Free preK for 4-year-olds is expanding for Macomb County families in the 2025-26 school year, giving more children access to Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) which helps build the social and early academic skills needed for kindergarten.
GSRP is the state’s free prekindergarten program for eligible 4-year-olds. The state describes it as a place where children practice social skills like sharing and taking turns while building early math, reading and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities. The program is designed to help children be ready for kindergarten and beyond, according to the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential.
For the 2025-26 school year, the state says all families have access to free preK through GSRP, with priority given to those who need it most. Right now, enrollment priority goes to families at or below 400% of the federal poverty limit, which is about $128,000 in annual income for a family of four.
Michigan officials note that GSRP is ranked No. 1 nationally among prekindergarten programs and that most 4-year-olds in the state qualify for free preK. Programs generally follow the school year calendar and may offer full-day, part-day, four-day or five-day options, according to Great Start to Quality.
For Macomb County families, that statewide expansion is supported locally by the Macomb Intermediate School District, which coordinates GSRP classrooms across local districts and community providers.
How Macomb families can find a local classroom
At the county level, the Macomb Intermediate School District runs a consortium of GSRP programs across local school districts and community providers. MISD describes the county’s GSRP classrooms as developmentally appropriate, play-based programs that are rich in language and literacy and prepare students for the “rigors of kindergarten” when they finish, according to the Macomb Intermediate School District.
MISD also notes that its GSRP classrooms follow quality standards set by the state and must meet licensing requirements from the Department of Human Services.
A 2025 MISD preschool flyer highlights both Head Start and GSRP options and lists locations in communities across the county, including Armada, Center Line, Clinton Township, Eastpointe, Macomb Township, Mount Clemens, New Baltimore, New Haven, Richmond, Romeo, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Shelby Township, Sterling Heights and Warren. The flyer also stresses that children in these programs work on skills like listening to stories, early literacy, math, science, physical movement and building relationships through cooperative play, according to the MISD Preschool Flyer.
Parents who want to search by neighborhood can use the state’s Great Start to Quality Free PreK search tool. The site lets families enter a ZIP code, then shows free GSRP and Head Start options connected to that area.
Families with questions about local GSRP programs can also contact MISD’s early childhood office directly. The PreK for All page lists a central phone number, 586-228-3468, along with several coordinators and a Great Start Collaborative coordinator who support family outreach and enrollment.
Lakeview bond proposal focuses on comfort and learning spaces
As Macomb County expands access to early childhood programs, one district is also updating facilities to support younger learners.
Lakeview Public Schools’ bond proposal was approved by voters on Nov. 4, clearing the way for building upgrades across all seven school campuses. Unofficial results from the district show 2,865 residents voted yes and 2,225 voted no, according to the St. Clair Shores Sentinel (C&G Newspapers).
With the proposal passing, the district can now begin replacing classroom heating and cooling systems that are more than 20 years old. Superintendent Karl Paulson has said these updates should help keep classrooms comfortable and consistent throughout the school year. Work will also be done in media centers, gyms and other shared areas that support day-to-day learning, according to the district’s bond information.
At Wheat Early Childhood Center, part of the administrative wing will be converted into additional early childhood classrooms, creating more dedicated space for younger learners.
Lakeview’s bond information page notes that the school debt tax rate will remain the same as the district moves forward with these projects. Families can review the full building project lists, FAQs and documents on the district’s bond election webpage to see what changes are planned at their child’s school through Lakeview Public Schools.
from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/4vlBAwE
0 comments:
Post a Comment