CDC’s Mission is to educate, guide and nurture each child, while supporting families and creating community.

What’s special about CDC?

Community Day Care (CDC) is a private non-profit charitable organization committed to offering stimulating,  child centered, play based programs.  CDC is governed by a board of directors made up of current families as well as alumni parents.  CDC is determined that our programs should reflect the broad diversity of our community, and that quality care should be available to all families regardless of their financial means. CDC is proud of its scholarship programs and sliding scale at the preschool. CDC was started in the spirit of giving to, and sharing with, the broader community. We work hard to keep that spirit alive everyday.

 Our Philosophy

We believe in providing all children a choice based engaging environment that fosters all areas of development and growth.  Children are allowed to explore their environment in a way that is meaningful to them, research shows children learn through their play.   We are sensitive and cater to each child’s developmental needs, and we strive to create an atmosphere that encourages self confidence and a positive self-image.   The mission of the organization is to be “community based” and inclusive to all families and provide a safe, affordable childcare experience.

Our Programs

Our Preschool, founded in 1972, educates children 2 ½ through 5 years. It is a mixed aged, choice based, NAEYC accredited school. The program values an environment where children can explore and expand their developmental knowledge by directing their own play.  Staff are here to help foster the interests of the children, engaging them in “play with a purpose”.  We strive to create a supportive community where children’s own growth and strengths can be expanded and provide them with the skills and independence to succeed as they grow as individuals.

Our School Age Programs, founded in 1984, Community Day Care piloted a before-school program at Burns Park Elementary for the Ann Arbor Public Schools. Since 1985 we have run school age programs at Lawton and Burns Park Elementary Schools. In the fall of 2009, we were excited to start before and after school programming at  Ann Arbor Learning Community (AALC).   The school age programs provide a stimulating, enriching experience where children’s ideas and interests are nurtured and encouraged. Children can choose from a variety of activities including, art, science, dramatic play and interest based clubs.

Our School Age Camp, founded in 1984, offers all of the traditional camp arts, crafts, games, swimming and sports to children who are kindergarten graduates through 5th grade . We will take an Ann Arbor Public School Bus to Buhr Pool each day for swimming. Children are encouraged to participate in the planning of activities in order to accommodate their individual and group interests. It includes choice time in a mixed age setting as well as a group time based on age. This gives the younger children a much needed opportunity to connect with a single teacher, and the older children a chance to work on more advanced long term projects. We are committed to a quality and fun summer camp program!