(The Center Square) – Record numbers of Michigan children are enrolling in subsidized pre-k programs offered by the state, though nowhere near enough for the programs to be considered universal.
A variety of programs, including Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program, allow the majority of 4-year-olds in the state to enroll in a pre-k program totally free of charge.
Additionally, the state’s Head Start program is available for many 3- to 5-year-olds in the state, allowing them to enroll in a preschool program. This program is also free for eligible children, though it is federally funded.
The state has been working to expand those programs to more families. In July, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed off on the state’s education budget for the fiscal year 2025, which included $130 million for the continued expansion of free pre-k to every 4-year-old in Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential deals with many of the education iniatives in the state, including the PreK for All program.
“Michigan’s balanced, bipartisan budget expanded access to PreK for all Michigan families regardless of income,” said Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “We are working with our partners to connect Michigan children and families with the lifelong educational opportunities they need on their path to prosperity.”
Supporters of the expanded budget argue it could save families upwards of an estimated $10,000 per year.
“Free PreK is a huge win for Michigan families, giving children the educational foundation they need and saving parents thousands of dollars,” said Whitmer. “We got this done in the balanced, bipartisan budget, because everyone knows that investing in Michigan’s kids is an investment in our future. We will continue to work with anyone to deliver a brighter future for our children.”
Yet, according to the Private School Review, the average private preschool tuition in Michigan in the 2024-2025 school year was $6,308, with some as low as $1,200.
Other types of preschool programs though could be costing Michigan families upwards of $7,200, still less than the $10,000 claimed by the state.
Currently, preliminary reports show that more than 45,000 students are enrolled in the Great Start Readiness Program, the state’s primary pre-k program. This is an increase of nearly 10% over last year’s final enrollment number of 41,120, though it’s still less than half of all the 4-year-olds in the state.
Michigan is one of many states also pushing for universal preschool programs, though only a few have successfully implemented it to the extent that supporters hope for.
