Dearborn Public Schools recently learned it will receive two MiFamily Mini Grants to help pay for free events for families with young children in 2026.
The district’s Early Learning Coalition will receive $10,000 to help pay for the Discover and Play Family Fest on Feb. 7, 2026, and Parent University will receive $5,000 to assist with three sessions planned for this spring.
“We are very excited to get these grants and even more excited to be able to bring these events to families with young children in our community. Parents are every child’s first teachers, and we are glad to be able to help parents help their children build strong foundations,” said Interim Superintendent Lamis Srour. Ms. Srour also oversees early childhood programs in the district.
The MiFamily Mini Grants are awarded to programs that align with the group’s core goals, including strengthening literacy support, elevating family engagement, and promoting school readiness.
The Discover and Play Family Fest will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hype Athletics, 23302 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn Heights. This family-focused event promotes early childhood development through hands-on activities for families and children of all ages, enhancing communication, motor skills, problem solving, and social skills. The Early Learning Coalition of Dearborn, Dearborn Public Schools, Everybody Ready, and Hype Athletics are sponsoring the event. Attendance is free, but space is limited. Families should pre-register. Groups interested in hosting a table or sponsoring an activity can also still sign up to participate.
This year marks the second Discover and Play Family Fest. The first was held in May 2025.
Parent University sessions have been held for many years in the district. These free Friday morning sessions are intended for parents or caregivers and children from age six months through preschool. Families, children, and staff will play, and engage in activities that help young children work towards their developmental milestones.
At the sessions, children and their adults participate in a variety of hands-on activities and receive a take-home activity, snack and possibly a book. The 2026 Parent University sessions dates and themes are March 27 pajama party, April 24 fun with fairy tales, and May 22 outdoor adventure. Each session will be held from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. at Cotter Early Childhood Center, Henry Ford Elementary, and River Oaks Elementary and from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Salina Elementary. Parents will need to pre-register for each session to ensure enough materials are available for every child.
