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UNDATED, Mich. -- The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) has announced a record enrollment of 51,000 children in the state's PreK for All program as of October. This marks an increase of nearly 9,000 children compared to the previous year. The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), a key component of PreK for All, is designed to provide free, high-quality preschool education to all four-year-olds in Michigan, regardless of family income.
Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP, expressed excitement over the enrollment numbers, emphasizing the program's benefits in preparing children for kindergarten. Emily Laidlaw, deputy director of early education at MiLEAP, highlighted the program's potential to improve long-term educational outcomes, stating that children in high-quality pre-K programs are more likely to graduate from high school and pursue further education or career training.
The initiative, supported by bipartisan funding, aims to alleviate childcare costs for families, saving them an estimated $14,000 annually. It includes programs like GSRP, Head Start, developmental kindergarten, and early childhood special education. Despite the record numbers, there are still openings available, and officials anticipate a 10% increase in enrollment by the end of the enrollment period in February.
Blake Kish, a parent with children enrolled in the program, praised its impact, noting the positive feedback from teachers about his children's preparedness for kindergarten. According to Steve Tunnicliff, superintendent for the Genesee Intermediate School District, nearly 18,000 enrolled students are from Genesee County, reflecting a steady increase in participation over the past three years.
The program's success underscores the importance of early childhood education, with research indicating that 90% of a child's brain development occurs by age five. Families interested in enrolling their children can visit the MiPreKforAll.org website for more information.