Welcome to Hamilton Early Childhood Center

 Great Start Readiness Program Application

To register for the Great Start Readiness Program at a KPS location, click the link above and select Kentwood- Townline Early Childhood Center or Kentwood- Explorer Elementary at the end of the application. 

What Type of Program Do We Offer?
The Great Start Readiness Program, a FREE preschool program for 4 year olds who qualify.

• Full day sessions, Monday – Thursday
• Caring, certified teachers and teacher assistants trained in Early Childhood Education
• Staff/student Ratio – 1:8
• Parent Activities
• Nutritious Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks
• Licensed Classrooms
• Classes held at KPS Early Childhood Center and Explorer Elementary.

About The Program
The Great Start Readiness Program meets four days a week (M-TH),  7 hours per day.  Transportation is not included at this time.  The program is licensed and staffed by experienced teachers certified in early childhood education.  The children are stimulated and encouraged in carefully planned activities that will allow for development at their own rate.  This program offers outreach to families through home visits and family engagement events. 

Eligibility

Age: Children who turn 4 by December 1, 2024 are eligible. Children who turn 4 before September 1 and meet income level requirements, will get first priority.

Income Level: Eligibility is ranked on a sliding income scale:

Families of four with an annual income of approximately $90,000 or less qualify for free pre-school. See the sliding scale here.

Families making more than $90,000 will be charged a small fee, but are still eligible for GSRP preschool.

*Families who are experiencing homelessness or children in foster care do not need completed preschool files.

What You Will Need to Enroll

The following documentation is required:

• Proof of birth - copy of legal birth certificate, passport, hospital record, baptismal record or other government form
• Proof of income - income tax form, W-2, pay stub, unemployment, written statement from employer, foster care reimbursement, SSI documentation, child support, alimony or pensions
• Proof of residency - driver's license with current address, current utility bill, rent receipt, tax bill or land contract
• Immunization Record or signed waiver from the Health Department
• Individualized Education Plan (IEP) if your child has one

Documents can be emailed to stephanie.black@kentwoodps.org

You will be contacted by email as soon as your child's classroom placement is determined. 

Preschool Intake staff can be reached at 616-493-5693 to help with any questions. Interpreters for 80+ languages are available upon request.