Kenosha Witherspoon, owner and executive director of S.E.L.F., speaks at an event in celebration of the addition and expansion of 500 PreK classrooms in Michigan. Image Courtesy of MiLEAP.

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential recently announced they will open or expand 500 PreK classrooms, thanks to grants from the Great Start Readiness Program. Lawmakers celebrated the achievement last week in Detroit, at the Someplace Else Learning Factory. They also applauded the state’s investments in PreK for All, which is included in the budget recently signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. 

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the historic investments in the bipartisan budget as well as the Start Up Grants that are allowing providers to open or expand hundreds of classrooms, giving our youngest learners access to the PreK education they need to succeed,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, the director of MiLEAP. “MiLEAP is committed to working with all partners across the state to connect Michigan kids, families and adults with the lifelong education opportunities they need on their path to prosperity.” 

Great Start Readiness Program’s Start Up Grants offer $25,000 to offset the cost of opening or expanding PreK classrooms, and can be used to cover expenses such as staff recruitment, training, facility improvements, outreach materials and instructional materials. Since the program’s start, over $31 million has been awarded to more than 1,200 classrooms. 

The Someplace Else Learning Factory has received $25,000 through the Start Up Grants and used the funds to buy classroom supplies and offer a PreK summer program. 

“I always wanted to be a teacher, so when I graduated from college, I went straight into the field of early childhood education where I was able to see firsthand what children needed and I wanted to be able to offer it personally,” says Kenosha Witherspoon, the owner and executive director of S.E.L.F. “Kids benefit so much from having access to strong early childhood programs like Great Start to Readiness and PreK for All, so I’m thrilled to see the state’s commitment to these programs and I’m proud to be part of the collaborative process to help ensure all Michigan four-year-olds are given great preparational opportunities for the educational journeys that lie ahead of them.” 

There’s still time for families to enroll their four-year-olds in PreK for the Fall. All Michigan four-year-olds have access to free PreK, thanks to the FY2025 budget. This can save families up to $10,000 per year. 

If you have a child that will be 4 years of age by Dec. 1, consider enrolling them in PreK. Visit MiFreePreschool.org to search for programs in your area. 

MiLEAP was created by Whitmer in 2023. Its mission is to improve outcomes from preschool to postsecondary so anyone can “make it in Michigan” with a good education and a path to a paying job. To learn more about MiLEAP and their services, visit Michigan/gov/MiLEAP.