At Starfish, we believe that early learning has lifelong benefits.
We actively enroll year-round for
all Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs.
If you have started or completed an enrollment interest form in the past, please contact us directly instead of starting a second form at (844) 849-5437 or ECEIntake@sfish.org.
Otherwise, please complete an enrollment interest form by clicking on one of the green squares below, so we can best understand your family and current needs, then we can customize our response to you! A family service guide from Starfish will be in touch quickly to help.
The best education possible!
We’re committed to providing the best education possible for our youngest children, and one that supports the whole child and the whole family. Did you know? Essential brain development occurs during the first three years of a child’s life. As such, the years before kindergarten are critical, and Starfish is here for every step of that journey.
Who is eligible for Starfish ECE programs?
We offer free (must be income eligible) programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. Our Marygrove Early Childhood Center offers tuition-paying options. Starfish also supports moms-to-be and pregnant mothers with children. Learn about our home-based ECE programming and our Nurse-Family Partnership program.
Starfish ECE program offerings
All Starfish Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs are designed to promote the development of children during their foundational years. This prepares children for eventual success in school, work, and life. Our programs also emphasize the role of parents and caregivers as a child’s first and most important teachers. We partner with you to build on your unique strengths in order to meet the unique needs of your children.
Infant/Toddler programs are tailored to the specific needs of our very youngest learners. We promote physical, cognitive (mental processes associated with learning, such as remembering and problem-solving), social, and emotional development through safe and developmentally enriching caregiving.
Our preschool programming promotes school readiness of children by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development. We provide a learning environment that supports children’s growth in many areas such as language, literacy, and social and emotional development.
The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is Michigan’s state-funded preschool program for four-year-old children. Several of our centers offer GSRP options, which focus on creating a safe, nurturing place for children to learn, explore, and build relationships.
Program Highlights
Low child-to-staff ratio, which means more individual attention.
Center-based and home-based programs.
High-quality HighScope curriculum, which is based on interactive, hands-on learning, and individual creativity.
We encourage and support family members to actively volunteer in the classroom
Your family will be paired with a Starfish Family Service Guide (FSG), who helps you navigate the ECE program and steers you toward services your family may need.
We help empower family members to be early-learning advocates and leaders through opportunities such as parent policy council and parent policy committee.
.Dedicated, caring, and professional teaching staff–100% of our teachers have associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree and/or Child Development (CDA) credentials.
We help empower family members to be early-learning advocates and leaders through opportunities such as parent policy council and parent policy committee.
Whole-child wellness: social, emotional, and developmental. Each Early Childhood Center has an on-site licensed Preschool Behavioral Health Therapist (PBHT). Our PBHTs can work with your family to create an integrated One Starfish program just for you from a wide array of behavioral health services.
Whole-child wellness: nutrition. Nutrition education as part of the curriculum helps establish a foundation for healthy eating habits throughout life. A nutritious breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack are served in a family-style setting at our centers. All are low in sugar, salt, and fat.
Whole-child wellness: physical health. Medical, vision, hearing, and dental screenings.
Starfish ECE center locations
We have 13 ECE centers located in Wayne County, Michigan. Our interactive map provides directions and service information for all centers. You may also visit our Locations page for a full list of Starfish sites.
Starfish ECE partnerships
Thrive by Five
Thrive by Five Detroit is a collaborative partnership among three Detroit social service agencies: Development Centers, Focus: HOPE, and Starfish Family Services. Our goal? To offer innovative Infant/Toddler and Preschool programs to families in Detroit. What is the Starfish role? We operate as the lead agency and fiduciary.
Great Start Collaborative
Thrive by Five The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is Michigan’s state-funded preschool program for four-year-old children with factors that may place them at risk of educational failure. The program is administered by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Great Start. Starfish is part of the Great Start Collaborative Wayne County
