FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2024
Contact: pre[email protected]
Gov. Whitmer, MiLEAP Encourage Families to Enroll 4-Year-Olds Now in Pre-K
Free High-Quality Pre-K Now Available for All Michigan 4-year-olds
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), reminded families that they can still enroll 4-year-olds in free, high-quality pre-K through their local school district. The recent historic investment in Pre-K for All included in the state’s new budget will allow nearly 59,000 four-year-olds across the state to access free pre-K. As of August 15, enrollment has expanded to all families regardless of income level, while continuing to prioritize families who need it most.
"Free pre-K is here for Michigan families, and there is still time to enroll in a program in your area. This is a huge win for Michigan families that gives kids the educational foundation they need and saves parents thousands on child care costs,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am proud that we got this done in the recent balanced, bipartisan budget, and will continue to work with anyone to deliver a brighter future for our children.”
“MiLEAP is committed to ensuring Michigan families have access to a high-quality pre-K education that meets their needs and helps their child thrive,” said Dr. Walker-Griffea. “Through our efforts, we are connecting Michigan kids, families, and adults with the lifelong education opportunities they need on their path to prosperity.”
The Pre-K for All initiative ensures that every Michigan 4-year-old has access to a free, high-quality pre-K education, regardless of where they live. By investing in pre-K, Michigan is supporting families by:
- Helping Michigan's four-year-olds reach key developmental milestones and enter kindergarten with a strong educational foundation, setting them up for greater success in school and beyond.
- Introducing children to essential skills like early math, reading, and writing from teachers who support their social and developmental needs.
- Providing families with the flexibility to work and save an estimated $10,000 per year on childcare costs, which contributes to the state's economic growth.
Under the FY 2025 budget, free pre-K enrollment was open to families up to 400% of the federal poverty limit, or about $120,000 for a family of 4. As of August 15, school districts and other pre-K providers may open up enrollment to all families, depending on availability.
It’s not too late to enroll children who will be 4 years old by Dec. 1 in pre-K this fall! Availability varies by location, with priority given to those who need it most. Visit MiPreKforAll.org to find programs near you.
About MiLEAP:
Established by Governor Whitmer in 2023, MiLEAP’s mission is to improve outcomes from preschool to postsecondary so anyone can ‘make it in Michigan’ with a solid education and a path to a good-paying job. To learn more about MiLEAP, go to Michigan.gov/MiLEAP.
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