PreK Enrollment is Still Open for 4-Year-Olds
More Michigan children have access to free PreK thanks to $130 million state budget investment, saving families $10,000 a year
Holland, MI- There is still time to enroll 4-year-olds in free, high-quality PreK programs in the Ottawa area through Ottawa Area ISD.
The recent historic investment in PreK for All included in the state’s new budget will allow nearly 59,000 four-year-olds to access free PreK, prioritizing families who need it most. Free PreK saves families an average of $10,000 a year while giving Michigan children access to a solid academic foundation.
PreK for All in Michigan builds upon successful preschool programs that already exist and are well established. Locally, Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) collaborates with all eleven school districts in the region and numerous licensed childcare providers across the ISD service area including Little Tykes University in Nunica to Lakeshore Little People's Place in Hamilton and many communities in between.
Jeni Visser, Assistant Director of Preschool Early Childhood for OAISD said OAISD is excited about expanding the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) and bringing PreK for All to even more families in our community.
“This initiative represents a tremendous opportunity for young learners to access high-quality early education to help ensure children start their academic journey with a strong foundation,” Visser said. “Expanding GSRP supports children's development in a nurturing and enriching environment. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for our future."
Visser added children who are 4 on or before December 1st are eligible for free PreK through GSRP until classes are filled and encourages enrolling now.
“Michigan is fortunate to have the successful Great Start Readiness Program and the Great Start to Quality Program, which have proven to be effective in narrowing achievement gaps and preparing children for success in their educational careers and beyond,” said Sophia Lafayette-Lause, EdD, director of Great Start Readiness Program, Early Childhood Special Education, and Family Services at MiLEAP. “Michigan’s intermediate school districts are delivering high-quality PreK education to our state’s young learners, and we look forward to partnering with our fellow stakeholders, community partners and legislative leaders to expand capacity and access across our state.”
Learn more about the Governor’s PreK for All initiative.
For more information, contact Michelle Ready at 616.738-8940 x4093 mready@oaisd.org
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District
Ottawa Area ISD works collaboratively with schools and communities to meet the educational needs of students of all ages in the Ottawa area. By pooling resources and providing services regionally, Ottawa Area ISD provides important programs and services to local K‐12 school districts, charter, parochial and private schools and adults in the most cost‐effective ways possible. To learn more about Ottawa Area ISD visit www.oaisd.org