The focus of Great Start Readiness Programs is to offer children hands-on learning experiences, with plenty of time to play while exploring their world. Children will have the opportunity to experience gross motor and fine motor activities, enhance socialization skills through play and language, explore their world and participate in both teacher and child-directed learning experiences. Breakfast, lunch and/or snack are provided daily, depending on program hours.

Research has shown that children benefit for life when they participate in high quality preschool programs. They are better prepared to work and learn with other students as they move into kindergarten and other educational experiences. Quality preschool experiences are available in our region and include the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), through classrooms currently operated by BHK Child Development Center, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College Child Care Center and Little Huskies Child Development Center.

These programs must meet the quality criteria established by the state, including staff with early childhood credentials and training in curriculum. The GSRP program follows the Standards of Quality and Curriculum Guidelines set by the Michigan State Board of Education and licensing requirements of the Department of Human Services.

The Copper Country Intermediate School District (CCISD) is the grantee of the Great Start Readiness Program with responsibility for oversight of the grant and all of the components. Partners include the Copper Country Great Start Collaborative and sub-recipients (BHK Child Development Center, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College Child Care Center and Little Huskies), local school district representatives and parents. The first step for parents interested in no or low-cost state funded preschool for their child is to complete the GSRP eligibility and enrollment process. If you would like additional information on GSRP, including eligibility and where to apply for enrollment, please contact the CCISD GSRP Early Childhood Contact, Carla Strome, at 906-482-4250, ext. 191, or GSRP Early Childhood Specialist at BHK, Navaneet Kjeldsen, at 906-487-6600, ext. 135.

For inquiries on preschool, child care and family home day care call the Great Start to Quality Upper Peninsula Resource Center at 877-614-7328 or access their website.

These materials were developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education.