Governor Gretchen Whitmer Visits KRESA Head Start/GSRP Classroom
Kalamazoo RESA Head Start/GSRP hosted special guest Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at its KRESA Commons campus on Monday, Sept. 9, to discuss the importance of early education.
The Michigan governor spent some time with Kalamazoo RESA Head Start and Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) leadership to discuss the proposed budget, which would raise the family income eligibility threshold from 250 percent to 300 percent of the federal poverty level and increase allocation for a full-time preschooler by $1,250.
In addition to Gov. Whitmer, the meeting was attended by Rachel Roberts, Director of Preschool Programs; Mindy Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Programs and Services; Scott Thomas, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services; Laura Ynclan, GSRP Early Childhood Specialist; and Karla Macias, former Parent and Policy Council Chairperson.
Macias described stories of how her kids grew outside of their comfort zones and thrived as little learners because of the Head Start and GSRP programs.
After the discussion, Gov. Whitmer spent some time in Cristina Garza’s and Tiffany Worthy’s Head Start/GSRP blended classroom. The governor toured the classroom and spent time with students, creating a Play-Doh snail.
“It was an honor to host Governor Whitmer for a meeting and tour one of our facilities. We appreciated the opportunity to share with her the value of our early childhood education programs and how we can continue to support students and families to become ready for kindergarten,” said Roberts.
Check out photos from the governor's visit on the Kalamzoo RESA Head Start Facebook page.