Early Childhood
Our mission is to model child-centered, play-based environments that support critical thinking skills, develop positive self-esteem, and facilitate independence and competence.
Intake applications open March 1 for the 2025-2026 School Year
The Grand Rapids Public Schools, Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is a state-funded full day preschool program. All families are eligible for free GSRP preschool. To qualify, your child must be 4 years old on or before December 1 of the upcoming school year.
Michigan's Great Start Readiness Program preschool, ranked #1 nationally, prepares children to be successful in kindergarten and beyond. Children have opportunity to learn in a play-based environment to build skills in the areas of literacy, language and communication, mathematics, and social & emotional development.
Our GSRP World-Class Preschool Offers:
- 23 Safe, Convenient Locations throughout Grand Rapids.
- Highly Qualified World-Class Teachers who monitor each child's progress and partner with families to support at-home development.
- Inclusive Classroom Learning that is supported by a research-based curriculum. Children interact in both large and small group activities, participate in open-ended learning centers, and experience outdoor exploration.
- Free, Nutritious Meals
- Adventurous Field Trips that encourage learning in new environments.
- Family Engagement Events
Great Start Readiness Program Schools:
How to Apply:
An intake application must be completed with the required documents in order to be placed. Application opens March 1st for the upcoming school year. Call our Early Childhood Office at 616-819-2111 to see if your child qualifies or email EarlyChildhood@grps.org to learn more. What you need to complete your application:
Required Documents
- Proof of birth - copy of legal birth certificate, passport, hospital record, baptismal record or other government form
- Proof of income - income tax form, W-2, pay stub, unemployment, written statement from employer, foster care reimbursement, SSI documentation, child support, alimony or pensions
- Proof of residency - driver's license with current address, current utility bill, rent receipt, tax bill or land contract
- Immunization Record or signed waiver from the Health Department
- IEP if necessary
GSRP was developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential provided in partnership with Kent Intermediate School District.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does my family/child qualify for the GSRP Preschool?
A. The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is funded by the Michigan Department of Education and has defined a list of eligibility factors, primarily income. Information collected during the formal application process determines eligibility status and placement.
Q. What documents are required for GSRP Preschool?
A. You will need to submit your child's certified birth certificate, immunization record, physical/health appraisal completed in the past year, proof of income, and proof of residence that your family resides in (current gas/electric, rent/lease/mortgage document). Other required paperwork will need to be completed with the Preschool teaching team prior to your child starting, along with GRPS online registration.
Q. Is my child automatically enrolled once I complete the application for GSRP Preschool?
A. The intake application is the first step in the process to applying for preschool. After completing the application, you will still need to provide income documentation, additional information to verify eligibility, and complete the enrollment process. Priority for enrollment is based on family income and additional life experiences. Tuition-free programs are required to follow prioritization guidelines when enrolling children into State Funded Preschool programs. Eligibility is primarily based on family income (federal poverty level), life experiences and child's age.
The Great Start Readiness Program is funded by the Michigan Department of Education and has a defined list of eligibility factors. Preschool applications are reviewed for Head Start eligibility first. Each child must qualify for the preschool program based on guidelines that include income verification and documentation of other school readiness risk factors.
Prioritization
- Children who meet the current age entry date (September 1), whose family income is between 0-100% federal poverty level (FPL) or meets one of the established categorical eligibility criteria.
- Children who meet the current age entry date and whose family’s income is between 0%‐400%+ FPL.
- Children who are in the age gap entry date of September 2 to December 1 whose family income is between 0%‐400%+ FPL.
Q. What is the age eligibility for GSRP Preschool?
A. Children must be 4 by December 1st of the current year. Children who are 5 by September 1st of the current year are too old and are not eligible to attend GSRP.
Q. When is the first day of GSRP Preschool?
A. Preschool students who have been placed usually begin school at the beginning of September. Details about classroom teachers and first day of school will be communicated via email toward the end of summer.
Q. Is bus transportation available for my GSRP Preschool child?
A. Bus transportation is available for students who are attending their neighborhood (attendance area) school and are more than one mile away from their neighborhood (attendance area) school. Transportation is not available for students who are attending a school that is not their neighborhood (attendance area) school, including theme schools.
Contact Us
Early Childhood
Call 616-819-2111
Email Earlychildhood@grps.org
