Resources for Families

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. The majority of Michigan’s four-year-olds qualify for free!

Families with three or four year old children should apply now! 

Enrollment happens 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 a few weeks of applying to share next steps. 

Our GSRP and Head Start partners offer both full day and 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.

Your child may be eligible if: 

  • They will be four years old by December 1 for GSRP or three years old by December 1 for Head Start
  • They are currently in foster care
  • They have a disability or developmental delay
  • They are experiencing homelessness
  • They live in a household with a family income below 400% of federal poverty level

Family    Size  

400% of Federal Poverty Level 
1 $60,240
2 $81,760
3 $103,280
4 $124,800
5 $146,320
6 $167,840

 

 

 

 

 

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
  • Income Eligibility: 85% of families are at or below 300% of Federal Poverty Level 
  • Selection Criteria: Prioritization based on program eligibility factors 
  • 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: 1:8 

 

  • 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.

 

Contact Us

Email Ingham Preschool

Partners