The Child Care Licensing Bureau (CCLB) performs state licensing regulatory duties as required by state laws and federal requirements.
Early learning and development program resources for all children, birth to age eight, especially those in highest need.
The MI Tri-Share Child Care Program is an innovative approach to increasing access to high-quality, affordable child care for working families while also helping employers retain talent and remove one major barrier to employment.
The PreK for All Initiative helps Michigan families save money while preparing the state’s youngest learners for kindergarten.
Resources for Michigan’s Out-of-School Time programs and providers.
Search is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
June 25, 2025
Great Start Readiness Program Start Up Grants will support the opening and expansion of 494 classrooms statewide
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) has awarded $16.5 million in Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Start Up Grants to open or expand 494 PreK classrooms. This investment supports Michigan’s continued efforts to make free PreK available to every 4-year-old, helping more families access early learning options that fit their needs.
“Every child deserves a strong start,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “By expanding PreK opportunities across the state, we’re advancing our mission to build a system where every child can grow, learn and thrive in Michigan. These grants help families save money, prepare children for kindergarten and lay the foundation for lifelong success.”
Grants were awarded to support both new and expanding classrooms. New classrooms received $40,000 and expanding classrooms received $17,900.
“Every new or growing classroom is the result of a deep commitment to opening doors for young children,” said Emily Laidlaw, deputy director of Early Education at MiLEAP. “These grants do more than provide funding — they’re about delivering real opportunities for families so every child in Michigan has a chance to succeed- no matter their zip code.”
Start Up Grant funds may be used for staff recruitment and training, facility improvements, classroom supplies, outreach materials and other essential expenses, to ensure each classroom has the tools, staffing and support needed to provide meaningful early learning experiences.
With this third round of Start Up grants, all funds awarded in the 2025 State Aid Budget have been allocated to continue expanding Michigan's free, high-quality PreK programs.
“Through the support of the GSRP Start-Up Grant, Monroe County has successfully opened ten new classrooms and expanded capacity in eleven additional rooms,” said Cortney Last, GSRP director at Monroe County ISD. “This funding has also allowed us to double participation among community partner organizations and increase the number of Head Start blended classrooms within our community. Providers have utilized start-up funds to enhance the quality of their playgrounds, outdoor classrooms, and facilities. Additionally, subrecipients have been able to purchase high-quality learning materials to create the engaging, developmentally appropriate learning environments expected in GSRP classrooms."
MiLEAP remains committed to ensuring that every child has access to no-cost, high-quality PreK, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and success. To find a program near you and to check your eligibility, visit MiPreKforAll.org.
Media Contact:
