GSRP is Michigan's state-funded PreK program for four-year-old children with factors that may place them at risk of educational failure. The program is administered by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP).

Why should you consider a high-quality PreK for your child?

Research on PreK programs and specific research on GSRP indicates that children provided with a high-quality PreK experience show significant positive developmental differences when compared to children from the same backgrounds who did not attend a high-quality PreK program. High-quality GSRP programs prepare children to be successful in Kindergarten and throughout life.

What is our goal?

The goal of the program is to encourage the development of children and prepare them for successful entry into Kindergarten using developmentally appropriate practices in a play-based curriculum.    

What is a play-based curriculum?

The West Shore Educational Service District uses the Connect4Learning (C4L) curriculum that focuses on teaching across four domains: Connected Science Experiences, Engaging Math, Authentic Literacy, and Social-Emotional Development for All Learners. C4L uses a project-based approach, in which children work towards a larger goal. High-interest learning centers that support and extend children's growing understanding in social-emotional skills, science, literacy, and mathematics are a fundamental part of daily lessons.                

Who do we serve?

The West Shore Educational Service District services Great Start Readiness Programs (GSRP) throughout Mason and Oceana counties. WSESD serves as the fiscal and administrative agent. Full day GSRP classrooms are located in each district throughout the two counties including: Ludington, Mason County Central, Mason County Eastern, Hart, Pentwater, Shelby, and Walkerville.

It's easy to apply!

Applications may be picked up at your local school district or by contacting Jeni Schafer at 231-898-1545. Applications are accepted year round however program selections are based upon eligibility and funding from the MI Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. Official program placement occurs once we receive notification from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) that funding has been awarded to our region. 

An online application is also available. Please select Mason or Oceana county for your county specific application. 

Eligibility

All children need to be age eligible (4 years old on or before December 1st) to qualify.

The program is free on all income level however children will be prioritized for determining eligibility and prioritization for enrollment of children who live in families at or below 400% Federal Poverty Level.

Prioritization factors include:

• Diagnosed disability or developmental delay

• Severe or challenging behavior

• Primary home language other than English

• Parent/guardian who did not graduate from high school

• Abuse/neglect of child or parent

• Environmental risk such as parental loss due to death, divorce, incarceration, military service, or absence

Programs maintain a 1:10 ratio as required by the State of Michigan and are run by highly qualified and certified teachers.

Most classes meet Monday through Thursday, but some classes meet Monday through Friday. Times and schedules vary from one district to another.