Early Childhood Center
Early Childhood Programs for Every Family
At the Early Childhood Center of Whitmore Lake Public Schools, we offer a variety of programs for preschool-age children. Our programs create a comfortable and safe learning environment for children to develop, socialize, and prepare for kindergarten and elementary school, while also catering to the needs of children with disabilities or developmental delays. Additionally, we offer Kids Club, a before and after school program for children whose parents or guardians work during those times and need a safe environment for their child to be cared for and supervised.
Find the Program That Fits Your Child
Here you will find information about our individual programs available at the WLPS Early Childhood Center, including Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), Head Start, Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), Tuition-Based Enrichment Preschool, and Kids Club before and after school care. You may also complete the enrollment or application process for your child online by clicking the links below.
If you have any questions about these programs, the application process, or how we determine eligibility, please contact Charlie Basham at 734-449-2051 ext. 1824, or at charlie.basham@wlps.net
Explore Our Early Childhood Programs: select a program below to view information and enrollment options.
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classroom is a supportive, play-based program for children ages 3–5 who have been found eligible for special education services. Placement in the ECSE program is determined through a comprehensive evaluation, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and eligibility determination. Related services included Speech, Occupational, Physical Therapies, Social Work Services as well as services through the WISD for students eligible for D/HH and Blind/Low Vision services.
Program Details
Admissions Fees: $0
Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Head Start
A federally funded preschool program for three and four-year old children for low-income families, foster children, and children with special needs. Please complete the pre-application below, and WLPS will contact you with information on how to schedule an intake appointment to complete the application process.
Program Details
Admissions Fees: $0
Ages: Three and four years old by December 1st
Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM - 3:15 PM
Complete Pre-Application
Great Start Readiness Preschool Program (GSRP)
GSRP is a state-funded preschool program for children who will be four years old by December 1st, from low to moderate-income households who are at risk for learning. Please complete the pre-application below, and WLPS will contact you with information on how to schedule an intake appointment to complete the application process.
Program Details
Admissions Fees: $0
Ages: Four years old by December 1st
Hours
Monday – Friday: 7:45 AM – 2:00 PM
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:15 PM
Complete Pre-Application
Tuition-Based Enrichment Preschool
A preschool program for children who will be three or four years old by December 1st. Tuition preschool offers two-day, three-day, and five-day programs. Please click the button below to view more information regarding class options and pricing, and to register for the Tuition-Based Preschool Program at WLPS.
Program Details
Admissions FeesAges: Three or four years old by December 1st
Hours
Half Days: 7:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Full Days: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
2-Day Program: Tuesdays & Thursdays
3-Day Program: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
5-Day Program: Monday - Friday
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 2:15 PM
Tuition-Based Enrichment Preschool Enrollment
Kids Club Before/After School Care
The Kids Club before and after school program of Whitmore Lake Elementary School & Early Childhood Center is a unique opportunity for students in preschool through fifth grade who need a safe and encouraging environment to stay while they wait for their parents or guardians, who may need to work earlier or later than usual.
Click the button below to visit our Kids Club page to learn more about the program and to enroll.
Visit Kids Club Page
Snow Day/No School Day EduCare
We offer full-day EduCare with pre-registration on select days when WLPS is closed, including Snow Days, unless otherwise indicated. EduCare is offered through our Go Like the Wind Montessori school at our Main Street Campus.
If you are currently enrolled in a tuition-based program, there are no additional charges for Snow Day & No School Day EduCare.
Click the button below to complete the registration forms. Approval is based on availability.
Program Details
Hours for Snow Day & No School Day EduCare
6:30 am - 6:00 pm
Snow Day & No School Day EduCare Rates
A $35 registration fee is applied to any student not enrolled in Go Like The Wind, Head Start, GSRP, or Kids Club.
Now through June 30th, 2026: Tuition for EduCare is $10/hr for the first child enrolled and $6/hr for all additional children.*
Starting July 1st, 2026: Tuition for EduCare is $11/hr for the first child enrolled and $7/hr for the second child enrolled, and $5/hr for the third child enrolled.*
Tuition is billed monthly and is based on attendance. Students receiving DHS assistance will be billed bi-weekly to correspond with DHS payment periods.
*Children enrolled in any GLTW tuition-based program (Infant, Toddler, Primary Preschoolers) are excluded from non-school day/snow day EduCare charges. This does not include Kindergarten in Primary.
If you sign up for No School Day EduCare and do not attend, a $25 fee will be assessed. This does not apply to Snow Day Care.
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