Preschool 3-k
Head start and the great start readiness program
Head Start
Head Start is a federally-funded preschool program. Its success is based on compassionate partnerships between Head Start program staff and parents. In Michigan, local Head Start programs work with families to remove barriers to success and to deepen parents’ ability to support their children.
Visit the Michigan Head Start Association website.
Great Start Readiness Program
The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is a state-funded preschool program with aims that are similar to those of Head Start. While fewer children qualify for Head Start than GSRP, Great Start Readiness Program also serves families whose circumstances indicate a need for free early childhood education.
Visit the Michigan Department of Education website about GSRP.
Complete an interest form today to find out if your child is eligible for high quality preschool programming at not cost to you!
Application Signature Form - Required Document.
good start
The Good Start Program is based upon a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) and is committed to helping early childhood educators (supporting children ages 0-6) develop their own expertise. The new program will accomplish this through an innovative system of support including:
- Free trainings customized for each center provide a foundation of knowledge and expertise focused on social and emotional development and addressing challenging behaviors that will enable early childhood educators to support all learners in their classrooms.
- In addition, a Good Start Consultant provides ongoing coaching to help early childhood educators analyze data and problem solve next steps, if they need more support.
- The Good Start Program works with early childhood staff and directors to ensure all young children have access to receive early intervention support and eligible services. The Good Start Consultant works with teachers and directors to support families to initiate the process for a special education evaluation through their local school district. The Good Start Program will continue to provide consultation to early childhood programs as they successfully include children with significant support needs.
Through the use of a multi-tiered coaching system, educators will become knowledgeable and empowered to implement the necessary supports to better meet the needs of all of their students.
To make a request for additional support, early childhood educators should contact Johanna Mabry at (734) 994-8100 ext. 3087.
Build Up Michigan
Do you have a 3, 4, or 5-year-old who is struggling to learn?
Special education services may be available for your 3, 4, or 5-year-old through your local school district. There are a range of conditions that could potentially impact a child's learning ability including, speech/language impairment, cognitive impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder, emotional impairment, traumatic brain injury, hearing or visual impairment, Early Childhood Developmental Delay or a specific learning disability. Intervening early can in many cases resolve, or at least limit, a child's roadblock to learning.
If you would like to request an evaluation for your preschooler, please complete a request form.
If you are concerned about your 3, 4, or 5-year olds development and would like to request a Special Education Evaluation, contact Help Me Grow Washtenaw at (734) 994-8186.
