Did you know that nearly 90 percent of brain development in children occurs before they start kindergarten? The experiences children have during their first five years, including the development of social, cognitive, and emotional skills, are critical to their later success.
Unfortunately, the mounting costs of childcare can put many children at a disadvantage. Thankfully for Michigan families, however, the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is here to help by offering free preschool to eligible four-year-olds. Here are the top five questions – and answers – about Michigan’s free preschool program.
1. Is My Child Eligible for the GSRP Preschool in Michigan?
There are a few primary factors that determine eligibility for GSRP Preschool.
Main GSRP Eligibility Requirements:
- Location: The family must reside in Michigan. Living in nearby states, even if the family works in Michigan, does not qualify you.
- Age: The child must turn four on or before September 1 in the year they will be attending. If your child’s birthday falls between September 2 and December 1, they may be able to attend, depending on availability.
- Income: Although there isn’t an income requirement, families whose income falls at or below 400% of the federal poverty level are given priority.
In addition, eligibility may be prioritized for children who meet other risk factor indicators, including:
- Parents who have not graduated from high school or who are unable to read
- Families whose primary language isn’t English
- Parental absence due to divorce, death, or incarceration
- Involvement from Child Protective Services
2. How Does GSRP Preschool Get Kids Ready for Kindergarten?
All GSRP preschools prepare kids for kindergarten by implementing small class sizes and focusing on a variety of essential skills. The Michigan free preschool curriculum is developmentally appropriate and balances teacher-facilitated and child-led activities. It is based on fun, hands-on, play-based learning, giving children the chance to learn in multiple ways.
What Skills are Taught in the GSRP?
- Social and emotional learning: Kids will learn to make friends, share with others, and take turns.
- Language and cognitive skills: GSRP Preschool helps build foundational skills such as creative thinking, math, and reading.
- Physical development: Play-based learning, coordination, and other physical skills are incorporated into the curriculum.
3. What is the Schedule for the GSRP Preschool?
For children attending GSRP preschool, school typically starts in mid-September and ends in early June. Sessions include full- and partial-day options and run either Monday through Thursday or Monday through Friday.
The variety of program hours offers more flexibility to parents and caregivers who may work unconventional schedules or have other children in childcare or enrolled in school. Each schedule depends on the specific school that your child attends, so be sure to ask for more details when signing up.
4. Are The Great Start Readiness Program and Head Start the Same Thing?
Although GSRP Preschool and Head Start both offer high-quality early childhood educational experiences, they are not the same thing.
GSRP vs. Head Start
- GSRP Preschool: This state-funded program is offered exclusively to four-year-olds. The program is open to all families but targets children who may be at higher risk of falling behind their peers before entering kindergarten. The curriculum is approved by the state and focuses on emotional, social, and cognitive skills to prepare for kindergarten.
- Head Start: This program is federally funded and is available for children between three and five years of age, although Early Head Start serves children below age three. Head Start is primarily for low-income families and offers a comprehensive approach that focuses on social, cognitive, and emotional skills.
5. Is Potty Training Required for GSRP Preschool?
Although potty training isn’t officially required for children to be accepted or to attend GSRP preschool, some individual sites may have different requirements. For parents and caregivers concerned about potty training before starting GSRP, many locations will work with parents to support children as they transition from day care to preschool, including toilet training.
When enrolling your child, be sure to reach out to the location you’re interested in attending to inquire about their specific policies and how they support families whose children may not be fully potty-trained before entry.
The first 2,000 days of a child’s life help build the foundation for their future. By exploring the options offered by free GSRP preschool, Michigan families can help their children develop the academic, social, and emotional skills they will need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.