Our Programs

Preschool

Choice-based, NAEYC accredited preschool with full- and half-day options.

About Our Preschool Program

The Power of Play-Based Learning

Our preschools at both our Southwest and East locations offer play-based learning. This type of learning uses play as the primary method of teaching and learning, helping children develop essential life skills while having fun. Specifically, we use choice-based play, which empowers children to make decisions about their play activities, promoting autonomy and engagement in the learning process.

Expert Staff

Dedicated, skilled teachers who are experts in early education and development and who prioritize ensuring every child is valued and included

Learning Through Play

Choice-based play and activities that pique curiosity and creativity, while fostering inclusivity

Small Group Learning

Personalized, play-based learning in small groups, as our child-to-educator ratios are small

HighScope Curriculum

HighScope is a curriculum that is based on 50 years of research and widely implemented across the country. It is built around active, intentional learning

Our Locations

Serving the Ann Arbor Community

Our House and Forest locations offer vibrant, safe environments for children. Each facility is designed to foster creativity and learning through play.

House Location

A home away from home on 2.5 lots in Burns Park that includes educator-guided field walks in the neighborhood, explorations around town, playground experiences, and open classrooms with small child:teacher ratios.

1611 Westminster Place, Ann Arbor, MI

Forest Location

Fun and supportive learning environment, with 45 acres of fields, trails, school gardens and playgrounds that surround bright classrooms with small child:teacher ratios

4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI

Interested in enrolling?

Fill out our Preschool Form of Interest and a team member will reach out to your shortly to initiate the process.

Our Team

Meet Our Preschool Staff

Our Preschool staff, from both our Forest and House locations, are especially trained for and dedicated to young children’s education.

Beth Meza (she/her)

Forest Preschool Director

Beth joined CDC in 2006 and became the Forest campus director in 2018. She has a Master’s in Elementary Education and enjoys crafts and time with her four kids.

Kelly Hutchinn (she/her)

CDC Forest Assistant Director

Kelly started at CDC in 2022 and has a background in early childhood education with a love for young learners. She enjoys painting, reading, and time outdoors with family.

Nikki Oswalt (she/her)

CDC House Preschool Director

Nikki began at CDC as a teacher and became House Director in 2022. She is HighScope certified and enjoys beach trips, video games, and family time.

Quinicia Anderson (she/her)

CDC House Preschool Assistant Director

Quinicia joined CDC in 2023 and holds a CDA and associate degree in Business Management. She loves cooking, baking, and supporting children’s unique learning journeys.

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Join Us

Check out our current job opportunities on our Indeed profile.

Our Pricing

Tuition Rates for 2025-2026

See below for our latest prices. Drop-in rates are available for families who want to add time to contracted schedule.

Tuition assistance is available, based on household income, as funds available. In order to be considered for reduced tuition, families must apply for scholarship/financial assistance.

2 Days per Week
Prices are monthly.
3 Days per Week
Prices are monthly.
4 Days per Week
Prices are monthly.
5 Days per Week
Prices are monthly.
Toddler Rates (from age 2 years and 1 month to age 2 years and 5 months)
Full Day: 7:45 AM - 5:15 PM $955.90 $1,433.30 $1,908.00 $2,076.00
Half Day: 7:45 AM - 1:30 PM (pick up after lunchtime) $662.20 $993.50 $1,309.00 $1,571.90
Morning Only: 7:45 AM - 12 PM (pick up before lunchtime) $577.50 $866.80 $1,152.80 $1,368.40
Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten (from age 2 years and 6 months to age 5 years)
Full Day: 7:45 AM - 5:15 PM $869 $1,303 $1,735 $1,888
Half Day: 7:45 AM - 1:30 PM (pick up after lunchtime) $602 $905 $1,190.00 $1,429
Morning Only: 7:45 AM - 12 PM (pick up before lunchtime) $525 $788 $1,048 $1,244

Add-ons for enrolled children as available:
Lunch prep (forgot lunch): $14.25
Extended day (contracted for half day and add): $41.50
Morning-only drop-in: $64.00
Half-day drop-in: $75.00
Whole-day drop-in: $105.00

Community Day Care participates in the Mi Tri-Share Program and the Michigan Child Development and Care Subsidy through MiBridges. If you qualify, please let us know so we can provide you with our provider identification number for your case worker.

For families interested in applying for financial assistance, please indicate this is in your enrollment application. You will be contacted with directions for completing a separate application for financial assistance.

Parent Testimonials

Kind words from our community over the years.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about our Preschool program.

First step, fill out our interest form. Next step, contact us to schedule a tour. Preschool enrollment happens in January.

CDC has a curriculum plan based on our philosophy that children learn best through active play and exploration. We follow the HighScope approach and our curriculum includes time for children to work together, solve problems, and learn key skills for their specific stages of development.

State of Michigan Childcare Licensing Regulations require all preschools to offer a rest time to all children who are in all day care. Rest time is structured so that children who need to sleep are given time to fall asleep while all children are laying quietly on cots listening to stories being read by one of our teachers. After those children are asleep, quiet activities are provided for those who remain awake.

Teachers communicate pictures, lesson plans, and other information about your child’s day at CDC through an education app.  Families will also be able to attend conferences to discuss development and goals with teachers throughout the year.  

No, your child does not need to be potty trained before starting at the CDC. We understand that every child develops at their own pace, and it’s not developmentally appropriate to expect all children to be fully trained by a certain age.

When the time feels right, we’ll work together as a team—family and teachers—to support your child through the process. We’ll look for signs of readiness and create a plan that’s responsive to your child’s needs and comfort.

CDC has a curriculum plan based on our philosophy that children learn best through active play and exploration. We follow the HighScope approach and our curriculum includes time for children to work together, solve problems, and learn key skills for their specific stages of development.

We provide a morning and afternoon snack each day. Snacks include items from at least two food groups and are designed to be nutritious and age-appropriate. We serve 1% milk with the morning snack and water in the afternoon.

No, children who stay for lunch will need to bring a packed lunch from home.  We do not have refrigeration available and recommend including an ice pack if any items need to be kept cool.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help you!

Enroll Your Child Today!

Preschool enrollment opens each January for the following school year. To receive information about enrollment when it opens, please fill out our Interest Form. Our preschool programs operate on a year-round school calendar, September – August.