Head Start/Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)
Head Start
Head Start is a high-quality free preschool program for eligible 3- and 4-year-old children in Kalamazoo County.

Our Head Start classrooms provide a nurturing learning environment where children grow in all areas – socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. We focus on hands-on experiences that build early math and literacy skills, as well as creativity, confidence, and a love of learning. Importantly, Head Start is a whole-family program: we partner with parents and caregivers to support your child’s success and connect your family with helpful resources. Every year, hundreds of local children attend KRESA Head Start and gain a strong foundation for kindergarten and beyond.
In addition to a rich educational curriculum, children receive healthy meals and snacks each day, plus health services like vision/hearing screenings and developmental assessments to ensure they are thriving. Head Start also provides each family with a dedicated Family Advocate who can assist with goal-setting, parenting support, and referrals to community services to strengthen the parent-child relationship and empower the whole family.
Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)
Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is Michigan’s state-funded preschool program for four-year-old children.
Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is Michigan’s state-funded preschool program for four-year-old children. It provides a free, high-quality preschool experience for families who qualify. In Kalamazoo County, KRESA coordinates the GSRP program in collaboration with all nine local school districts and community partners. Our goal is to make sure that every eligible four-year-old has the opportunity to attend a great preschool and enter kindergarten ready to succeed.
GSRP is part of the Kalamazoo County Pre-K collaborative, working hand-in-hand with Head Start and Kalamazoo County Ready 4s. This means there is one easy application for all public preschool options (Head Start and GSRP), and a centralized placement system to match your child to a classroom that meets your needs. Whether your child is placed in a Head Start classroom or a GSRP classroom, you can trust they’ll receive a nurturing, enriching early education that prepares them academically and socially for kindergarten. GSRP classrooms use research-based curricula and are taught by qualified early childhood teachers, ensuring a quality preschool education that supports the “whole child,” fostering growth in language, early literacy, math, motor skills, and social-emotional development.
Ready to Apply?
To apply for Head Start or GSRP, please complete the Kalamazoo County Pre-K Application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. After you apply, the KRESA enrollment team will review your application and determine the best placement for your child.
Head Start/GSRP Locations
Head Start/GSRP Administration Office
422 E South St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
- GSRP
400 Gladys St, Portage, MI 49002
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- GSRP
5527 Parkview Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
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- GSRP
7455 Oakland Dr, Portage, MI 49024
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- GSRP
7980 S 8th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
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- GSRP
202 Fairfax Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
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- GSRP
1518 E Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49002
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- GSRP
5902 S 12th St, Portage, MI 49024
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- GSRP
11250 Qr Ave E, Scotts, MI 49088
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- GSRP
1046 River St, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
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- GSRP
- Head Start
6171 E Mn Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
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- GSRP
2501 Millcork St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
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- Head Start
212 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
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- GSRP
315 W Battle Creek St, Galesburg, MI 49053
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- GSRP
9500 N 40th St, Hickory Corners, MI 49060
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- GSRP
217 S Main St, Vicksburg, MI 49097
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- GSRP
12802 S Sprinkle Rd, Vicksburg, MI 49097
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- GSRP
932 Boswell Ln, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
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- GSRP
831 Lake St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
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- GSRP
- Head Start
3501 Moreland St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
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- GSRP
3546 Grand Prairie Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
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- GSRP
912 N Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
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- Head Start
2433 Gertrude St, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
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- GSRP
2321 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
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- GSRP
2294 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
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- GSRP
3530 Mt Olivet Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49004
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- GSRP
1919 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
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- GSRP
3215 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
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- GSRP
616 Stuart Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
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- Head Start
5177 W Main St, Ste B, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
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- Head Start
4606 Croyden Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
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- GSRP
10442 S Sprinkle Rd, Vicksburg, MI 49097
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- GSRP
713 W Prairie St, Vicksburg, MI 49097
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- GSRP
9416 Shaver Rd, Portage, MI 49024
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- GSRP
151 S Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
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- GSRP
2031 East Cork Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
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- Head Start
3919 Portage Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
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- GSRP
1225 W Paterson St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
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- Head Start
1912 Birch Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49004
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- Head Start
1316 Barney Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49004
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- GSRP
600 Edison St, Kalamazoo, MI 49004
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- Head Start
325 E Centre St, Portage, MI 49002
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- GSRP
- Head Start
1010 W Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49024
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| GSRP: | M-F |
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- GSRP
120 Roberson St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
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- GSRP
13300 S 14th St, Schoolcraft, MI 49087
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- Head Start
936 Lake St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
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- GSRP
2345 10th St N, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
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- GSRP
215 Lake St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
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- GSRP
11901 S 30th St, Vicksburg, MI 49097
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- GSRP
201 N Boulevard St, Vicksburg, MI 49097
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- GSRP
8551 E Long Lake Dr, Scotts, MI 49088
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- GSRP
1001 W Maple St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
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- GSRP
315 E Frank St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
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- GSRP
353 E Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
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Contact Information
- Phone: (269) 250-9845
- Early Childhood Administrative Office:
422 E. South Street,
Kalamazoo, MI 49007