Resources for Families

Looking for a great preschool? Apply Now Empowered by Preschool

What is the Great Start Readiness Program?

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!

When should I apply?

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.

When do preschool programs run?

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.

How do I know if my child is eligible?

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 300% of federal poverty level

Family Size	300% of Federal Poverty Level
1	$45,180
2	$61,320
3	$77,460
4	$93,600
5	$109,740
6	$125,880

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.

CACS Head Start
Caterpillar Corner Child Care Center
Cradles to Crayons Child Care & Early Learning Center
Dansville Preschool and Child Development Center
Dansville Schools
East Lansing Public Schools
Holt Public Schools
KidTime Child Development Center
Lansing School District
Leslie Public Schools
Mason Public Schools
MSU-CDL-Haslett
Okemos Public Schools
Stockbridge Community Schools
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 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.