Frequently Asked Questions

What are the goals of the U-M Child Care Initiative?

The initiative has three core goals: (1) increase capacity; (2) offer infant/toddler care programs; (3) improve U-M child care facilities. The specific steps that will be taken to support each of these goals will likely be developed and implemented in phases over time.

What is the timeframe for implementation?

Some of the immediate results include the identification of 21 new slots for child care. 16 of these opening are for home-based infant and toddler care through the Campus Child Care Home Network, which helps recruit and train family day care providers. Five spaces for infant care were also made available at the UMHS Child Care Center. Building renovation and/or new construction require a substantial planning period and the process of gathering input and considering options is now taking place so that specific plans can be developed for program enhancements and facilities improvement.

How will the Child Care Initiative affect the operations of existing U-M child care centers?

The centers will continue to operate with the same high-caliber early childhood education programs they have established. There have been some administrative changes including the transfer of administrative responsibility for the U-M Children’s Centers and Pound House Children's Center to Human Resources & Affirmative Action.

What kind of facility improvements are expected to occur as a result of the Initiative?

While it’s too early to know specific recommendations for facility changes, improvements may include building renovation and/or new construction. Currently, child care center directors and teachers are working with the Child Care Initiative to review newly released accreditation standards so that facility planning supports new programs that will be fully accredited.

Will child care costs increase as a result of the Initiative?

The Child Care Initiative is very mindful of the need for broad access to child care by the members of the University community. Increased fees will not occur as a result of any new construction that is proposed. Funding for construction and/or renovation would be requested from central capital funding sources and the Child Care Initiative would follow the University's established process for requesting and seeking approval for such expenditures.

Are child care scholarships and/or other forms of financial assistance available?

Yes. Various types of financial assistance are available to those who meet eligibility requirements. Some of the forms of financial support available include child care subsidies, grants, and scholarships. Parents should contact the individual centers for details about requirements and types of financial assistance for which they may be eligible. You may view a list of U-M Child Care Centers with contact information.

Which centers currently provide infant and toddler care?

Currently, the U-M Health System’s Child Care Center offers infant and toddler care. Also, home-based infant and toddler care is available through the Campus Child Care Home Network, which helps recruit and train family day care providers. More information is available through the Work/Life Resource Center of Human Resources & Affirmative Action.

Will infant and toddler care services be available at all U-M child care centers in the future?

It’s doubtful that all centers could offer infant and toddler care cost effectively. The center locations to offer infant and toddler care as well as the capacity available will be determined in consultation with center directors and teachers in accordance with the state requirements and accreditation standards that guide such programs and help ensure top quality care during the important formative years of toddler through age five.

Is the educational philosophy/focus the same in all of the centers?

All U-M child care centers use developmentally, culturally and linguistically effective learning approaches for early childhood education. Each center takes an individual approach in developing their specific educational programs.

How are the centers accredited?

All U-M Child Care Centers meet both the requirements of the State of Michigan and meet or exceed the accreditation standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, which has established consistent and developmentally appropriate standards for providing quality preschool programs.

Which centers conduct research?

The U-M Children's Centers provide observation, training and research opportunities for faculty and students from a variety of disciplines including psychology, education, social work, nursing, pediatrics and psychiatry. More information on the research and training mission is available on the website of the U-M Children's Centers.

Do all children participate in research programs?

Participation is voluntary. The U-M Children's Centers utilize an active consent procedure in which parents receive a letter detailing each research project and reply with their yes or no decision regarding their child's participation. Procedures for participation are followed carefully, and each project must be evaluated and approved by the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board, the research/training coordinator, and the senior director. More information is available from the U-M Children's Centers.

Is safety and emergency training part of accreditation?

Yes. As part of the universal accreditation standards, all center teachers are CPR certified and are trained in first aid.

Is an accredited Kindergarten program available at any of the centers?

A kindergarten program is currently offered at the U-M Children’s Center on N. Ingalls.

Are all of the centers open to children of UMHS and campus staff and faculty and U-M students?

Faculty, staff and student parents are eligible to utilize the U-M child care centers. The UMHS Child Care Center primarily serves Health System employees, but may open certain spots to the children of campus employees and student parents when there is capacity to do so.

Where can I get help finding child care near my work or home?

The Work/Life Resource Center can help. Parents can reach a referral counselor during normal business hours by phone at (734) 936-8677, or vist the Work/Life Resource Center website for more information.

How can I contact the individual child care centers?

A complete list of child care centers and contact information is found on the Work/Life Resource Center website.