Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Wednesday that nearly 55,000 children are now enrolled in Michigan’s free preschool program, marking the highest enrollment in the program’s history.
The announcement came during a visit to the Henry Doerr Early Childhood Center in Saginaw on March 25, where Whitmer highlighted the continued growth of the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), the state’s PreK for All initiative.
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The program is available to all families, regardless of income, and saves households an estimated $14,000 per year in child care costs. Since 2021, the number of children served has more than doubled.
“Every kid deserves a strong start, and we’re working together to help more families access free preK,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Thanks to our hard work and historic investments, nearly 55,000 Michigan children are enrolled in the Great Start Readiness Program. Free preK saves families $14,000 annually and helps more kids walk into kindergarten ready to learn, grow, and read. PreK is a key pillar of my historic Every Child Reads plan to boost literacy across Michigan. Enrollment is now open for the 2026-27 school year and parents can sign up today to take advantage of this opportunity, no matter their income. Together, let’s keep building on this progress so more children can get a strong start.”
Enrollment continues to increase, with more than 4,000 additional students enrolled compared to October 2025. Preliminary reports from school districts also indicate this year’s numbers have already surpassed last year’s total.
Enrollment is now open for the 2026–27 school year for children who will be 4 years old by Dec. 1.
Families can choose from several free preschool options, including GSRP, Head Start, developmental kindergarten, and early childhood special education. Both part-time and full-time programs are available, and transportation is offered in some areas.
“Our children’s futures matter, and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made to expand access to PreK for All across Michigan,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “This free program is helping more children build the foundation for lifelong success while providing meaningful cost relief for families.”
Whitmer’s proposed FY27 executive budget includes $181.1 million to continue expanding the program, including funding to open new preschool classrooms.
This initiative is a key component of the state’s broader literacy plan, Every Child Reads, which also features a historic $625 million investment, the largest in Michigan history.
The funding is aimed at strengthening early learning, expanding evidence-based reading instruction training for educators, increasing literacy coaching in classrooms, and providing additional support for students who need it most.