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Q: How important is Preschool?  

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

From Mrs. Pizzo's Workshop 

Robin Pizzo leads the education outreach efforts of WKAR Public Media at Michigan State University, the PBS and NPR affiliate serving Michigan's capital region. Robin convenes partnerships and coordinates station initiatives such as WKAR Family and Ready to Learn to bring workshops, learning tools, and other resources into the community to help kids be resilient, lifelong learners.
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