Dexter – Children
A list of state-licensed child care centers. For information, contact the Child Care Network (734–975–1840 or 888–338–7656; [email protected], childcarenetwork.org) or visit greatstarttoquality.org to search a database of licensed family and group homes. Rates current as of September 2025.
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
Dexter Community Aquatic Club
Year-round competitive swim team open to all ages and abilities. Coaches work to instill self-confidence, sportsmanship, and teamwork through a supportive environment. Trains at Dexter Community Pool (3060 Kensington) or Dexter High School (2200 N. Parker). Participates in USA swimming and WISC leagues. Dexter residency not required. [email protected], dcacswimming.org
Dexter Community Education School Age Child Care
2704 Baker (Bates School) • (734) 424–4180, ext. 0
After-school care until 6 p.m. ($16.50/day) at Bates School (grades Y5–6). Escorts walk Anchor/Beacon and Wylie students (grades Y5–4) to Bates after school. Creekside (grades 5 & 6) students ride a bus to the bus hub and walk to Bates. Special care program available on scheduled no-school days. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], dexterschools.org
Dexter KinderCare
7220 Dexter–Ann Arbor Rd. • (734) 426–4463
Child care, preschool, and preK for ages 6 weeks–5 years. Adult-child ratios: infants (6 weeks–1 year) 1:4; toddlers (ages 1–2½) 1:4; Discovery preschool (ages 2½–3) 1:8; preschool (ages 3–4) 1:10; preK (ages 4–5) 1:12. Before- and after-school and holiday care for ages 5–12 1:16. 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m. kindercare.com
Dexter Little League
PO Box 67, Dexter 48130
Co-ed leagues for ages 5–12 include T-ball, machine-pitch baseball/softball, and minor and major league baseball/softball. Has the only local Challengers League, where students with special needs play within their comfort zones. [email protected], dexterlittleleague.com
Dexter Youth Football League
PO Box 394, Dexter 48130
Fall season tackle football for children entering grades 3–6. Flag football for grades 1–6. No tryouts. Registration closes July 15 for tackle football and Aug. 31 for flag football. [email protected], dexteryouthfootball.com
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Dexter
7050 Jomar Dr., Whitmore Lake • (734) 714–5140
Six age divisions for girls ages 5–18. Activities include camping, leadership, career exploration, and community service. Call to volunteer, join, or start a troop. [email protected], gshom.org
Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan
3075 Clark, ste. 301, Ypsi • (734) 712–5640
Research-based program teaches essential life skills to girls and gender-expansive youth in grades 3–6. Trained volunteer coaches facilitate lessons twice weekly for 8 weeks, Mar.–May, blending physical activity with life skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy. [email protected], girlsontherunsemi.org
Jenkins Early Childhood Learning Center
2801 Baker • (734) 424–4180, option 5
Dexter Community Schools. Director Gina Benson. Half-day preschool (ages 3 & 4) 2–4 days/week. Full- or part-time child care for ages 6 weeks–5 years 2, 3, or 5 days/week 7 a.m.–6 p.m. All-day Great Start Readiness Program Mon.–Thurs. 8:10 a.m.–3:10 p.m. [email protected], jenkins.dexterschools.org
Kidsland Montessori School
2870 Baker • (734) 424–0113
Infant care (6 weeks–1 year); toddler care (13–30 months); transition to preschool (31 months–3 years); and preschool/kindergarten (ages 3–6). Adult-child ratios: infants and toddlers 1:4; preschool and kindergarten 1:8–1:10. Before- and after-school care for school-age children (ages 5–12). [email protected], kidslandcare.com
Michigan Thunder FC
Competitive club soccer teams for ages U7–U18. Tryouts in mid-June. Year-round team and technical training, as well as community programs in fall, winter, & spring for ages 3–5 and 5–10. High school teams will be added in the future. [email protected], facebook.com/mithunderfc
Morning Star Child Care
7394 Dexter–Ann Arbor Rd. • (734) 424–9193
Infant care (2–15 months); toddler care (15 months–2½ years); preschool (ages 2½–4); and developmental kindergarten (ages 4–5). After-school care for school-age children (ages 5–12), including full-day programs during holidays and breaks. Special classes and summer tutoring. Summer camp for grades K–5. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. [email protected], morningstarchildcare.net
Scouting America, Michigan Crossroads Council
14258 Michigan St., Eagle 48822 • (517) 940–4210
Activities for young people in Cub Scouts (grades K–5) and leadership activities in Scouts BSA (grades 6–12), Venturing, and Sea Scouting (ages 14–21, 13 if 8th grade completed). See beascout.org for area groups. michiganscouting.org
Youth Programs at the Dexter District Library
3255 Alpine • (734) 426–4477
Story times, book clubs, chess club, makerspace, and crafts for young children, tweens, and teens. dexter.lib.mi.us/services