Initiative Saves Families an Estimated $10,000 Per Year
LANSING, Mich. –The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) and local school leaders from across the state came together today to promote PreK for All, as there is still time for families to enroll their 4-year-olds in no cost high-quality PreK this school year.
“We know learning starts well before kindergarten, and families should know that there’s still time to enroll 4-year-olds in free, high-quality PreK programs across the state,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “Michigan’s balanced, bipartisan budget expanded access to PreK for all Michigan families regardless of income. We are working with our partners to connect Michigan children and families with the lifelong educational opportunities they need on their path to prosperity.”
Research shows that a high-quality PreK education improves a child’s emotional, social and intellectual skills, providing benefits that last far beyond their time in school. Thanks to a historic investment in the balanced, bipartisan state budget, PreK for All is now available at no cost to Michigan families, saving them an estimated $10,000 per year.
Michigan’s PreK for All program includes the Great Start Readiness Program in schools and community organizations, Head Start, and Young 5s programs. According to preliminary reports from intermediate school districts, 45,171 students were enrolled in the Great Start Readiness Program, the state’s primary PreK program, as of November 2024. This represents an increase of nearly 10% over last year’s final enrollment number of 41,120.
“In Wayne County we have seen firsthand that children who start ahead stay ahead,” said Beth Gonzalez, deputy superintendent of educational services for Wayne RESA. “Children who attend PreK learn crucial social skills as well as early reading, science and math, allowing them to get a head start and be ready for kindergarten. It is crucial that Wayne County parents of 4-year-olds in Michigan take advantage of this opportunity.”
“PreK gives children the foundation they need for long-term success in school and work, and research shows they grow into healthier adults earning higher wages over their lifetimes,” said Kenneth Gutman, superintendent of Oakland Schools. “PreK also teaches children critical social skills, like how to share and get along with others. This initiative is an excellent opportunity for Oakland County families with 4-year-olds.”
“A child’s brain is 90% developed by the age of 5,” said Ashley Karsten, director of early childhood for Kent ISD. “Nurturing relationships and stimulating early childhood learning experiences in PreK build a strong foundation for future growth, development and success. For Kent County families, participating in a quality PreK program helps children reach developmental milestones and offers access to free screenings to identify children with autism or developmental delays so issues can be addressed early.”
“We can all agree Michigan families need to save money during these challenging times, and PreK for All is a way for families to keep more money in their pockets,” said Amy Mroueh, director of Blossom Learning Center. “High-quality PreK means that families can go to work each day knowing their child is in a safe environment with caring adults and highly qualified teachers.”
Families still have time to enroll 4-year-olds in NO-COST high-quality PreK this school year. Visit MiPreKforAll.org to find programs near you that meet your family’s unique needs and learn how to enroll. For families seeking child care options, visit the Great Start to Quality website.
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About MiLEAP:
Established by Governor Whitmer in 2023, MiLEAP’s mission is to improve outcomes from preschool to postsecondary so anyone can ‘make it in Michigan’ with a solid education and a path to a good-paying job. To learn more about MiLEAP, go to Michigan.gov/MiLEAP.
