Resources for Families

PreK for All

Apply here for no-cost PreK!

Michigan families can access two high quality free preschool programs: the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) and Head Start. Both programs use best practices to help children prepare for success in kindergarten and beyond. To learn more about Head Start, visit Capital Area Community Services.

The Great Start Readiness Program is a state-funded high quality preschool program for four-year-olds that is ranked #1 nationally. GSRP classrooms use research based curriculum, hire highly qualified teachers, and provide plenty of time for play. Meals and snacks are provided and many programs offer transportation. All Michigan children who are 4 by December 1st are eligible for no-cost PreK!

When should I apply?

Families with 3 or 4-year-old children should apply now!

Enrollment is year round, however most programs begin enrolling in the spring for the next school year. You can begin the process by filling out a preschool application.

An enrollment coordinator will reach out to you within 2 weeks of applying to share next steps.

When do preschool programs run?

Our GSRP and Head Start partners offer both full day and limited part day classrooms that run either four or five days per week. Most programs follow a schedule that is similar to school, beginning in September and ending in June.

Where can I find a GSRP or Head Start Classroom?

We have GSRP or Head Start partners in every district in Ingham County! Below is a list of current partners and links to their websites to learn more.

AppleTree Early Care and Preschool-East Lansing

CACS Head Start

Caterpillar Corner Child Care Center

Dansville Preschool and Child Development Center

Dansville Schools

East Lansing Public Schools

Gilden Woods Early Care and Preschool -Okemos

Gilden Woods Early Care and Preschool- Haslett

Holt Public Schools

Immaculate Heart of Mary School

KidTime Child Development Center

Lansing School District

Leslie Public Schools

Mason Public Schools

MSU-CDL-East Lansing

MSU-CDL-Haslett

Okemos Public Schools

Stockbridge Community Schools

Tutor Time Child Care and Learning Centers-Dewitt

Tutor Time Child Care and Learning Centers-Okemos

Waverly School District

Webberville Community Schools

Williamston Community Schools

Visit Great Start to Quality for program quality ratings.

Why GSRP or Head Start?

A quality preschool sets your child up for success. It provides fun ways to learn concepts like early math, science, and literacy. It also helps them develop social and emotional skills in a place where all children can learn and grow together.

Michigan offers two high quality free preschool programs: Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) and Head Start. Both programs use best practices to help children prepare for success in kindergarten and beyond.

More children are eligible now as Michigan works toward its goal of PreK For All – free PreK for four year olds. APPLY NOW!

GSRP and Head Start Benefits
GSRP	Head Start
Age Eligibility: 4 years of age by December 1st Selection Criteria: Prioritization for families that need it most Hours of Operation: 3.5 hours for half day, 7 hours for full day Days of Operation: 4-5 days per week Check local preschool for days of operation Length of Program: Minimum of 30 weeks/120 days for 4 day programs, 36 weeks/180 days for 5 day programs Average Class Size: 16-18 children/2-3 adults Adult/Child Ratio: 1:10 maximum	Age Eligibility: 3-5 years of age. Must be 3 years of age by December 1st Income Eligibility: Family income is at or below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Selection Criteria: Eligibility point system. 10% of enrollment must be children with disabilities Hours of Operation: Minimum of 6.5 hours per day Days of Operation: 4-5 days per week Check local Head Start for days of operation Length of Program: Minimum of 32 weeks/128 days Average Class Size: 16:18 (varies with ages served) Adult/Child Ratio: 1:8 Additional wrap-around family services provided such as access to nurses, oral health specialists, nutritionists, mental health services, disability services, a fatherhood specialist, a dual language resource coordinator and a family advocate who connects families to community resources.

The application process

Hear from Danielle Redman as she explains PreK for All and when it's time to start thinking about it for your child. Danielle walks you through the application process, where you can choose the program location that best fits your needs, like a school district or childcare center.