West Shore ESD offers free preschool.

West Shore ESD offers free preschool.

#OceanaCountyNews

#WestShoreEducationalServiceDistrict

#GreatStartReadinessProgram

Eligible families with children who turn 4-years-old on or before September 1, 2017, have the opportunity to receive free preschool in Oceana, Mason and Lake counties.

Applications are being accepted for the 2017-2018 school year. Benefits of Great Start Readiness Program include full-day programming, transportation to and from school and a highly-qualified staff.

“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” said Brenda Vronko, Early Childhood Supervisor for West Shore ESD. “High-quality GSRP programs prepare children to be successful in kindergarten and throughout life.”

Enrollment and eligibility for free preschool is based on priority of the family and child considering several factors including a diagnosed disability or delay, severe of challenging behavior, primary home speaks language other than English, parent or guardian has low education attainment, abuse or neglect of the child or parent, and environmental risks. Because the program is funded through the State of Michigan, income is the primary factor for eligibility to receive free preschool.

To apply, families should contact their local district’s GSRP using the contact information below:

Oceana County
Hart Public Schools – Diman Wolf Early Childhood Center: 231.873.6330
Pentwater Preschool: 231.869.4110 ext. 240
Shelby Public Schools – Shelby Early Childhood Center: 231.869.6629
Walkerville Public Schools – Walkerville Elementary: 231.873.4850

Mason County
Ludington Public Schools – Pere Marquette Early Childhood Center: 231.845.7303
Mason County Central Schools – Victory Early Childhood Center: 231.843.2410
Mason County Eastern Schools – Mason County Eastern Elementary: 231.757.3860
Oaktree Academy: 231.845.0220

Lake County
Baldwin Public Schools – Baldwin Elementary: 231.745.3261

GSRP is Michigan’s state-funded preschool program for 4-year-old children with factors that may place them at risk of educational failure. For more information on Great Start Readiness Program, visit www.WSESD.org.

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