LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Local school districts are preparing for the state’s push for universal preschool by the end of 2026.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer first proposed free preschool for all four-year-olds during her January 2023 State of the State Address. She specifically referenced expanding the Great Start Readiness Program and said the plan would “launch hundreds more preschool classrooms across Michigan, supporting thousands of jobs.”
GSRP is a state-funded preschool program for children with risk factors for educational failure, administered largely through intermediate school districts. In the 2019-20 school year, GSRP served more than 37,000 children, 95% of whom came from low-income families.
Income caps on participation were lifted during the pandemic, but currently sit around 300% of the federal poverty level, meaning a family of four would qualify if they make less than $90,000.
Like all districts, Brighton Area Schools is working through the possible transition to universal preschool.
“Brighton will continue to be a leader in early childhood education, ensuring that all Brighton students have a great start to their formal education,” said BAS Superintendent Dr. Matt Outlaw.