To learn whether we may have enrollment openings, call (313) 664-2533. Enrollment Flyer

The Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute Early Childhood Center (MPSI ECC) has served thousands of children since it was established in 1922. The ECC is nationally known and respected for its research and work in the area of child development and serves as a demonstration, observation, and practicum site for university students in pediatrics, physical therapy, nutrition, as well as service learning students from the WSU, College of Education (COE).

The MPSI ECC serves children ages  3-5 of students, faculty, staff and families in the greater Metro-Detroit area. The center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and has a 5 Star rating in the Michigan Quality Rating and Improvement System. The center is a non-profit organization. Tuition assistance is available through the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) for four-year-olds whose families qualify under the grant criteria and for 3 to 5-year-olds through the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant whose parents are Pell Grant-eligible undergraduate students at Wayne State University. 

Our school is located in the heart of the Detroit Cultural Center with easy access to the Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Historical Museum, Detroit Public Library and other cultural institutions. Call (313) 664-2533 for information or tours.

Location:

Early Childhood Center Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute, 87 E. Ferry Street, Detroit, MI  48202

Hours during WSU academic year: 

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Program Features:

Curriculum, daily activities and communicating with families

Staff 

The Executive Director of the Early Childhood Centers at Wayne State has a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education and an Elementary Teaching Certificate with an Early Childhood Endorsement. The Director of each center has a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or Educational Administration and an Elementary Teaching Certificate with an Early Childhood Endorsement.

Each classroom is staffed by a Lead Teacher and an Assistant Teacher. Lead Teachers are certified in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Endorsement.  Assistant Teachers have either a Child Development Associate (CDA) or an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood, Preschool Education or Child Development, or 120 clock-hours of documented, formal child care education offered by approved training organizations and Michigan Department of Education staff. Wayne State University student assistants and work study students assist in the classroom and office.

Before hire, all staff undergo a Department of Human Services clearance to insure they have not been accused of child abuse or neglect and a Michigan State Police ICHAT clearance to insure they have never been convicted of a crime.

Research 

WSU faculty and graduate students are permitted supervised access to MPSI ECC for research purposes. MPSI ECC  follows all Wayne State University research guidelines.