The Regional Preschool Partnership uses MIEarlyChildhood as a centralized access point for applying for FREE preschool in Gratiot, Isabella, and Midland counties. Use the button link above to access MIEarlyChildhood’s website and begin your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old does my child have to be to qualify for GSRP/Prek for All? Children who will be 4 years old by September 1st of the current enrolling year qualify for GSRP/Prek for All. In some cases, enrollment may be opened up to children who will be 4 years old by December 1st.
Are there income requirements? All age eligible children qualify for enrollment. All families applying for GSRP/Prek for All must submit income verification documentation. Low income families and families with additional program factors receive prioritized enrollment.
My child won’t be 4 years old by September 1st or December 1st. Are there programs available to my child? For income eligible families, local Head Start agencies offer free preschool for children 3-4 years of age. Many of our partnering programs offer tuition based programs for children under the age of 4. Some local preschool programs offer tuition scholarship opportunities for 3 year old children.
Why do I have to rank my top three program choices when completing my application? Enrollment capacity in each GSRP/Prek for All classroom is capped based on per-child funding awarded through a grant by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. Typically, classrooms enroll between 16-18 children. Once a classroom/program meets their enrollment cap, they are unable to enroll additional children. In this event, families are referred to their second and third choice programs for potential enrollment.
Why was my application sent to a local Head Start? If your income information indicates you are eligible for Head Start services, your application is automatically sent to the local Head Start Agency. A representative from Head Start will contact you to discuss the various services their agency provides to children and families. These services, in particular the services designed to support family well-being, may provide increased benefit to families who fall within the income guidelines for Head Start enrollment (e.g. families whose income falls within 100%-below of the federal poverty level). Once you are informed of all services available through Head Start, you have the option to either enroll in a Head Start classroom or decline Head Start enrollment. If Head Start enrollment is declined, your application is forwarded to the next available GSRP/Prek for All program of your choice.
I only want to enroll my child in my first choice program, is there a waitlist? Yes, you have the option to be placed on a waitlist for your first choice program if you are foregoing enrollment in another GSRP/Prek for All program in your community.
I changed my mind about my first choice program, I want to adjust my ranking. Should I submit a new application? No, you should only submit one application for your child. Submitting another may cause confusion and slow down the enrollment process. If you have already been contacted by an Enrollment Specialist from a local program, you can contact them to request your application be forwarded to another program. If you are unsure what program has your application, you can email the Enrollment Coordinator for the Regional Preschool Partnership, Kelli Jolly, at kjolly@midlandesa.org.
When will I know if my child is enrolled in a GSRP/Prek for All program? Once you have met with an Enrollment Specialist from one of your selected program choices and submitted all required documentation, confirmation of your child’s enrollment is subject to the Enrollment Prioritization Chart included in the informational documents linked below.