Welcome to Avondale Early Learning Center

Home of The Little Jackets


We AreLifelong Learners


Avondale Early Learning Centers offer a variety of early childhood programming for students, birth through age 4.

We believe in nurturing the whole child, fostering a love for learning that encompasses physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Our early childhood programs are designed to create a warm and supportive environment where children can thrive as independent thinkers and empathetic individuals. 

With both full and half-day options, our curriculum emphasizes social and emotional learning, empowering children to build essential skills for lifelong success. Explore our tuition-based preschool programs and state-funded Great Start Readiness Program, and discover how your child can flourish in a community that values holistic development. Enrollment is open to everyone—no district residency required!

Please note that enrollment for the 2024-25 school year has closed. Check back in early 2025 for information on enrolling for the 2025-26 school year.

Early Learning Center

Early Learning Center

Auburn & Woodland Elementary Schools Auburn Hills & Troy, MI

Half Day Options from: 7:00 am to 12:00 pm 
Full Day Options from: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Tiffany Mellado
Director of Early Learning & Child Care Services
Jessica Hamer
Pre-K Enrollment and SIS Support

Preschool Programs

Our preschool and pre-kindergarten programs utilize research grounded in the HighScope Curriculum, which aligns with Michigan’s Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Pre-Kindergarten. The curriculum utilized in our Early Childhood Learning Centers is aligned with the Common Core Standards for Kindergarten to give your child a strong foundation for success once they enter Kindergarten. Parent involvement is both welcomed and encouraged. After all, we believe that family is a child’s first and most influential teacher. We encourage family participation in all aspects of our program, including visiting out classrooms and participating in activities.

We believe that a good early childhood program must:

  • Offer quality programs by trained professionals 
  • Provide access to families of diverse backgrounds
  • Promote creativity and creative thinking in our students
  • Foster partnerships between parents, teachers, students, staff 
and community
  • Provide a nurturing environment that focuses on building positive 
self-esteem
  • Provide a foundation for further learning experiences
  • Utilize developmentally appropriate practices

Early Learning Center's Mission Statement

Tuition Based Programs

TUITION-BASED PRESCHOOL & SUMMER CAMP

Avondale Early Learning Centers offer tuition-based preschool and summer camp programs for families living within and outside of the Avondale School District. Pricing and additional information can be found below!

A minimum of 3 days (half OR full) enrollment is required. A $300.00 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of enrollment. A portion of this deposit will be applied to your 1st month's tuition. Families who register after August 1st, will need to provide the first month's tuition and a $100 non-refundable registration fee. 

Tuition is due the 1st of every month. If the 1st falls on a weekend or non-school day, tuition will be due the next school day. A $25.00 late fee will be charged to all accounts that are paid after the 3rd of each month. 

There are two payment options, please choose one:

  • Pay in full by August 1, 2024 (5% discount will apply)
  • 9 equal payments (Due the 1st of each month September – May)

Before Care Daily Rate: $8 
After Care Daily Rate: $12 
Friday Care: $50

Location
Before Care3-Year Old Preschool4-Year Old Pre-KAfter care
Auburn ELC7am - 9:10am8:30am - 12pm
8:30am - 4:30pm
9:10am - 4:10pm3:30pm - 6pm
Woodland ELC7am - 8:30am8am - 12pm
8am - 4pm
8:30am - 3:30pm3:30pm - 6pm


Tuition Fee StructureMonthly Installments
9 Equal Payments
(September -May)
Annually
3 Half Days$507$4,563
4 Half Days$678$6,102
5 Half Days$800$7,200
3 Full Days$707$6,363
4 Full Days$871$7,839
5 Full Days$1,000$9,000


A minimum of 3 days (half OR full) enrollment is required. A $300.00 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of enrollment. A portion of this deposit will be applied to your 1st month's tuition. Families who register after June 1st, will need to provide the first month's tuition and a $100 non-refundable registration fee. 

Tuition is due June 1st and July 1st. If the 1st falls on a weekend or non-school day, tuition will be due the next camp day. A $25.00 late fee will be charged to all accounts that are paid after the 3rd of each month. 

Summer Camp will run from June 10 - August 2, 2024. We will be closed July 4th and 5th in observance of Independence Day. 

Hours of Operation are 7:00am – 6:00pm Monday through Friday at Auburn ELC, 2940 Waukegan St., Auburn Hills, MI 48326. 

Before Care Daily Rate: $8 
After Care Daily Rate: $12

Tuition Fee StructureMonthly Installments: 2 Equal Payments
(June - August)
3 Half Days$507
4 Half Days$678
5 Half Days$800
3 Full Days$707
4 Full Days$871
5 Full Days$1,000


GSRP

What Is The Great Start Readiness Program?

The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is a state-funded pre-kindergarten program for 4 year olds who may be at risk of school difficulties. It is a no or low cost program, available to qualifying children who will be 4 years old on or before September 1st of the school year they’ll be enrolled in. 

Families must meet income eligibility guidelines to qualify for the program. You can explore all of our resources related to the Great Start Readiness Program including enrollment information, guidelines, the prioritization process, and more, in the dropdown below.

Please note that the state of Michigan has increased the household income cap, allowing more families to qualify. We encourage anyone interested to apply!

Below you will find enrollment information, forms, and various information including eligibility guidelines and information regarding Head Start.

GSRP Application Income Eligibility Guidelines Prioritization Process Head Start Information


Ages & Stages Questionnaires

Avondale School District has partnered with Great Start Collaborative-Oakland, Oakland Schools, and Early On Oakland to ensure that routine developmental screenings are available to all children under the age of 5.

The first five years of your child’s life are very important, and we want to help you provide the very best start. We encourage you to participate in the Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3), to keep track of your child’s development. The questionnaire can be provided every two, four, or six months.

Within the questionnaire, you’ll be asked to answer questions about certain functions, skills, and behaviors your child can and cannot do. Included are questions regarding your child’s communication skills, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, problem solving abilities, and personal social skills. Use the links below to start your questionnaire and someone from our Early Learning Center will reach out to review and discuss the results.

ASQ Information (English)ASQ Information (Spanish)

Forms & Resources

Program Information & Resources - Brochures, Applications & Required Documents


Below you will find various resources regarding Avondale’s Preschool, Great Start Readiness, and Summer Camp programs, along with family resources you may find helpful. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way!


Below you will find enrollment information, forms, and various information including eligibility guidelines and information regarding Head Start.

GSRP ApplicationIncome Eligibility GuidelinesPrioritization ProcessHead Start Information


Below you will find various family resources to help ensure your child maintains successful growth, health, and happiness.

Oakland County Health DepartmentGreat Start Collaborative