DEARBORN — Dearborn Public Schools’ Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) will start distributing applications on April 7 for the 2021-22 school year.

The GSRP is a state-funded preschool program that students can participate in at no cost to eligible families.

To be eligible, children need to be turning 4-years-old before December 2, but preference will be given to students who will be 4 by Sept. 1 because those students will qualify for kindergarten the next school year.

The program will accept students with birthdays between Sept. 1 and Dec. 1 if space is available.

The program is for families based on income as they service low-income and working class families who are below 250 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

Applications will be available from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on April 7 or any of the following Wednesdays for 512 slots at Cotter, Becker, Henry Ford, William Ford, Long, McCollough/Unis, McDonald, Oakman, River Oaks, Salina Elementary and Whitmore Bolles schools.

Masks are required to be worn when picking up applications.

To apply, students must live with a parent or legal guardian within the Dearborn Public School District.

The classes consist of 16 students with two adults, including a certified early childhood specialist, and classes meet for a full school day Monday through Thursday.

The program meets detailed state requirements using the Highscope Curriculum for how and what students learn. 

Early Childhood Coordinator Amy Modica said that the focus is on emotional readiness.

“We focus on kindergarten readiness,” she said. “Our emphasis is on student social/emotional readiness for school. In addition to learning academics like letters and colors, GSRP students learn how to get along with other children, how to take care of themselves and other skills they will need to thrive in kindergarten.”

Families will be notified over the summer if they are accepted or placed on a waiting list.

To learn more, parents can call Cotter School at 313-827-6150.