Children's Centers

The University of Michigan Children's Centers support the teaching, research and service missions of the university by providing exemplary care for children of faculty, staff and students. U-M and community families are invited to learn more about our waitlist and apply using our online form.

Our programs provide a supportive learning environment for young children where each child's day has an individual rhythm, as well as a predictable flow and structure. To ensure this balance, we provide a warm, nurturing setting that encourages children to learn through hands-on interactive exploration. A play-based approach provides a child-centered, teacher-guided curriculum, in which children are encouraged to construct their own knowledge.

We are committed to creating a nurturing learning environment in partnership with parents to develop a sense of belonging and high self-esteem in each child. We believe this philosophy represents a strong foundation on which to begin lifelong learning and to launch a positive sense of self, others and the world.

Help us support exemplary early childhood education at Michigan by giving, in any amount, to the Children's Centers.

View the Children's Centers' Impact Report.

The U-M Children's Centers are a part of University Human Resources. Christine Snyder, Director of Child and Family Care, has oversight of the three U-M Ann Arbor Children's Centers.

Nature-based Classrooms at the U-M Children’s Centers