Ionia ISD Great Start Readiness Program

The Great Start Readiness Preschool Program (GSRP) is a program that is funded by the State of Michigan. The program is available to children who will be 4 by September 1, 2017. There are specific income eligibility guidelines that must be considered when enrolling children in the program. State law mandates that any child whose family falls at 250% or below the federal poverty level is income eligible for the program. Children who are homeless, who are in foster care and/or have an IEP that requires placement in an inclusive preschool setting, are considered equivalent to income eligible for prioritization and enrollment purposes.

Families that fall at the 100% of the federal poverty level or below are income eligible for Head Start. Head Start has programs within the Ionia and Belding school districts. Children who are income eligible for Head Start and meet the age eligibility for GSRP in the Portland, Saranac and Lakewood districts are passed on to the Ionia ISD for placement in the local GSRP program.

According to guidance provided by the state, children must be prioritized by income and risk factors and enrolled based upon priority levels. The ISD must save some slots for income eligible children that may apply close to the start of school. Enrollments are typically done in August with school starting in September.

You can learn more about the Great Start Readiness Program by visiting our website at ioniaisd.org/earlychildhoodprograms.