The Collaborative: Ypsilanti YMCA Child Development Center is a collective community-centered response to providing quality child care to low-income families in Ypsilanti and to EMU students with children. Licensed and managed by the YMCA and situated at the former Chappelle Elementary in Ypsilanti, the Collaborative partners include: Eastern Michigan University (Engage@EMU Office and the Office of the President), Ypsilanti Community Schools and the Ypsilanti Housing Commission.

Information about The Collaborative: Ypsilanti YMCA Child Development Center:

  • Updates 

    Currently we are hiring for lead and assistant teachers. Apply here.

    Infant Care: 6 weeks to 12 months

    Toddler Room: 12 months to 2.5 years

    Evening Care: Two nights a week (Monday and Wednesdays) open until 9:30pm; available for children 5 to 12 years of age.

  • Who does it serve?

    The child development center is intended to primarily serve the following (The cost is based on a sliding-scale and determined by a family’s finances):

    • EMU students with children (full or part-time)
    • Ypsilanti Housing Commission residents
    • Ypsilanti Community Schools families

    Ages of Children

    • Infant (6 weeks - 12 months)
    • Toddler (12 months – 2.5 years) 1 to 4 teacher to child ratio
    • Early preschool (2.5 years – 3.5 years) with a 1 to 8 teacher to child ratio
    • Preschool (3.5 years – 12 years) with a 1 to 10 teacher to child ratio

  • The Why

    According to the CDC, early childhood education can counteract the disadvantages some children experience, improve their social and cognitive development, and provide them with an equal opportunity to achieve school readiness and lifelong employment, income and health. 


    High quality child care can provide: 
    • Improved cognitive development 
    • Improved emotional development 
    • Improved self-regulation 
    • Improved academic achievement 
    • Reduction in teen birth rates 
    • Reduction in crime rates 
    • Fewer underweight, overweight and obese children 
    • Reduced child maltreatment 

    Nearly four million U.S. undergraduate students—or 22 percent—are raising children while attending a postsecondary education program; students at Eastern Michigan and surrounding universities are no exception. We aim to make postsecondary education more accessible to those raising kids during their programs.

  • The Where

    The Collaborative is located at Chapelle, 111 S. Wallace Blvd, Ypsilanti, a YCS former elementary school and under a mile from EMU.

    With three large, engaging classrooms, a playground, gym and space for growth, children will enjoy a creative curriculum filled with developmental play.

  • Interested in more information?

    Fill out this form

Thank you to our funders and supporters past and present:

  • Department of Education and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell’s office
  • Washtenaw County Government
  • United Way of Washtenaw
  • Toyota Foundation
  • Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation's African American Endowment Fund
  • American Muslim Neighbors
  • Ypsilanti Housing Commission
  • EMU Family Empowerment Program
  • Ypsilanti Community Schools
  • Eastern Michigan University Student Government
  • Eastern Michigan University Office of the President

Enrollment Process

  • Reach out via phone or email.
    • Emails will be answered within 48 hours.
  • If there is space, families will be provided an enrollment packet and potential start date.
    • The enrollment packet will need to be returned within 5 days. Once the packet is returned, the start date will be confirmed.
    • If the child will be placed on the waitlist, staff will let the family know and gather the following information: Parent name, phone number, email, child’s name DOB, desired enrollment.
    • They will be informed that when a space becomes available, staff will reach back out with an enrollment packet and potential start date.
  • How do I apply for Financial Assistance?
    • Financial Assistance approval is based on a sliding fee scale based on income and number of people in the household, designed to fit individual situations and can cover up to 80% of the cost. Available funding is based on personal need, enrollment and the Y’s financial resources.