Baby PEACE Project

What is Baby PEACE?

The Baby PEACE Project is a community-designed infant-toddler childcare and resource hub being created at Pontiac High School through a partnership between Oakland University’s Department of Human Development and Child Studies and the Pontiac School District, supported by the Oakland University–Pontiac Initiative Early Childhood Education (OUPIECE).

Baby PEACE Project Team Leads:

Dr. Tomoko Wakabayashi, Department Chair, Faculty Member, Oakland University, Human Development and Child Studies Department
Dr. Kimberly Leverette, Superintendent, School District of the City of Pontiac
Bryan Schuerman, M.A., M.Ed., CTE Supervisor, School District of the City of Pontiac
Nicole Harris, Principal, PEACE Academy, GSRP Early Childhood Education Program, School District of the City of Pontiac
Betsy Spiker, Early Childhood Education Faculty Member, CTE Department, Pontiac High School

Baby PEACE Purpose & Objectives:

• Provide high-quality, culturally sustainable childcare and support services for infants up to age 3 to families in Pontiac — including teen parents, students, staff, and community members.
• Address long-standing challenges in the community, such as historically high teen birth rates and the school-dropout risk associated with teen parenting, by offering accessible childcare that helps young parents stay in school and pursue education or careers.
• Serve as a community resource hub, offering a nurturing space for early learning and parent/caregiver support, information, and connection.

Educational and Workforce Integration:

• The project doubles as a practicum site for students, particularly those in early childhood education and CTE (Career and Technical Education) programs, giving high school and Oakland University students hands-on experience in early learning and childcare practice.

Research & Community-Led Design:

• Baby PEACE was co-created through critical participatory action research with deep community input, ensuring that the program is grounded in the experiences and needs of Pontiac families.

Baby PEACE Project @ Pontiac High School Timeline

Click here for the tentative Baby PEACE Project @ Pontiac High School Timeline

Baby PEACE @ Pontiac High School is being modeled after other Infant-Toddler Centers that are already open across the region. Click the links below to view these centers & information:

Birmingham Public Schools

Hastings Area Public Schools