It is estimated that nearly 66,700 four-year-old children have factors affecting their ability to become successful in school. The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is Michigan's pre-school program for these four-year-olds. GSRP helps children get ready for school, increases attendance and reduces the number of children who repeat a grade by almost one-half. The programs provide strong family involvement/parent education components as well as preschool education. To be eligible a child must have two of the 8 identified risk factors and more than 50 percent of the children must be low income.
Programs are available through local school districts (Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, Whitmore Lake, Willow Run and Ypsilanti), local charter schools (New Beginnings Academy, Central Academy, Victory Academy, and Eastern Washtenaw Multicultural Academy) and local non-profits (Perry Nursery, EMU Children's Institute, and Champions for Children at Gretchen's House). Visit www.washtenawsuccessby6.org/parents/finding-a-preschool for more information.
Washtenaw ISD Contact:
Sian Owen-Cruise
1819 S. Wagner Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI. 48106
Phone: 734-994-8100 x 1277
Email: sowencruise@uwwashtenaw.org
Child Care Network, the Southeast Regional Child Care Resource Center
Child Care Network's mission is to promote the success of children, families and our community through quality child care education, advocacy and family support. Child Care Network is committed to improving the quality of child care and providing resources to help the community make educated choices about early childhood education. CCN has been providing services to families and early childhood professionals since 1977. Child Care Network provides services for six southeast Michigan counties: Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe and Washtenaw.
Our primary services are to:
- Help parents find child care through Great Start Connect.
- Provide parents with information and education about how to choose quality child care.
- Assist low-income families with the cost of licensed care.
- Provide training and support for early childhood professionals.
- Provide information, education and advocacy on issues affecting children's well being.
For more information, visit http://www.childcarenetwork.org/dnn/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx.
First Steps Washtenaw
Supports parents and families in the preparation of their children for school by coordinating and delivering early childhood development and community services. First Steps Washtenaw is open to all families, with children ages 0-5, who live in Washtenaw County.
Good Start
Good Start expands program options for preschoolers with special needs by providing support to staff of many different early childhood settings.