Expand Child Development and Pre-School Programs

Research shows that every dollar invested in quality, early childhood programming results in a return in investment of at least four dollars. Michigan has available to families the four-year-old, at-risk program, Head Start and Day Care services. All of these programs serve similar populations and need to be coordinated at the community level. A significant increase for these programs was authorized by the Governor for this year.

The new at-risk categorical program contained in the FY 1995/96 School Aid Act spends $230 million to tutor and provide other services to students. Approximately 400,000 pupils in K-12 will be served.

In addition, school readiness grants will provide preschool for four year olds. Funds increased by $15 million or over 54 percent allowing more than 15,000 four year olds to be served. Nutritional services, health screening and family referral services were added to existing required curriculum. Governor Engler has also recommended serving an additional 4,000 four year olds through a competitive grant portion of the school readiness grants.