks–5 years. Offers developmentally appropriate programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Before- and after-school programs available. Adult-infant ratio 1:2, adult-toddler ratio 1:4, adult-preschooler ratio 1:6. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. [email protected], bilingualhouse.org Drop-in, EC

Children’s Creative Center

1600 Pauline • (734) 769–0019
Day care for ages 1–6. Summer program for ages 6–13. Intern program for students in grades 6–9, who assist teachers. Adult-child ratios 1:4–1:10. Toddler care: ages 1–2 ($75/half day, $85/full day). Young preschool: ages 2½–4 ($70/half day, $80/full day). PreK: ages 4–5 ($65/half day, $75/full day). [email protected], childrenscreativecenter.org

Christian Montessori School of Ann Arbor Preschool Programs

5225 Jackson Rd. • (734) 332–9600
Programs in a nondenominational Christian environment for infants–age 5. Montessori-certified teachers. Morning and afternoon extended care available (4:30 p.m.). Financial assistance available to qualified applicants. Apply online. 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, GSRP at CDC Forest. Half- and full-day and part-week options available. Summer camp for rising grades 1–5. Adult-child ratio 1:7. 7:45 a.m.–5:15 p.m. Tuition assistance available; accepts state child care subsidy. [email protected], communitydaycareinc.org BA, EC (for students attending Burns Park & Lawton), NAEYC

Dexter Cooperative Preschool

8260 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor • (734) 426–2491
Part-time preschool with experienced teachers and parent/caregiver involvement. 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. dextercoop.com

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–$70/day. Scholarships available. Mon.–Thurs. 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. [email protected], elementspreschoolmi.com BA, TT

First United Methodist Cooperative Nursery (FUMCN Preschool)

120 S. State • (734) 662–7660
Co-op preschool for ages 3–5 (must be age 3+ by Sept. 1); Twos drop-off program (must be age 2 by Sept 1); and Parent Playgroup (age 2½ –3). Reggio Emilia–inspired, play-based approach to learning and kindergarten readiness. Parents assist in preschool class 6–9 times per semester. Twos class meets Tues.–Thurs. 9 a.m.–noon (from $135–$405/month, depending on number of mornings). Parent playgroup Mon. 9:30–11:30 a.m. ($45/month). Flexible, multiage preschool classes 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (from $190–$475/month, depending on number of mornings). Extended-day option Mon., Wed., & Fri. 8:30 a.m. drop-off, with pick up between 3:30–4:30 p.m. (from $205–$615/month). Adult-child ratio 5:1. Tuition assistance available. [email protected], fumcnpreschool.org BA

Foundations Preschool of Washtenaw County

3770 Packard • (734) 677–8130
Celebrating 90 years. Day care, preschool, and family center for ages 6 weeks–5 years. Children entering grades K–1 may participate in Days of Discovery summer STEAM camp. GSRP 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

Greenhouse Montessori School

3613 Green Brier • (734) 913–0021
Montessori preschool and kindergarten for infants–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. [email protected], mimontessoriacademy.com/green-house 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. gretchenshouse.com/dhu-varren NAEYC

Gretchen’s House–Mount Vernon

700 Mt. 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. gretchenshouse.com/mt-vernon EC, NAEYC

Little Blue Preschool

113 Eighth • (734) 369–2792
Child care for ages 6 months–5 years. Focus on HighScope curriculum, with opportunities for problem-solving and creativity. Adult-child ratios: baby/toddler 1:4; preschool 1:8. $85/day ages 6 months–2½ years; $65/full day ages 2½–5 years. 8 a.m.–5:15 p.m. littlebluepreschool.org BA

Little Saints Preschool

540 Elizabeth (St. Thomas the Apostle School) • (734) 769–0911
Preschool for ages 2–5. 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. sta2.org/school/preschool EC, TT

OakTrails Montessori

6727 Warren Rd. • (734) 662–8016
Established 1956. Preschool, kindergarten, and transitional 1st grade for ages 2¾–6. Adult-child ratio 1:8. 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. [email protected], oaktrails.org BA, TT

Squiggle Room

100 Oakbrook • (734) 369–4276
Reggio Emilia–inspired creative curriculum preschool program for ages 6 weeks–5 years. Emphasis on art, music, and movement. $400–$2,500/month. Enrollment openings for ages 3–4. 6 a.m.–6 p.m. squiggleroom.com

Stone School Cooperative Preschool

2811 Stone School Rd. • (734) 971–4820
Offering a play-based, child-centered preschool program for ages 2¾–6 years; summer camp for ages 2¾–12. Emphasis on academic readiness and social skills. Families assist with one job around the school and participate in two general meetings per year as a cooperative requirement. [email protected], stoneschool.org

TLC Adventure Preschool

1400 W. Stadium (Trinity Lutheran Church) • (734) 645–5248
Serving the Ann Arbor community for over 55 years. ELEA-associated preschool for ages 2½–6. Adult-child ratio 1:6. $480/month (plus $75 registration fee). 5% sibling discount. Mon., Wed., & Fri. 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Sept.–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 3–4. Parents assist in class 1–3 times/month. $675/semester for 2 days/week; $975 for 3 days; $1,275 for 4 days. Sibling care available. Mon.–Fri. 9:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. [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. Adult-child ratio 1:8. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. [email protected], theubuntuschool.org BA, Drop-in, EC

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–age 5. Open to the public (priority for U-M affiliates, waiting list for enrollment). Ratios, hours, and tuition rates vary by center. childcare.umich.edu