Several schools offering free 4-year-old preschool

Several schools offering free 4-year-old preschool

West Shore School News is a presentation of West Shore Educational Service District in partnership with Mason County Press and Oceana County Press.

The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) still has openings for free 4-year-old preschool at several area school districts and centers, including Hart Public Schools (Diman-Wolf Early Childhood Center), Shelby Public Schools (Oceana County Early Learning Center, Shelby Early Childhood Center), Ludington Area Schools, Mason County Central Schools (Victory Early Childhood Center), Mason County Eastern Public Schools, Oaktree Academy, Pentwater Public Schools, and Walkerville

The GSRP program serves children of families who meet the income guidelines or other qualifying factors. Families with children who turn 4 years old by Dec. 1, 2023 are encouraged to apply.

All GSRP classes offer a full day schedule Monday through Thursday. Most locations offer transportation. All GSRP programs exceed state requirements for safety and quality and are rated by Michigan’s Great Start to Quality rating system.

Under the current income guidelines, a family of four earning up to $90,000 a year is eligible for the program and some tuition spots are available. Children who have a qualifying Individualized Education Plan (IEP), children who are experiencing homelessness, or children in foster care are also eligible regardless of income.

The GSRP program helps children develop through quality interactions and active play-based learning with other children. Program directors at each location can answer questions and are ready to welcome children into their programs.

To apply to the GSRP program, call 231-898-1545 or go to www.wsesd.org and go to Quick Links to find Preschool Round Up information.

Parents will need documentation of their household income, child’s date of birth, and family’s address to submit their application. Families looking for tuition-based preschool or additional preschool options can begin their search by visiting www.greatstarttoquality.org.

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