Many Northern Michigan families qualify for free preschool program, thanks to a waiver from the state Department of Education.
The Great Start Readiness Program is designed to fill classrooms regardless of families socio-economic status. Now, state law allows families that make about $83,000 or less to qualify for assistance. That casts a wide net for low-to-middle income families.
Yvonne Donohoe is the Early Childhood Services Supervisor at Northwest Education Services. She said the opportunity comes at a time when child care services are in short supply in northern Michigan.
“For families with 4 year olds who are looking for these types of programs, we're hoping that they'll really be able to benefit from this — that it'll be both economically stabilizing for them, as well as provide a great child development experience," she said.
Beyond income, other factors in determining if a family is eligible for free GSRP preschool include a child’s disabilities, behavioral concerns, language barriers, abuse or neglect, and environmental risks.
Even if an applying family’s income is above the threshold level, these risk factors can be taken into account when determining eligibility.
Donohoe says many families that fall in this income range assume they wouldn’t qualify for assistance and end up paying needlessly.
“We're really hoping that folks kind of reconsider and think about applying for the program so we can help them to make those decisions for themselves," she said.
Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties all have open slots for preschool students.
For more information or to begin the pre-application process, call 231.947.3780 or go to www.nmcaa.net.
