Kalamazoo County PreK Application for high-quality no- or low-cost PreK is open for this Fall

Families across Kalamazoo County can now apply for free or low cost, high-quality PreK programs for the 2026–2027 school year. The application officially opened Monday, February 16, for children who will be 3- or 4-years-old on or before December 1, 2026.  

Kalamazoo County PreK programs help children build strong early learning foundations such as early math and literacy skills while they develop important social and emotional skills to help them make friends, resolve conflicts, self-regulate, gain confidence, and more. Embracing the whole child, whole family approach, these programs are committed to creating safe, welcoming environments where students and families feel valued and respected.  

Kalamazoo County PreK supports families with affordable, accessible options within their communities by partnering with the 9 local school districts, private childcare providers, and community-based organizations across Kalamazoo County to offer high-quality PreK experiences. It is Time to Grow with these multiple programs: 

• Head Start is Federally funded serving eligible 3- and 4-year-old children and their families. 

• Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is State funded and available to eligible 4-year-old children and their families.  

• Kalamazoo County Ready 4s (KCR4s) is privately funded to provide eligible 3- and 4-year-old children and their families with tuition assistance within a KCR4s high-quality PreK partner of their choice.  

Prioritization for placement and eligibility for programs is based on income, age, residency, and other eligibility risk factors.  

All families, regardless of income, are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Let’s GROW! 

Apply today at:  

🌐 https://www.kresa.org/early-childhood/dream-big-start-small  

For questions or help completing an application, families can visit the KRESA Early Childhood website or call (269) 250-9333.