More 4-year-olds in Livingston County have the chance to get a great start in school with the addition of three new Great Start Readiness Program preschool classrooms by the Livingston Educational Service Agency.
The Great Start Readiness Program is one of only four state-funded programs in the country that meets all 10 quality standards from the National Institute of Early Education Research, which assesses things like curriculum supports, teacher credential requirements, class sizes, student-teacher ratios, and child screenings.
In the spring of 2022, 87% of Livingston County students completing the program met or exceeded developmental expectations in literacy and math, m and 90% met or exceeded development expectations in social emotional learning.
In January, the Livingston ESA opened new preschool classrooms in the Brighton Hartland and Pinckney school districts, and enrollment is encouraged before Feb. 15. There are also openings in Fowlerville and Howell.
“We want to fill every available spot,” said Sean LaRosa, assistant superintendent for early learning. “Families may think they won’t qualify, but many are surprised that they are eligible for free preschool. We help navigate the process and would rather have people apply and find out than not apply.”
More information about enrollment — including forms — can be found at StartFreePreschool.org. To speak with enrollment specialist Teresa Grostic, call (517) 540-6847.
