World-Class Education in the Real World (tm)
Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute
Welcome to MPSI…
The Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute (MPSI) has been a vital part of Michigan’s landscape for nearly a century. Founded in 1920 as the Merrill-Palmer Institute, early efforts were aimed at serving Detroit’s children through formalized, academic programs in child development – a discipline then in its infancy. Over the years, the Institute has trained generations of early childhood researchers, teachers and mothers, as well as conducting pioneering research in the field with applications nation-wide.

Today, MPSI remains at the cutting edge of research and training in child development. Long recognized as a leader in childhood research, early education, and family outreach, MPSI continues to expand its efforts to meet the changing conditions and pressures of modern society on urban families and young children.

We invite you to learn more about MPSI through the links at left, or contact us at 313.872.1790 or mpsi@wayne.edu for information about current MPSI seminars, research, child care and related services.