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Great Start Readiness Preschool Program in Jackson, MI

A child drawing a butterfly with a help of an adult.

Funded by the state of Michigan, the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is a free Pre-K program for eligible families with 4-year-olds.

Michigan’s Nationally Recognized Pre-K Program

The preschool years are critical for helping children gain important academic and social skills that lead to success in kindergarten. On top of the excellent education your child will receive while attending our program, they will also be creating fun, memorable experiences that will last a lifetime.

The Great Start Readiness Program is available at all 5 of our locations. To qualify for GSRP, families’ gross income (before taxes) must be between 0% – 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. Classes are held Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. until either 3:00 or 3:30 p.m.

Learn more about what happens on a typical day in a Pre-K classroom!

My son has been with ABC Academy Laurence Ave for 2 years now. I can honestly say my son feels at home there. He is currently in the GSRP program, and is excited every day to go to school! I highly recommend all the programs they offer!

Angie Z. Parent

GSRP FAQs

What is the staff to child ratio?

The staff to child ratio is never more than 1:8.

What locations offer GSRP?

The Great Start Readiness Program is available at all 5 of our locations.

Who is eligible for GSRP?

Children who turn 4 years old by September 1 of the current year are welcome to apply. Single parent and military families, working families, children in foster care, homeless families, and families who have a child who receives free or reduced lunch will oftentimes qualify for GSRP.

What are the income requirements for the Great Start Readiness Program?

To qualify for GSRP, families’ gross income (before taxes) must be between 0% – 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.

When I complete the application, does that mean my child will be enrolled?

Completing an application does not guarantee enrollment. The application form is the first step in the process of applying for free Pre-K. After completing the application, you may still need to provide income, additional information to verify eligibility, and complete the enrollment process. Priority for enrollment is based on family income and additional life experiences. You will be contacted by a program advisor who will discuss the next steps with you.

I receive food stamps, Medicaid or WIC. Does that mean I am eligible?

Not necessarily. If you receive government assistance, your child may be income-eligible for free pre-K through the GSRP. However, you are not automatically eligible for preschool because you receive food stamps, Medicaid or WIC.

When are classes held?

GSRP times range from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM (Hunt) , 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (Lansing, Laurence, Jackson College), and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Dibble).

How do you communicate with parents?

We use a family communication system where families receive daily reports that detail their child’s classroom activities, pictures of their little ones having fun, and more. We are committed to ensuring the utmost communication between our caregivers and our families. What’s more, there are four opportunities for formal family interactions—two parent/teacher conferences and two home visits throughout the year.

 

How do you foster a great learning environment for my child?

We take many steps to foster the best possible learning environment for our children. The classroom permits children to move, play, and work freely, either alone or with others. All interest areas have names that are easily understood by children using multiple methods of displaying the word (word, picture, object). Low furniture like shelves and room dividers allow children and adults to see from one area to another. A variety of the children’s work is displayed, and multicultural materials are integrated into the classroom.

What items should I bring from home for my child?

Here is a list of items to bring to the center to help your child be comfortable. Please label every item. Parents are responsible for laundering their child’s extra naptime bedding and extra change of clothes when used, these will be sent home regularly. We encourage you to provide a family photo before your child’s first day of school. The photo will be attached to your child’s cubby area to identify his/her personal space and help your child transition into our program by having a picture of their loved ones nearby.

  • Complete change of clothes
  • Special blanket (optional)
  • Seasonal clothes for outdoors
  • Family Photo

How can my child grow with ABC?

At ABC Academy, we believe that every child deserves a safe place to grow at their own pace. We meet our children where they are developmentally and foster environments conducive to helping them reach their milestones. By planning around the individual child at every level of care, we foster growth in children as young as 2 and a half weeks old, all the way through twelve years old.

How do you accommodate children with disabilities?

Before a family enrolls their child in ABC Academy, we meet with families to discuss any disabilities or individualized needs a child might have coming into the program. That way, before care even begins, we can ensure that we can put into place any added extras that a child might need—from individualized education programs to special equipment. These pre-enrollment meetings can also include meeting with doctors if a child has any medical needs we should be aware of.

How can I ensure my child will be safe?

At ABC Academy, your child’s safety is our top priority. Our building is secure with limited access—each family has a unique door code to unlock the front door so that we know exactly who is picking up which child. We take extreme precautions surrounding child pickup to ensure that only approved family members can pick up children after the day is over. We also mandate that our staff complete annual health and safety training and certifications. Read more about our safety protocols.

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