If your child turns three or four years old on or before Dec. 1, 2025, they may receive high-quality pre-kindergarten education at low or no cost this fall. The application for Kalamazoo County Pre-K is now open at www.dreambigstartsmall.org.

Students who attend high-quality pre-kindergarten reap the benefits for a lifetime. High-quality Pre-K helps little learners gain early math and literacy skills while they develop important social and emotional skills that will help them make friends, gain confidence, resolve conflicts, manage stress, and more. Pre-K programs also provide opportunities for intentional play, which increases children’s gross motor skills and encourages them to explore, ask questions, observe, make predictions, and experiment. Fortunately for Kalamazoo-area families, there are several programs available for young students this fall. Many are low or no-cost and transportation may be available. A single application will help determine the best fit for your family.

Kalamazoo County Pre-K is a collaborative effort led by Kalamazoo RESA Head Start, Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), and Kalamazoo County Ready 4s (KCR4s). All programs are licensed and meet rigorous early childhood education standards set by the State of Michigan. The nine local school districts, private childcare providers, and community-based organizations across Kalamazoo County partner with these programs to offer high-quality Pre-K classrooms, ensuring families have accessible options within their own communities. It’s Time to Grow with these Kalamazoo County Pre-K Programs:

• Head Start – Federally-funded education for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. 

• Great Start Readiness Program – State-funded Pre-K programs for eligible 4-year-olds. 

• Kalamazoo County Ready 4s – Private and public early childhood providers for 3- and 4-year-olds

Eligibility for programs is determined by age, income and other factors. To learn about the many Pre-K options available in Kalamazoo County and fill out the application, visit www.dreambigstartsmall.org or call (269) 250-9333 for more information.

About Kalamazoo RESA Early Childhood

Kalamazoo RESA Early Childhood provides foundational support for children ages 0–8 through early care and education programs and services, including pre-kindergarten. Learn more at www.kresa.org/earlychildhood.  

About Kalamazoo RESA

The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) delivers transformative, equitable, and innovative programs, and specialized services that empower learners, families, and schools to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We partner with local schools and the broader community to deliver critical programs like early childhood education, special education, career learning, and educator development to make sure learners of all ages get the support they need. Learn more at www.kresa.org.