This guidance document is designed to support Intermediate School Districts (ISDs), Early Childhood Specialists (ECS), Early Childhood Consultants (ECCs), and GSRP providers as they work collaboratively to implement GSRP in a faith-based setting. Frequently asked questions are included at the end of the document.
Faith-Based organizations are valued partners in providing families access to high quality early childhood programs in Michigan. Because of constitutional provisions respecting the separation of church and state and freedom of religion, specific laws, rules, and guidelines may be required to ensure that public funding and management of these programs complies with both federal and state constitution principles.
When working with any new program, especially a program implementing a curriculum or approach that the ECS is unfamiliar with, it is important to begin the partnership with a growth mindset. An approach based on curiosity with the goal of partnership will help to prevent defensiveness and model that approach for the program learning how to implement GSRP.
The role of the assigned Early Childhood Specialist (ECS) will be key to the success of the partnership. GSRP ECS typically have training and in-depth knowledge of the curriculum classrooms use. However, the application of the curriculum within a faith-based approach may be new to the ECS. In this case, it is helpful to reflect on the underlying purpose of the ECS role in GSRP.
The ECS “is the educational leader and catalyst for continuous quality improvement for each Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) classroom. Through observation and feedback, the ECS supports teaching teams and site administrators to provide high-quality PreK with fidelity to the GSRP model. The ECS confidently advocates for children, families and teachers to ensure appropriate decisions are made about the program.”
It is vital that an ECS assigned to a faith-based program becomes a partner willing to collaboratively align coaching goals and strategies. The ECS brings expertise in early childhood education and GSRP while the program team brings experience with faith-based pedagogy. Shared understanding should be developed before the program begins or an ECS makes recommendations that may impede the program’s philosophy unnecessarily.
The ISD and faith-based program will need to work together to identify where the program’s practices align with and deviate from the GSRP requirements. It is likely that discussing underlying values of supporting and respecting children and families through high quality programming will provide a basis from which to approach some of the following program aspects that may need attention.
ISDs are required to ensure that all GSRP requirements are met and yet, are encouraged to consider the underlying purpose of the requirements and be flexible in how they may be accomplished. If an ISD and a faith-based program are unable to come to an agreement on an aspect of GSRP, the ISD should reach out to their assigned GSRP Consultant at MiLEAP.
GSRP requires programs to use evidence-based, state-approved curricula that align with the Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Birth to Kindergarten (ECSQ-BK). State-approved curricula provide a structured framework for early childhood learning while allowing flexibility for different program models. Religious curricula may not be used in GSRP.
No religious instruction, worship, or specific religious activities can take place during GSRP. This includes prayer, field trips to religious locations, and celebration of religious holidays. However, teachers may share a general act of gratitude or a kindness affirmation. Programs may also promote the values of positive character such as kindness, friendship, integrity, and generosity.
The ISD and program should work together to develop a shared understanding of the unique perspective of faith-based programs and how the program can stay true to its philosophy while meeting GSRP requirements.
When the GSRP classroom is used for other purposes outside of scheduled GSRP times, there is no need to remove or cover faith inspired artifacts or décor. Icons and faith inspired art can remain in the GSRP environment. Additionally, religious books may be offered on classroom bookshelves alongside non-religious children’s books. Religious books should be used for individual reading by a child if he or she chooses the book; not for whole classroom instruction or read-a-loud.
Faith-based programs must follow GSRP requirements for length of program day and year with the same provisions for inclement weather days, time for family conferences or home visits, or professional learning. Programs wishing to offer optional religious activities for enrolled children or families must do so outside of the regular GSRP schedule.
1. Can a faith-based organization offer Great Start Readiness Program?
A. Yes
2. In a faith-based program can religious engagement take place during the GSRP program hours?
A. No, religious instruction, worship, or specific religious activities cannot take place during GSRP instruction time. These activities may be offered as an option before or after GSRP instruction.
3. Can religious locations be considered a field trip?
A. The fieldtrip must be in alignment with curriculum and the context of what is being taught in the classroom. Religious education cannot be taught in the GSRP classroom, therefore, field trips to religious locations are not permitted.
4. Can there be a celebration of religious holidays during GSRP class time?
A. There should be no celebration of religious holidays during GSRP instruction time. However, any events that celebrate traditional or religious holidays may be offered to families outside of GSRP instruction time.
5. Can children participate in prayer during the GSRP program or prayer at meals?
A. Faith-based subrecipients must keep prayers and religious instruction from being a part of a GSRP classroom. A general act of gratitude or a kindness affirmation can be said prior to mealtime when appropriate.
6. Can faith-based schools use their own staff to teach GSRP?
A. Staff at a faith-based program must adhere to state licensing credentials and GSRP approved credentials for lead and associate teachers.
7. Can you prioritize students who will remain in the faith-based system past GSRP?
A. Prioritizing enrollment for GSRP children must follow the guidance under the GSRP implementation manual. The Early Childhood Contact can provide additional information regarding enrollment and prioritization.
8. Can religious curriculum be used in faith based GSRP programs?
A. Programs must select a curriculum from the list approved for use in GSRP.
9. Do faith-based programs offering GSRP need to use a developmental screening tool?
A. All GSRP programs need to use an approved developmental screening tool as referenced in the GSRP Implementation Manual, under Child Assessment.
10. Do faith-based programs offering GSRP have to enter children into MSDS (Michigan Student Data System)?
A. All children in GSRP programs must be entered into MSDS. This state database system records children served for grant funding. The Early Childhood Contact at the Intermediate School District will be able to provide additional guidance.
11. Can faith-based programs talk to children about values?
A. GSRP teachers can share with children the values of positive character, such as kindness, friendship, integrity, and generosity.
12. Can religious books be shared in the classroom?
A. Religious books may be offered on classroom bookshelves but not exclusively. There should be a mix of religious and secular books encompassing all religions, cultures and ethnicities for a global perspective. These books should be used for individual reading and not whole classroom instruction or read-a-loud.
13. Can faith-based organizations keep faith-inspired artifacts or décor?
A. In space used for dual purposes, there is no need to remove or cover faith-based displays. The icons and faith inspired art can remain in the GSRP classroom environment. Referenced in the GSRP Implementation Manual, ISD Administration of GSRP under Distribution of Funds.
14. Can faith-based programs have a shortened day for religious activities to follow?
A. The GSRP program must meet GSRP requirements for length of day. Religious activities take place before or after GSRP programming.
15. Can faith-based programs operating the Extended program option have specials?
A. Programs implementing the extended program option may consider the use of “specials” to facilitate teaching team planning time, ongoing child assessment, collaboration with other service providers, coaching, and family engagement. During specials, children engage in developmentally appropriate activities such as art, music, literacy, and physical education that may be offered by the local school district or community partnerships. Specials cannot address specific religious beliefs or traditions that may exclude child/families’ participation.
Thank you to the Faith-based Workgroup, for their support and contribution.
Amanda Kimball, Mecosta -Osceola ISD
Amy Kerkstra, Kent ISD
Cortney Last, Monroe ISD
Sherine Kabta, Macomb ISD
Gretchen Wagner, Bay-Arenac ISD
