HIGH-QUALITY FREE AND LOW-COST PRESCHOOLS STILL ENROLLING

“For the 2022-23 school year, families of four who earn up to $83,250/year are eligible for free preschool through GSRP,” Tami Mannes, PhD., Director of Early Childhood Services for OAISD, said.  “By filling out a short online application, we can help families find the best fit for them.”

GSRP classrooms are staffed by highly qualified teachers with Early Childhood degrees and follow Michigan Childcare Licensing guidelines for health and safety.

"Early Childhood is truly the foundation of everything that matters in life,” Keshia Roberts Preschool Instructional Coach for Ottawa Area ISD, said. “When children are in a high-quality education environment, like a GSRP classroom, where they can learn and grow academically and socially-emotionally they are going to have much better outcomes later in life in all areas.” 

There are over 65 GSRP classrooms in the Ottawa area. Four additional preschools were added thanks to a GSRP Community Based Organization start-up grant including Dragonflies Discovery Preschool operated by Outdoor Discovery Center and Little Kingdom Warrior Academy both located on the north side of Holland. They are joined by Little Tykes University in Nunica and Milestones of Jenison. 

“Grant monies for these new GSRP locations will go towards staffing costs, classroom furnishings and licensing costs including fingerprinting for staff,” Patty Beatty, Assistant Director of Preschool programs for OAISD, said. “We are excited to add more opportunities for to attend a high-quality preschool and get a boost in early skills that will set them up for success in elementary school and beyond.” 

Half-day and full-day GSRP preschool options are available. Some locations offer wrap-around child care and bussing and many programs have Spanish-speaking instructors.

The Great Start Readiness Program is funded through a grant from the Michigan Department of Education. Children who are 4 years old on or before December 1, 2022, and meet the program requirements are eligible for enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year. 

Find and fill out an application for free or low-cost preschool at www.helpmegrowottawa.org. Help Me Grow Ottawa connects families with young children, ages birth to five years old with free local resources and programs to support your child’s development. English and Spanish-speaking HMG coordinators are available via phone or text at 844-233-2244. 

Ottawa Area Intermediate School District works collaboratively with schools and communities to meet the educational needs of students of all ages in the Ottawa area. By pooling resources and providing services regionally, the OAISD provides important programs and services to local K‐12 school districts and all charter, parochial and private schools in the most cost‐effective ways possible. To learn more about OAISD visit www.oaisd.org