OVERVIEW:

The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is the state-funded FREE preschool for four year old children. GSRPs are located in area school districts and licensed child care centers. Classes are full day, Monday through Thursday and some programs provide transportation. DETAILS: GSRP is Michigan’s state-funded preschool program for four-year-old children with factors which may place them at risk of educational failure. The program is administered by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Great Start. Research on preschool programs and specific research on GSRP indicates that children provided with a high-quality preschool experience show significant positive developmental differences when compared to children from the same backgrounds who did not attend a high-quality preschool program.

To strengthen learning at home and strengthen positive child outcomes, programs provide for active and continuous involvement of parents in the learning process. Also, through advisory committees, parents assist to evaluate and make recommendations about the program.  

LOCAL PROGRAMS:

Almont - located in Almont Middle School Call Star Sutphin, Program Administrator: 810-673-9107 * Can serve up to 20 GSRP Children * Level: Enhancing Quality-Validated

Dryden - located in Dryden Elementary School Call: 810-448-4011 * Can serve up to 56 GSRP Children * Level: Enhancing Quality-Validated 

Imlay City - located in Weston Elementary School Call: 810-721-9453 * Can serve up to 80 GSRP Children * Level: Enhancing Quality  

Lapeer - located in the Early Childhood wing of Rolland Warner Middle School Call: 810-667-2454 * Can serve up to 60 GSRP Children * Level: Enhancing Quality - Validated  

NEMCSA - with two locations Lapeer - located on John Conley Drive Call Family Services Coordinators
Shiela Mallon 810-272-6085  or Christy Culver 810-272-6866 
* Lapeer can serve up to 32 GSRP Children * Level: Enhancing Quality - Validated

North Branch - located at North Branch Area Schools Administration Building
Call Family Services Coordinator Lori Naracon 989-590-2603 * North Branch can serve up to 32 GSRP Children * Level: Enhancing Quality - Validated

In February 2023, Michigan's Great Start to Quality changed from ranking childcare providers with a STAR Rating to using Levels of Quality with a Continuous Quality Improvement Process. GSRP providers must hold a level of Enhancing Quality or higher.