MI's PreK For All Sees Record Enrollment, Whitmer Says

LANSING, MI — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Wednesday that a record number of children have been enrolled in Michigan's Great Start Readiness Program.

Whitmer said nearly 55,000 children were enrolled in the program, which is Michigan's version of free PreK for all for 4-year-olds in the state.

The milestone marks the highest enrollment in the program’s history and more than doubled the number of children served since 2021.

"Every kid deserves a strong start, and we’re working together to help more families access free preK," Whitmer said. "PreK is a key pillar of my historic Every Child Reads plan to boost literacy across Michigan."

The program is open to all Michigan families, regardless of income level. More families across the state are enrolling their child into the program, as data shows it saves them roughly $14,000 per year on child care costs.

Compared to October 2025, the program's enrollment has increased by more than 4,000 children and has already surpassed last year’s total enrollment, according to preliminary reports from intermediate school districts.

Enrollment is now open to families with children who will be 4 years old by December 1 to sign up for the upcoming school year.

Available options include GSRP, Head Start, developmental kindergarten, and early childhood special education. Part-time and full-time options are available, and transportation is offered in some areas.