WELCOME TO THE
Ferndale Schools' Early Childhood Center (FECC) is a high-quality preschool servicing children ages two and a half to four and is FREE to Oakland County families who qualify. Our building hosts Ferndale Head Start, The Great Start Readiness Program, our District's Early Childhood Special Education program, and Little Eagles Preschool, our tuition-based program.
Must be 3 years old by September 1st.
Must be 4 years old by September 1st.
The District Calendar for 2023-2024 is now available as a PDF. Click here to view.
In another annual changing of the guard ceremony, this year's First Fives students are ready to be Kings and Queens of Kindergarten next year. They are ready to spread kindness and be role models for all incoming Kindergartners next year. Three cheers for the royal procession!
First Fives is a program for eligible Kindergarten students who are developmentally young to experience school in a heartfelt, developmentally appropriate way. Learn more on our First Fives page.
Ferndale Early Childhood Center students were invited to meet several community servants this week for Community Helpers Day! Fire Fighters, Police Officers, Public Works Staff, and Bus Drivers all rolled up in their big vehicles to bring aboard our littlest learners. Students explored, asked questions, and learned about these important programs within our neighborhoods.
VIDEO—Little Eagles Explore Public Safety Vehicle
VIDEO—Little Eagles Explore Construction Vehicle
Kindergarten Round-Up and an Early Childhood Center Field Trip brought preschoolers to Mrs. Keefe's funhouse this week! The children were greeted by an excited Golden Eagle and had a ball on the playground. Some students even jumped straight to Ferndale High!
For more information about enrolling your resident Kindergartner in Ferndale Schools, visit our Enrollment Page.
We are proud of our:
The Ferndale Early Childhood Center is proudly partnered with a number of community organizations, including:
...and we are always looking to build new relationships!
Beginning in Fall 2015: The state has changed the kindergarten start age to 5 by September 1. However, any parent who wishes to enroll a child who turns 5 between September 1 and October 1, 2021 may do so. All parents need to do is notify the district in writing of their intent to enroll in the Ferndale Schools before June 1, 2021. If they become a district resident after June 1, they must submit their intention to enroll by August 1.
7:00 - 8:30
Per Day $8
Full Week $35
3:15-6:00
Per Day $15
Full Week $65
Winter Break: Session 1December 20-23
Winter Break: Session 2December 27-30
Mid-Winter BreakFebruary 21-25
Spring BreakMarch 28-April 1
Registration is a one-time $40 fee for the entire school year.
Heidi Schmidt brings unique experience in working with children and their families with her to Ferndale Early Childhood Center. Most recently, Mrs. Schmidt was the Director of Title Programs and School Improvement for a local charter school district. Prior to that, she has taught kindergarten, right here in Ferndale at Roosevelt Primary, and third and fourth grade, as well as serving as the Director of the Youth and Family Department for a local non-profit organization.
Mrs. Schmidt earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Oakland University and her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Marygrove College. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology, with concentration on the developing learner, from Eastern Michigan University.
"My goal is to provide a learning environment that supports the natural curiosity and developmental needs that every young child has," says Mrs. Schmidt. "Working to develop and maintain a positive relationship between home and the school family is a top priority. I feel honored to be a part of many families first experience with education outside of the home, and believe our responsibility as early childhood educators is to provide high-quality experiences that spark a lifelong love for learning and that directly involve families and the surrounding community."
Mrs. Schmidt invites any family to contact her to learn more about the various early childhood programs that Ferndale Early Childhood Center has to offer. She can be reached at 248-586-8815 or heidi.schmidt@ferndaleschools.org.
FECC, where children are part of a school family dedicated to the joy, laughter, love and happiness of every child. A school where children feel safe, included, empowered and heard. Where play is valued as the work of a child and is accepted as the foundation of the learning process. A school where music, movement, art, outdoor classrooms, problem solving, discovery, and social emotional learning are embedded into daily routines. Where each child that comes through our doors joins a community of children, families, and teachers engaged in the joy, work and wonder of childhood. FECC is a school where a child’s natural desire to learn will be activated through developmentally appropriate experiences and the small window, that is childhood, is appreciated and treasured.
A school where teachers understand early child development and focus on educating the whole child; where teachers spend a great deal of time observing their students and establishing meaningful relationships to ensure instruction is delivered in a way that meets the diverse and unique needs of all learners. A professional learning environment that provides teachers with the time and opportunity to collaborate, problem solve and learn from one another. Teachers recognize the importance of a school-family partnership and provide many opportunities to involve and support families in the education of the child and engage in continuous communication from the classroom.
A school where parents are seen as partners in their child’s education and play an important role in creating a school family culture. Where parents are always welcome, valued, supported and heard. Where they are provided opportunities for development and extensive access to wrap-around services and resources.
