Welcome
YCS Mission Statement: In alignment with the mission of YCS, Ford’s purpose is to develop mindful, engaged students with the skill set, work ethic, and attitude to contribute to a community that honors diversity, equality, and justice.
Instructional Vision: Ford STEAM ELC is committed to delivering equitable, intentional, relevant, focused, and standards-aligned instruction that supports both the academic success and social-emotional growth of every student.
Cultural Vision: At Ford STEAM ELC, we foster respectful relationships, presume positive intent, and collaborate with our community to create an equitable, safe, and welcoming environment where every student, family, and staff member is valued.
2440 Clark Road
Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Phone: 734-221-1800
Fax: 734-221-1803
Enroll Now!
YCS Preschool and Kindergarten Age Eligibility Guidelines 2025-26
YCS Preschool and Kindergarten Age Eligibility Guidelines
2025-26 School Year
Welcome to Ypsilanti Community Schools Preschool and Kindergarten Programs. We look forward to getting to know you and your family.
The information below will assist you in the registration process.
Early Headstart
- Eligibility: Ages 18 months - 36 months by December 1, 2025
DOB Eligibility: For Age 18 months 6/1/2024
DOB Eligibility: For Age 36 months 12/1/2022
Preschool
- Eligibility: Age 3 by December 1st, 2025
DOB Eligibility: 12/1/2021 through 11/30/2022
- Eligibility: Age 4 by December 1st, 2025
DOB Eligibility: 12/1/2020 through 12/1/2021
Our preschool program promotes social, emotional, and academic growth for children aged three to four. Skilled teachers offer engaging activities in math, science, reading, and writing, helping children develop essential Kindergarten readiness skills for future success.
Young Fives
Young Fives is a two-year Kindergarten program designed for children turning 5 years old between June 1 and December 1st.
- Eligibility:
DOB Eligibility: 6/1/2020 through 12/1/2020
Our program establishes a strong foundation for future success in all learning areas. Children learn through hands-on activities, songs, and games, making the process enjoyable. Ongoing assessments track personal growth. After our two-year Kindeergarten program, children are ready for first grade.
Students who turn 5 after August 31st should enroll in the preschool program.
Kindergarten
Eligibility: According to Michigan Compiled Law under MCL 380.1147 and 388.1606, the enrollment age for incoming Kindergarten students is as follows:
Students must turn 5 by September 1, 2025.
- Eligibility:
DOB Eligibility: 12/1/2019 through 9/1/2020
Exceptions Provided for Kindergarten Enrollment Age
If your child turns five between September 1 and December 1, you can submit a Kindergarten Waiver Request Form before the school year starts. The school district will evaluate your child's readiness for kindergarten based on age and development. They will work with you to find the best placement for your child's educational start.
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Upcoming Events
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19 Jan.
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No School Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 8:15 AM to 3:30 PMNo School Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. DayDate: Jan 19Time: 8:15 AM to 3:30 PMCalendar: Ford STEAM ELC
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22 Jan.
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Monthly Preschool Dance 9:00 AM to 9:25 AMMonthly Preschool DanceDate: Jan 22Time: 9:00 AM to 9:25 AMCalendar: Ford STEAM ELC
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Kindergarten Monthly Dance 2:00 PM to 2:25 PMKindergarten Monthly DanceDate: Jan 22Time: 2:00 PM to 2:25 PMCalendar: Ford STEAM ELC
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1st Grade Monthly Dance 2:30 PM to 2:50 PM1st Grade Monthly DanceDate: Jan 22Time: 2:30 PM to 2:50 PMCalendar: Ford STEAM ELC
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26 Jan.
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Principal and Parents Coffee Talk @ 9amDate: Jan 26 - Jan 27Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AMCalendar: Ford STEAM ELC
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29 Jan.
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Monthly Preschool Dance 9:00 AM to 9:25 AMMonthly Preschool DanceDate: Jan 29Time: 9:00 AM to 9:25 AMCalendar: Ford STEAM ELC
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Kindergarten Monthly Dance 2:00 PM to 2:25 PMKindergarten Monthly DanceDate: Jan 29Time: 2:00 PM to 2:25 PMCalendar: Ford STEAM ELC
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1st Grade Monthly Dance 2:30 PM to 2:50 PM1st Grade Monthly DanceDate: Jan 29Time: 2:30 PM to 2:50 PMCalendar: Ford STEAM ELC
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5 Feb.
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1st Grade Monthly Dance 2:30 PM to 2:50 PM1st Grade Monthly DanceDate: Feb 5Time: 2:30 PM to 2:50 PMCalendar: Ford STEAM ELC
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Ypsilanti Community Schools now has virtual tours of all district school buildings! These tours will allow families to see what each building looks like and is a unique way of learning more about each school's educational programs!
Enjoy the virtual tour experience!
Apply now for the 2025 - 2026 School Year
Ford STEAM ELC Applications Link
- Link to Ford STEAM ELC Enrollment
- Preschool Student Link: Link to Preschool Information
Ford Facebook Page
Have you heard? Free Quality Preschool
YCS is — Academically strong and committed to transforming in ways that help students thrive.
YCS is — The choice for a trusted, reliable, and socially just district.
YCS is — A sense of connection for families and students in a district where each and everyone is valued and belongs.
YCS is — Your consistently well-managed and organized school district.
Ford STEAM Early Learning Center
YCS Breakfact Schools & Times
Pau
l Garrett
Director of Dining Services
734-221-1024
Join Us For Breakfast
Guaranteeing that students receive nutritious meals is an essential part of fostering education and overall well-being.
Instructional Vision: Ford ELC is committed to providing high quality instruction that is equitable, intentional, relevant, focused, and standards-aligned to each student in our community ensuring the academic achievement and social emotional growth of every student.
Cultural Vision: At Ford ELC, our staff believes in building respectful relationships, presuming positive intent, and ensuring an equitable, thriving and safe school atmosphere. Through collaboration between staff and our community we create a welcoming, transparent and respectful environment where every student, family and staff is accepted and valued.
