Jill Armentrout of Birch Run is Parent Liaison for the Saginaw County Great Start Collaborative. In this position contracted through the Saginaw Intermediate School District, she coordinates the Parent Coalition, bringing the parent voice to the early childhood system and outreach to families. She is the mother of two daughters.
Our two daughters had two different preschool experiences – one at the child care center at our church and the other at special education preschool to address her developmental needs. Both learned and grew and got ready for kindergarten.
Research shows preschool matters for future success. A child’s brain grows more in its first five years of life than it ever will again. By age 5, 90 percent of the brain’s development has been set for life. How it is set depends on the child’s early experiences. Loving and supportive people and settings help the brain grow.
That love and support comes most importantly from parents or primary caregivers but time with other children is crucial for social-emotional development and the first steps of independence.
There are several options for preschool and child care, depending on family incomes, schedules and other needs. The statewide Great Start CONNECT website at greatstartconnect.org is a good place to start your research.
There are two main free preschool programs in Michigan: federally=funded Head Start and the state-run Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP).
Head Start is for families with children three or four years of age who meet federal poverty guidelines or who have a special need. Head Start includes meals, health screenings, parent education and more. The child may be 3 or 4 years as of Nov.1 of the school year attending.
Early Head Start is for families with children 0-3 years. There are year-round programs based in a center or home-based with parent educators making weekly visits.
GSRP offers free preschool to 4-year-old children whose families meet income guidelines but don’t qualify for Head Start levels. Children must be 4 by Nov. 1 of the school year attending. These classes also are designed to prepare students for success in school.
Tuition preschool programs are found in schools, churches and childcare centers. Fees vary from community to community. Some offer classes several hours a week or as part of full-time childcare.
Early Childhood Special Education Preschool is offered through school districts to children who qualify for special education services. If you suspect your child has a developmental delay, call Project Find: 989-399-6851.
In Saginaw County, MSU Extension and Saginaw City Schools are two agencies offering in-home parent education with monthly visits primarily for families with children 0-3. Other agencies provide more frequent visits based on family needs. Visits include developmental screenings, resource information and play time ideas. Visit www.greatstartsaginaw.org for information.
How can parents learn more about choosing the right preschool? Visiting sites and talking to teachers are key. The Great Start CONNECT website now is offering Star quality ratings for childcare and preschool, based on 5 key criteria:
1. Staff qualifications and experience
2. Family and community engagement
3. Leadership and management
4. Learning environment
5. Activities and schedules