LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Michigan expanded its free preschool for all this year, but before parents sign up for the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), there are a few things to know.
“We always expect a great school year and tell the kids to expect a great school year,” said Darla Bishop, who sends her child to the Lansing Public Schools GSRP.
The program is also known as Michigan’s free preschool for all. The program is expanding across the state in hopes of offering this free option to more families.
“Being able to shift the cost of child care to a preschool not only saves us money, but also means we don’t have to worry about whether our child is ready for kindergarten,” says Bishop.
Emily Laidlaw, assistant director of early childhood education at the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP), says the program is based in middle and public school districts, as well as local community organizations. If parents prefer a smaller daycare center that doesn’t offer free preschool, all they have to do is apply, according to Laidlaw.
“Programs that currently offer preschool or prekindergarten programs can partner with their middle school district to offer a GSRP,” Laidlaw said.
Michigan has set a goal of enrolling 16,000 four-year-olds in free preschool, but reaching more families will require expanding free programs, opening new classrooms and converting fee-paying programs to free. Bishop comes from a two-parent, working-class household and knows what that means for families.
“Instead of spending the money on daycare, we now have it in our budget and can help them grow and develop in other ways,” Bishop said.
As the number of free preschool education continues to grow, access to this program is free for anyone interested. This gives children a head start on a good education and parents can save money at the same time.
There are several more programs that offer enrollment in general preschool. To find local programs in your area, visit MiFreePreeschool.org.
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