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Sturgis Public Schools

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Early Childhood

Early Childhood

The Great Start Readiness Program logo features a star and text.

 

Our mission is to model child-centered, play-based environments that support critical thinking skills, develop positive self-esteem, and facilitate independence and competence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sturgis Public Schools, Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is a state-funded full day preschool program. All families are eligible for free GSRP preschool. To qualify, your child must be 4 years old on or before December 1 of the upcoming school year.

Michigan's Great Start Readiness Program preschool, ranked #1 nationally, prepares children to be successful in kindergarten and beyond. Children have opportunity to learn in a play-based environment to build skills in the areas of literacy, language and communication, mathematics, and social & emotional development.

Our GSRP Preschool Offers:

  • Highly Qualified World-Class Teachers who monitor each child's progress and partner with families to support at-home development.
  • Inclusive Classroom Learning that is supported by a research-based curriculum. Children interact in both large and small group activities, participate in open-ended learning centers, and experience outdoor exploration. 
  • Free, Nutritious Meals
  • Adventurous Field Trips that encourage learning in new environments. 
  • Family Engagement Events

  • Children must be 4 by December 1st of the current year. Children who are 5 by September 1st of the current year are too old and are not eligible to attend GSRP.

  • The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is funded by the Michigan Department of Education and has defined a list of eligibility factors, primarily income. Information collected during the formal application process determines eligibility status and placement.

  • You will need to submit your child's certified birth certificate, immunization record, physical/health appraisal completed in the past year, proof of income, and proof of residence that your family resides in (current gas/electric, rent/lease/mortgage document). Other required paperwork will need to be completed with the Preschool teaching team prior to your child starting.

  • No. Completing the preschool intake application is the first step in the enrollment process and does not guarantee placement in the program.

    After your application is submitted, you may be asked to provide income documentation and other information to verify eligibility. Applications are reviewed using enrollment guidelines established by the Michigan Department of Education, which consider factors such as your child's age, household income, and other school readiness criteria.

    Once your application has been reviewed and all required documentation has been received, your school’s main office will contact you with the next steps and enrollment information.

  • Preschool students who have been placed usually begin school at the beginning of September. Details about classroom teachers and first day of school will be communicated via email toward the end of summer.

  • Bus transportation is available for students who are attending their neighborhood (attendance area) school and are more than one mile away from their neighborhood (attendance area) school. Transportation is not available for students who are attending a school that is not their neighborhood (attendance area) school, including theme schools.