Foundations Preschool

Research shows that having early childhood education produces better outcomes. Access and affordability are still issues for a great number of families. For parents of infants and toddlers, finding high quality and affordable day care has become increasingly difficult. Foundations Preschool of Washtenaw County has been working in this arena since 1934 and is the oldest, continuously running childcare center in Michigan. Here in 2026, it is still working through these issues with local families. WEMU's David Fair talked about access and affordability and the future of early education with executive director Sandy Williams.

On a Labor Day edition of "Washtenaw United," we’re taking a look at an institution that made it possible for all of Rosie the Riveters to work at the Willow Run Bomber Plant in World War II. Back then, it was called Perry Nursery School. Now, it is known as Foundations Preschool of Washtenaw County. It stills primarily serves single and working mothers and is about to celebrate its 90th anniversary. WEMU's David Fair with the school's executive director, Sandy Williams, about developing the workforce of the future.

It is said, “It takes a village to raise a child.” That is particularly true if you live near or below the poverty line. Foundations Preschool has a…