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 for all programs, except KinderCare. KinderCare is providing GSRP full day Monday through Friday. Additionally some programs provide transportation.
DETAILS: 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.
First priority is given to children who will be 4 years old on or before September 1st. If you would like more information, or to complete an application, please contact one of the programs listed below or use the online application form on the left. Information below as of April 22, 2026 and is for the upcoming school year, Fall 2026 - Spring 2027.
The first deadline for requesting GSRP allocations for 2026-27 is May 27,2026. Lapeer ISD will be requesting allocations for all programs listed below and additional funding for expanding GSRP to potential new sites. The expected allocation request would make it possible to provide GSRP to approximately 457 children.
Almont - TWO LOCATIONS with one classroom each at
Almont Middle School and Orchard Primary
Call Star Sutphin, Program Administrator: 810-673-9107
* Can serve up to 40 GSRP Children
Current information for the 2026-27 School Year: 24 openings
Applications Received: 52 Confirmed Enrollments: 16
* Level: Enhancing Quality-Validated
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Dryden - located in Dryden Elementary School
Call: 810-448-4011
* Can serve up to 60 GSRP Children
Current information for the 2026-27 School Year: 35 openings
Applications Received: 34 Confirmed Enrollments: 25
* Level: Enhancing Quality-Validated
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IMLAY CITY - TWO LOCATIONS
Imlay City Schools - located in Weston Elementary School
Call: 810-721-9453
* Can serve up to 80 GSRP Children
Current information for the 2026-27 School Year: 80 openings
Applications Received: 50 Confirmed Enrollments: 0
* Level: Enhancing Quality
Imlay City ECC -- GSRP and Head Start
Located at 170 Weston St. (inside Full Potential Ministry Church)
Call Family Services Coordinator Christy Culver 810-272-6866
* Can serve up to 16 Children (12 Head Start and 4 GSRP)
Current information for the 2026-27 School Year: 0 GSRP openings
Applications Received: 4 Confirmed Enrollments: 4
* Level: Enhancing Quality
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Lapeer- THREE LOCATIONS
Lapeer Schools - located in the Early Childhood wing of Rolland Warner Middle School Call: 810-667-2454
* Can serve up to 60 GSRP Children
Current information for the 2026-27 School Year: 38 openings
Applications Received: 52 Confirmed Enrollments: 22
* Level: Enhancing Quality - Validated
KinderCare - Lapeer
Located at 1090 S. Lapeer Rd. Lapeer
Call: 810-969-4178
* Can serve up to 37 children
Current information for the 2026-27 School Year: 37 openings
Applications Received: 9 Confirmed Enrollments: 0
* This is a five day/week program
* Level - Enhancing Quality
NEMCSA - Lapeer - GSRP and Head Start
Located at 3333 John Conley Drive
Call Family Services Coordinators
Shiela Mallon 810-272-6085 or Christy Culver 810-272-6866
* GSRP can serve up to 32 children
Current information for the 2026-27 School Year: 1 opening
Applications Received: 31 Confirmed Enrollments: 31
* Level - Enhancing Quality
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North Branch Schools - located in the Early Learning Center at the North Branch Area Schools Administration Building
Call: 810-688-7147
* Can serve up to 80 GSRP Children
Current information for the 2026-27 School Year: 69 opening
Applications Received: 34 Confirmed Enrollments: 11
* Level - Enhancing Quality
These materials were developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.