With the recent budget approval in the State of Michigan, the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) of Allegan County will be increasing the number of four-year-old students they are able to serve in a preschool program for the 2024-2025 school year as well as increasing the number of classrooms available. All families with children who turn four years old by December 1 are eligible and encouraged to apply.
The tuition-free, state-funded GSRP program is nationally recognized and provides the children of Michigan the opportunity for a strong educational foundation beginning at the age of four. Historically, these pre-k spots have been limited and primarily based on household income. The newly approved budget increases the household income eligibility guideline, providing access to almost every family in Allegan County.
The Great Start Readiness Program is ranked number one in the country as a state-funded preschool program and we are excited to be able to expand our offerings in the Allegan Area. In our county almost every four-year old is now considered eligible and families who have previously enrolled in their local district tuition program are encouraged to contact their district to find out if they may now be eligible for the free preschool option. All families should apply for GSRP through our Help Me Grow Allegan website.
Children who have a qualifying Individualized Education Plan (IEP), children who are experiencing homelessness, or children in foster care are automatically eligible regardless of income.
School districts within Allegan County that are included and will be expanding their classrooms for the upcoming school year are Allegan, , Fennville, Hopkins, Martin, Otsego, Plainwell, and Wayland. Openings for PreK are still available in all school districts. To learn more about GSRP and for information on how to enroll, please visit www.hmgallegan.org.