Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)

The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is Michigan's state-funded preschool for four-year-old children. Families qualify for free preschool based on annual income guidelines.

Wayne RESA receives an annual grant and administers the program in Wayne County. Our staff are responsible for ensuring the 105 school districts, public school academies, and community based childcare centers meet the following:

  • Demonstrate fiscal responsibility and integrity with every dollar they receive
  • Hire early childhood degreed staff meeting the credentialing requirements of the grant
  • Provide professional learning experiences tied to the approved curriculum
  • Support teaching teams as they design daily instruction addressing each child’s physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs.

Research on GSRP enrolled children provided with high-quality experiences documented significant positive developmental differences when compared to children from the same backgrounds who did not attend a high-quality preschool program.

Kindergarten Transition


Read Our Welcome Letter

Kindergarten Transition Flyer

To further support families in this process, we encourage you to help them find their local school for Kindergarten enrollment by visiting Wayne RESA's:

School District & Attendance Locator

Complete list of GSRP Locations in Wayne County

Free Resources

MiLEAP and the Michigan Dept. of Education's Kindergarten Transition Toolkit

MAISA, together with the offices of MiLEAP and MDE, are excited to share free resources, Kindergarten Round Up templates and communication guidelines for you to share with your families.

They include:

  • Kindergarten Round Up customizable templates: postcard, flyer, letter, emails, and text messages
  • Book list for families: Kindergarten transition
  • Kindergarten "Ready, Set, Grow" videos for sharing on social media
  • Kindergarten readiness infographic
  • And more!

Easily Access and Use the Materials

Kindergarten Transition Toolkit Module Video Overview

MAISA's EduPaths team has created a module to guide you through all of the materials. They even
created a video to show you how to access the module.

This very brief module gives an overview of the following:

  • What parents need to know
  • Communication best practices
  • Templates for communication
  • How best to use the tools
  • Sharing communication materials with partners

Family Resources

Sample Daily Routines

HighScope Daily Routine
Creative Curriculum Daily Routine

GSRP Classroom Posters and Parent Volunteer Cards

Preschool Volunteer Cards: Learn what students are learning and doing in each area of the classroom!
Preschool Volunteer Posters: Learn what volunteers can do to support students in each area.

Program Resources

Early Childhood Digest

The Latest Early Childhood Developments by Wayne RESA

Wayne County GSRP Program List
GSRP Informational Slides

GSRP Required Forms When Program Information Changes

ECS Information Form

For licensing situations that are not covered by available guidance, please contact: Colleen Nelson nelsonc7@michigan.gov or (517) 373-8300

Early Childhood Specialists / Consultants

For licensing situations that are not covered by available guidance, please contact: Colleen Nelson nelsonc7@michigan.gov or (517) 373-8300

Additional Resources

State of Michigan

Find Free Preschool

Wayne RESA Early Childhood Department

Interested in becoming a GSRP provider?

Wayne RESA teams up with many school districts, public school academies, and community-based childcare centers across Wayne County to offer high-quality early childhood education to eligible preschool children. These partnerships are essential in ensuring that young learners have access to a strong and comprehensive educational foundation.

Fill Out Our GSRP Interest Form

Need To Submit For School Nurse Consulting Service?

Wayne RESA GSRP offers School Nurse Consulting Services to support you, Wayne RESA GSRP consortium members, in meeting the chronic and acute health needs of your students. Please complete the GSRP School Nurse Consulting Service request form to initiate a formal request for support.

Fill Out Our GSRP School Nurse Consulting Services Form