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There is still time and capacity for families to enroll their 4-year-olds in the no-cost PreK for All this school year.
That was the message during a Tuesday press call by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) and local school leaders from across the state.
“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 pre-K programs across the state,” said Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP.
Walker-Griffea noted that more than 45,000 students were already enrolled in the Great Start Readiness program, which is the state’s primary pre-K program, representing an increase of nearly 10% over last year’s final enrollment number of 41,120 children.
“That is 4,000 more than last year and really a record for a decade of the numbers that have been signed up for this program, so we are quite proud that we have that amount currently enrolled in our pre-K program,” she said.
Kenneth Gutman, superintendent of Oakland Schools, said that pre-K education improves a child’s emotional, social and intellectual skills, providing benefits that last far beyond their time in school.
“Research shows kids who participate in PreK are more likely to become healthier and more productive adults earning higher wages over their lifetimes. Children who attend pre-K are more likely to graduate from high school and go on to college or career training,” said Gutman. “We want to make sure families know about this no-cost option, because it has been a financial lifesaver for families who have enrolled their children.”
It’s estimated that Michigan families who take advantage of PreK for All save up to $10,000 per year in childcare costs.
“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 in Garden City. “High-quality pre-K means that families can go to work each day knowing their child is in a safe environment with caring adults and highly qualified teachers.”
Ashley Karsten, director of early childhood for Kent Intermediate School District (ISD), noted that research has shown that a child’s brain is 90% developed by age 5.
“That’s why pre-K is so important. It nurtures relationships and stimulates early childhood learning experiences that build a really strong foundation for future growth, development, and success. Enrolling your children in quality PreK also helps them achieve key developmental milestones,” said Karsten, who added that it also offers access to free developmental screenings that can help identify delays in child development and make sure that any concerns are addressed early.
Leaders stressed that the program is free.
“It’s really important to understand that there are now no income restrictions at all to participate in PreK for All. So, this program is truly for everyone, not just low-income families, not just middle-class families, everyone. We know there are more families in Oakland County that can benefit from PreK for All, and we will continue to spread the word about this amazing opportunity,” said Gutman.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had pushed for free universal pre-K for all 4-year-olds and two years of community college for recent high school graduates in her plan for the 2025 fiscal year budget. While the final state spending deal did not include her entire education wishlist, access to free early childhood education was increased.
Walker-Griffea said current funding from the state’s budget allows for enrollment of up to 54,000 kids and their hope is to make sure as many of those slots as possible are filled.
Walker-Griffea was asked whether she had concerns that Republicans taking back control of the Michigan House might affect future funding for the program, a possibility she downplayed.
“I know that in the past, there has been bipartisan work that has been done to ensure that our youngest have the best educational experiences that they have. We have worked really hard to use that money to make sure that it is going towards quality education, to building professionals … to have the marketing and the outreach to get the word out so that more people can be involved in that.
“So when we talk about a change with the Legislature, I want to share that this was done bipartisan and I would look to the future to say that we’ll be working to make sure that we have a bipartisan level of support as we move forward,” said Walker-Griffea.
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