Kalamazoo RESA (KRESA) Head Start has teamed up with First Day Shoe Fund (FDSF) this fall to provide the opportunity for new athletic shoes for all Head Start locations in Kalamazoo County.

Families with students in KRESA Head Start were able to sign up to receive a free pair of shoes, with fittings conducted throughout September. First Day Shoe Fund provides new athletic shoes to students,  Pre-K through fifth grade, in Kalamazoo County public elementary schools at no cost. Over 60,000 pairs of  athletic shoes have been distributed to Kalamazoo County students since 2006.

“After meeting with FDSF’s Executive Director, Maggie Hesketh, I was so excited to hear that all Head Start children would be eligible! Many of our families face financial challenges, so the opportunity to receive new shoes for their child can be a huge relief!” stated Rachel Roberts, KRESA executive director for preschool programming.  “Approximately 160 Head Start preschoolers received new shoes. A special thanks to Toni Sergeant, family & community engagement assistant, for coordinating distribution to the 27 classrooms that are not located in an elementary school.”

Thank you, First Day Shoe Fund, for providing shoes for our students and empowering students to put their best foot forward! Learn more at www.firstdayshoefund.org.

About Kalamazoo County Pre-K:

Kalamazoo County Pre-K is made up of the following programs: 

• Head Start – Federally-funded education for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds 
• Kalamazoo County Ready 4s – Private and public early childhood providers for 3- and 4-year-olds 
• Great Start Readiness Program – State-funded Pre-K programs for eligible 4-year-olds

Enrollment is still open for children who will turn three or four years old by Dec. 1, 2024. Families are encouraged to complete the online application at www.dreambigstartsmall.org, where they will be considered for all Kalamazoo County Pre-K programs, including Head Start, GSRP and KC Ready 4s. Programs are free or low-cost for families, and potty training is not required. For questions, call (269) 250-9333.