Early Childhood Education and Family Support That Builds Futures

United Children and Family Head Start — Detroit, MI

United Children and Family Head Start in Detroit, MI, is more than a child development center—it’s a community of care, growth, and opportunity. For decades, we’ve helped income-eligible families build strong foundations for lifelong success. Our programs serve pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with a full-day blended curriculum that combines the best of Head Start and the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP).


Explore how United Children can support your child’s development and your family’s future.
Call us today at (313) 432-1000.

What We Stand For—Our Mission and Vision

Mission:
United Children and Family Head Start, operated by Metropolitan Children and Youth Inc., is committed to creating nurturing environments where children and families thrive. We focus on empowering income-eligible families by providing early education, health services, and community engagement.

Vision:
We believe in:

  • Shared Success—Every child, parent, and staff member grows together.
  • Sustainable Knowledge—Learning that lasts a lifetime.
  • Striving for Excellence—High standards in care and education.
  • Strong Family Units—Families are the heart of development.
  • Safe Environments—Physical and emotional safety is our priority.
  • Supportive Communities—We build networks that uplift and empower.

Comprehensive Services for Children and Families

What does United Children offer? Our services are designed to meet the needs of growing families and developing children. We provide:

Early Childhood Education Programs
Our classrooms blend Head Start and GSRP funding to offer full-day learning experiences for 64 children. This unique model ensures that each child receives the attention, resources, and structure they need to thrive.

Prenatal and Infant Support
We support pregnant women and infants with health screenings, nutrition guidance, and parenting education. Our goal is to nurture healthy beginnings.

Toddler and Preschool Development
From ages 1 to 5, children engage in age-appropriate learning activities that build cognitive, emotional, and social skills. Our educators use proven methods to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.

Family Engagement and Support Services
We believe parents are a child’s first teachers. That’s why we offer workshops, resources, and one-on-one support to help families grow stronger together.

Volunteer Opportunities
Want to make a difference? Volunteers play a vital role in our classrooms and community events. Learn more about how you can get involved.

Why Early Childhood Education Matters

What is early childhood education, and why is it important?
Early childhood education refers to structured learning for children from birth to age five. According to
https://developingchild.harvard.edu, these early years are critical for brain development, emotional growth, and social skills. Programs like Head Start and GSRP help children build the foundation they need for academic success and lifelong well-being.

Our Unique Blended GSRP and Head Start Model

United Children and Family Head Start offers a blended funding model that combines part-day GSRP slots with part-day Head Start slots. This creates full-day learning opportunities for children who need it most. It’s a smart, efficient way to maximize resources and ensure every child gets the time and attention they deserve.

How to Get Started With Enrollment

Who qualifies for United Children and Family Head Start?
We serve
income-eligible families in Detroit, MI. If you’re pregnant or have children under the age of five, you may qualify for our programs.

Enrollment includes:

  • Application assistance
  • Income verification
  • Health and development screenings
  • Family needs assessment

Ready to apply?
Visit our # or call
(313) 432-1000 for help with the process.

Join Our Community of Support

At United Children, we believe in the power of community. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or volunteer, your role matters. Together, we create safe spaces, strong families, and successful futures.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What ages do you serve?

    We serve pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and preschool children up to age five.

  • Is there a cost to enroll?

    Our programs are designed for income-eligible families and are offered at no cost to those who qualify.

  • How do I know if I qualify?

    Eligibility is based on income and family size. Call us at (313) 432-1000 for personalized assistance.

  • Can I volunteer even if I don’t have children in the program?

    Yes! We welcome community members who want to support early childhood education.