Michigan Free PreK receives major funding boost to open or grow nearly 500 classrooms statewide for 4-year-olds.

Statewide Grants Expand Michigan Free PreK With 494 New Classrooms

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) has announced $16.5 million in funding to expand the Michigan Free PreK program. The money will support 494 classrooms opening or growing under the state’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP).

Each new classroom receives $40,000 in start-up support. Expanding sites receive $17,900. Funds cover hiring, facility upgrades, supplies, and outreach. The goal is to make no-cost, high-quality PreK available to every eligible 4-year-old in the state.

“Every child deserves a strong start,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, MiLEAP director. “These grants help children learn and thrive, while easing costs for families.”

Local Impact: Classrooms Opening Across Michigan

The expansion includes classrooms in urban centers like Detroit and Grand Rapids and rural areas in the Upper Peninsula and Thumb region. While MiLEAP has not released a full breakdown of locations, officials say the goal is balanced access statewide.

Michigan Free PreK Saves Families Money and Boosts Readiness

Free PreK reduces childcare costs and improves readiness for kindergarten. State officials say the program gives children access to developmentally appropriate classrooms and trained educators. Families avoid private preschool costs, which can range from $7,000 to $10,000 annually.

The National Institute for Early Education Research has found that children in quality PreK programs are more likely to meet reading and math benchmarks by third grade (NIEER, 2024).

Michigan families get direct financial relief through PreK grants

With no?cost PreK, families avoid tuition fees and gain access to quality early education. State officials say this leads to better kindergarten readiness and reduced childcare costs. Research shows high?quality PreK contributes to higher reading and math achievement by third grade (National Institute for Early Education Research, 2

County Programs Already Showing Results

Monroe County ISD reported major improvements tied to earlier funding rounds. “We opened 10 new classrooms and expanded 11 others,” said Cortney Last, GSRP director. “We doubled participation among community partners and added Head Start blends.”

Providers used the funding to upgrade outdoor classrooms, playgrounds, and purchase age-appropriate learning materials.

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What is the Great Start Collaborative in Huron County?

Michigan’s Great Start Initiative is a state-wide program that works to ensure every child in Michigan is safe, healthy, and eager to succeed in school and life.

Each county in the state of Michigan has its own Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition. Huron County’s Great Start is housed within the Huron County Intermediate School District. Their job is to work towards making Huron County a better place to raise a family – as partners with parents, agencies, and change-makers.

What’s Next for the Michigan Free PreK Program

MiLEAP officials plan to measure success through enrollment data, classroom quality scores, and regional equity. The department says the expansion effort fulfills the 2025 state aid budget for early education.

More information, including program availability and eligibility guidelines, is available at MiPreKforAll.org.

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