Health System Children's Center

The University of Michigan Health System Children's Center opened in 1991 to serve the child care needs of the faculty and staff of the University of Michigan Health System-Michigan Medicine. The Center is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs and offers full-and part-time programs designed to meet the needs of children three months of age to kindergarten-eligible in an environment where each child's day has an individual rhythm and predictable flow. To support this balance, the Center provides a warm, nurturing setting that encourages children to learn through hands-on experiential activities.

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. 

Environment

The Center is dedicated to providing a supportive, consistent, challenging, and holistic environment for young children.The design of the building reflects this philosophy. The building is partially sheltered by trees and is surrounded by green spaces, rolling hills and a garden maintained by the children.

The interior spaces promote a homelike environment through the creation of separate infant, toddler, preschool, "neighborhoods." These neighborhoods are further divided into cozy "houses." This design helps children to become more comfortable and self-confident within their own neighborhood, and prepares them to explore new areas of the Center.

The Center environment provides emotional and social support with clearly defined cognitive learning objectives. It also offers a variety of multicultural experiences that support the integrity of each child's family. We strive to enhance the educational experience by seeking diversity among the participating children and families.

Teacher Qualifications and Staff-to-Child Ratios

Center staff members include teachers and associate teachers, many with degrees in Early Childhood Education and/or Child Development who have been with the program for many years. Teacher/child ratios for each classroom range range from 1:3 to 1:8, depending on the ages of the children.

  • Infant (3 - 14 months), 1:3 teachers per child, maximum 12 infants per room
  • Toddler (14 - 33 months), 1:3 teachers per child, maximum 12 toddlers per room
  • Preschool (33 months - 5 years), 1:7 teachers per child, maximum 21 children per room

Hours of Operation

8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, with extended care options from 7:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:30-6:00 p.m. at an additional cost

Location and Contact Information  

2601 Glazier Way
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Telephone: (734) 998-6195

For questions about enrollment, email Judy Powers or call 734-763-3947.

Map of Health System Children's Center

Tuition Rates

View the Health System Children's Center tuition rates

Apply

Read about about our waitlist application process, including frequently asked questions, and submit an application using our online form. 

Submitting an application will place your child on the waitlist for all three University of Michigan Ann Arbor Children's Centers. You will be notified of openings at all centers when your child is eligible.

Family Handbook

View our Family Handbook