A: Preschool for all children is extremely important for one primary reason: Kids who attend public preschool programs are better prepared for kindergarten than kids who don't.
Socialization, skill development and self-regulation are a few areas where substantial gaps are noticed.
That’s why I reached out to Wendy Boyce, Great Start Collaborative Co-Coordinator of Ingham ISD, to provide information on how to enroll in a program. Here's what she had to share:
The?www.inghampreschool.org?website enables families to fill out one application to connect to one of many?preschool?programs.? These?preschool?programs are available in local school districts and community–based providers that offer the tuition-free programs of the?Great Start Readiness Program?(4 year olds) and?Head Start?(3 and 4 year olds).
?
The website also provides more information about these?preschool?programs and program options, and answers frequently asked questions.? Programs are currently being held in a variety of ways including virtual, face-to-face, or a hybrid model.? ?Check out this video to see how fun, interactive and educational virtual?preschool?can be! https://vimeo.com/468270758?
?
Once a parent fills out the?preschool?application for their child at?www.inghampreschool.org?or by calling (855) 644-7735, the process of getting connected to a?preschool?program is started.
?
The income limits for the 4-year-old Great Start Readiness Program?preschool?have been waived for the 2020-21 school year. That means that all children born between 9/2/15 and 12/1/16 are eligible for tuition free?preschool?this year and can be enrolled as slots are available!?
Research shows that children who attend a high-quality?preschool?the year or two before kindergarten are better prepared for school academically, socially, and emotionally.
There are still openings for the 2020-2021 school year, so parents can apply today!? Please contact your local school district’s Early Childhood Director or?preschool?enrollment office for information on openings in a specific district, or Wendy Boyce at?wboyce@inghamisd.org?or (517)244-1246 if you have general questions or need more information.??
Wendy Boyce
Great Start Collaborative Co-Coordinator, Ingham ISD