EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Starfish Family Services operates 15 Early Childhood Centers that are housed in Detroit and Wayne County in Westland, Plymouth and Livonia, serving over 1,400 children. Early Childhood funding is primarily federal funds (Head Start), with some state and private pay.
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 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 Advocate from Starfish will be in touch quickly to help.
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The best education possible!
We’re committed to providing the best education possible for your 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.
- Early Relationships, like the ones children build in preschool, set children up for future school readiness.
- Our Preschool programs build social connections for young children and families.
The years before kindergarten are critical, and Starfish is here to partner with your family for every step of that journey.
Who is eligible for Starfish ECE programs?
We offer free and low cost options for children ages 6 weeks to 4 years old across Wayne County. Starfish also supports moms-to-be and pregnant mothers . Learn about our home-based programming and our Nurse-Family Partnership program.
Starfish ECE program offerings
All Starfish Early Childhood Education programs are designed to promote the development of children during their foundational years. This prepares children for 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.
- PRENATAL & INFANT/TODDLER PROGRAMS– Home based and Center Based Options
- PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS – 14 Center Based locations across Wayne County.
Starfish ECE center locations
We have 14 Preschool 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.
Contact Us
(844) 849-5437
ECEIntake@sfish.org
Starfish ECE Program Offerings
Prenatal & Infant/Toddler
Preschool
Great Start Readiness
Home-Based
Program Cost
We offer free (must be income eligible) programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.
ECE Locations
13 centers located in Detroit, Dearborn Heights, Inkster, Livonia, Plymouth, Redford
Home-based option
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Classroom Environment:
- High-quality, evidence-based curriculum, with hands on and individualized learning opportunities for children at all learning abilities.
- Curriculum coaches provide support for teachers and families.
- Low child to teacher ratios
- Dedicated, caring, and professional teaching staff–100% of our teachers have associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree and/or Child Development (CDA) credentials.
Whole Family Approach:
- Parent classroom volunteer opportunities.
- Family advocates to navigate school services and community resources to ensure a successful journey in school and a successful transition into kindergarten.
- Parent advocacy and leadership opportunities available locally and nationally.
Whole Child Wellness:
- A multi-disciplinary team approach to assist children and families with speech and language, behavioral, social-emotional, and developmental needs.
- For additional whole family, or individual, behavioral health support outside of the classroom we have a range of behavioral health services.
- 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.
- Physical wellness: Medical, vision, hearing, and dental screenings on site throughout the year.

Starfish Family Services
30000 Hiveley
Inkster, MI 48141
734.728.3400
starfish@sfish.org
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