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MiLEAP Celebrates First Day of PreK at Lansing Schools

PreK for All Offers Free Education for Four-Year-Olds, Financial Relief for Michigan Families

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) joined local educators, students and parents this morning at Averill Elementary School to celebrate the first day of PreK for the Lansing School District (LSD) and to highlight the positive impact the program is having on families across the state. Included in the state’s new budget, the groundbreaking PreK for All initiative provides access to free PreK for 59,000 four-year-olds statewide.

“We are committed to working with partners across the state to ensure Michigan’s 4-year-olds have access to the high-quality PreK education they need to be successful in kindergarten and beyond,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “The Lansing School District has long understood this mission, setting a strong example of how we can successfully expand these programs to benefit children and their families for years to come.”

By investing in PreK, Michigan is helping children reach key developmental milestones, while introducing them to essential skills like early math, reading and writing from teachers who support their social and developmental needs.  

“During the 2023-2024 school year, the district provided services to more than 500 students and developed a system that emphasizes inclusive settings for children who had individualized education programs, multilingual needs, or who were enrolled in the Head Start program,” said Ben Shuldiner, superintendent of the Lansing School District. “We are investing in children at a young age by prioritizing their needs now and it will show as this generation progresses through their academic careers and beyond.”

PreK for All is also empowering families by providing them the flexibility to work and save an estimated $10,000 per year on childcare costs. As of August 15, enrollment has expanded to all families regardless of income level, depending on availability. To be eligible to enroll during the 2024-2025 academic year, a child must be four years old on or before Dec. 1, 2024.

For more information or to find a program near you, visit MiPreKforAll.org.

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