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FLINT – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) today announced record-breaking PreK for All enrollment numbers for the 2025-26 school year. As of October, 51,000 children statewide have been enrolled in the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), the state’s primary PreK for All option, according to preliminary reports from all intermediate school districts. That’s almost 9,000 more children enrolled than last October and surpasses last year’s total PreK for All enrollment.

“I am excited to see that more than 51,000 Michigan children are enrolled in PreK for All and are benefiting from a quality education,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “With more than two months left for families to enroll, even more children will have the chance to benefit. There are several high-quality, no-cost PreK options that fit every child, and we are committed to ensuring every four-year-old has access to PreK for All.”

Historically, there is another 10% increase in enrollment between November through the end of the enrollment period in February, which is anticipated again this year.

“We are so grateful to Gov. Whitmer and the state legislature who have continued investing in PreK for All, and that there are a record number of children now enrolled,” said Emily Laidlaw, deputy director overseeing the Office of Early Education at MiLEAP. “PreK for All has the potential to improve hundreds of thousands of lives, and we have been working hard to get the word out about the initiative. As we’ve already surpassed last school year’s final enrollment number, we know our efforts are paying off, and families are excited about PreK for All.”

Thanks to bipartisan support in the new state budget, PreK for All is available at no cost to Michigan families regardless of income level, saving families an estimated $14,000 per year on child care costs. Additionally the budget invests in free breakfast and lunch for students so that no family has to worry about how to feed their children during the school day. There is still time for families to enroll their four-year-olds in no-cost, high-quality PreK this school year, including GSRP and Head Start, developmental kindergarten, or early childhood special education. Parents and families can visit MiPreKforAll.org to find a program that works for them.

“Today’s announcement is a powerful reminder of what happens when we invest in Michigan families and work together across parties to do what’s right for kids,” said State Rep. Jasper Martus, Flushing. “Reaching record-high enrollment in PreK for All isn’t just a number on a page. It means parents can have a real sense of relief and communities can build a stronger foundation for the future.”

Part-time and full-time programs options are available, including transportation in some areas.

“In Genesee County, we have already enrolled 1,790 children in PreK for All programs for this school year,” said Dr. Steve Tunnicliff, superintendent for Genesee Intermediate School District. “We want parents to know there are still spaces available at no cost for the current school year in this high-quality program.”

Research shows participation in a high-quality PreK program improves a child’s emotional, social and intellectual skills.

MiLEAP encourages ISDs and other partners to use the digital PreK for All toolkit to help spread the word before enrollment in PreK for All this school year closes in February.