Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential have announced that Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), the state’s main PreK for All initiative, has again received top marks for quality. This recognition places Michigan among only five states nationwide to meet all 10 quality benchmarks set by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). This marks the eighth consecutive year Michigan has achieved this distinction.
“Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, and I am proud that Michigan’s PreK for All program has been recognized as one of the best in the country,” said Governor Whitmer. “With free, high-quality PreK available to every four-year-old in Michigan, we are giving children a strong start and saving families an average of $10,000 each year. I will continue to collaborate with others to make strategic investments in early learning, ensuring all our kids have the chance to succeed.”
Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of Michigan’s Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), also expressed pride in the achievement. “It’s an honor that Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program is one of only five states to meet the highest quality standards,” said Dr. Walker-Griffea. “Early learning plays a critical role in a child’s development and future success. MiLEAP is dedicated to working with partners across Michigan to expand access to PreK for All while maintaining the highest quality standards.”
The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) released its 2024 State of Preschool Yearbook today, which highlights the state of PreK education across the U.S. Michigan is one of only five states to meet all 10 of NIEER’s key benchmarks, which cover essential indicators such as teacher qualifications, class sizes, early learning standards, and program assessments.
The Great Start Readiness Program is Michigan’s primary PreK for All program, which also includes Head Start, developmental kindergarten, and early childhood special education. This initiative is designed to ensure children are ready to succeed when they enter kindergarten, providing a strong foundation for future academic and professional success. Additionally, free PreK programs save families approximately $10,000 annually. For every dollar invested in PreK for All, the state receives $1.72 in economic benefits.
Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is now open for children who will turn 4 by December 1, 2025. PreK for All is available to all families, regardless of income, with priority given to those who need it most.
